Lynnda and Bill's Marathon Trip - The extended version

[wfloyd]

I will post Lynnda's since she is a little busy with sick kids right now.

Lynnda Part 1

Here’s my short version of the race report – I finished, got my medal (finally), and the WISH team and scream team are AMAZING!!!

For those that want a longer version, here are all the thoughts I’m still processing from this weekend…

Here’s my background leading up to the half… I had my sweet little Timmy via c-section in April. The incision took 12 weeks to finally heal – no training. Had PF during the pregnancy that didn’t get better, so I had 2 months of PT on my foot – very limited training. After that, I was finally able to start walking, and training was okay. I figured out that my walking pace wasn’t going to beat the sweepers, so I added some jogging intervals. On my 9 mile LR, I ended up with a purple and black knee – no training again… After a few weeks, that seemed to be better, but I came down with a sinus infection and double ear infections, and went through 2 rounds of antibiotics to finally get over it – very limited training… UGH!!! “Undertrained” is an understatement!

So the week before the marathon, Billy (age 4) and I were talking about the races. I told him I wasn’t going to do the half. He said, “But Mommy, you have to try!” I explained to him that if I started I would most likely not finish. He responded, “Mommy, you still have to try – you have to do your best!” (nothing like your words coming back to you…) I promised Billy that I would start the race and that I would do my best, even if that meant getting swept. I really had no intention of finishing, so I decided I would enjoy the scenery and the people around me. I also asked God to allow me be an encourager to someone on the course.

Fast forward to Saturday morning… I was up at 2:45am. I rode the bus over with my friends Valerie and Shannon (Shannon was running, Valerie was cheering). I saw a few WISHers while we sat and chatted. Shannon and I moved to the starting line and got in our corrals. The fireworks went off, and I started walking. I felt like I was going to be trampled, so I tried running for a bit. Everything was okay, although around mile 1.5 I started to feel a hot spot on the bottom of my left foot – I really did not want a blister!!! I began wondering why I was there. I started looking around for someone to chat with, but everyone was doing their thing, so I kept walking.

 

[wfloyd]

Lynnda Part 2

Around mile 4 someone came up next to me and asked if she could walk with me. Yea!!! Her name was Karen, she was 50+, a bank executive, a grandmother, and she was doing her first endurance race. We chatted along, and before we knew it we were going through MK. I LOVE the WISH Scream Team – you guys ROCK!!!! I was feeling okay until we made the turn-around and headed past the GF and Poly. The heat and direct sun were really making me queasy. Karen kept talking me through it, though. Every sweeper bus I passed, I had to think – I can quit and sit on an air-conditioned bus and relax, or I can keep my promise to Billy to “do my best”. That promise and my new friend kept me walking. I wouldn’t give in until they forced me on that bus!

Karen spotted her hubby around mile 8. It was quite an emotional moment for her – she hadn’t expected him to show up, and she was having a great deal of hip and foot pain. We were doing okay until she hit the wall at mile 10.5. She just wanted to stop. She had never been in such pain, and didn’t want to go any further. I tried to keep talking to her and encouraging her to finish. This race was so important to her – she had wanted to prove to herself that she could do this. Karen was really struggling, so she put her hand on my shoulder and closed her eyes for a bit while we walked. I knew God had definitely answered my prayer – not only had he allowed me to encourage someone, but she had been an encourager to me as well. After a bit, she was doing better, and I just wanted to get to mile 12 to see my family and give Billy a hug. However, on the next to last hill, my left leg completely cramped. I almost fell when it happened, but Karen grabbed my hand. She helped me get up that hill in spite of major pain with every step. Once we leveled out, my leg felt a little better. In the mean time, Karen’s hips were getting worse, and she was having a very hard time moving. Another girl we had never met came up on her other side and grabbed her other hand. We basically were pulling each other to the finish. We had come way too far to give up. The sweeper bikes kept circling and giving us time updates, and we learned that there was yet another sweep at mile 12. Grrrr!!! Anyway, I had one more hill to climb, and my left leg cramped again with that first step. The other two wouldn’t let go of me, and pulled me to the top. Once there, I could see the sea of green WISH shirts, and I saw DH and the boys – YEA!!!!! We made it past the sweep mark with about 40 seconds to spare, and I was off to hug my family. I think it was Cam that gave me the cold water bottle – that was WONDERFUL! A little further down Anne gave us ice chips – THANK YOU! I was elated as I knew we would finish and get that Donald medal! Karen was still having a very hard time, though, so the three of us trudged on and I tried to be as upbeat as possible. I saw my family one more time, and our trio headed for the finish line, hand-in-hand. When we got close, Pluto ran up to us and got between Karen and me to walk us across the line – that was awesome! I have to add, all of our WISH Scream Teamers along the way were INCREDIBLE – thank you!!!!!!

Now for the not-so-pleasant part…

After they took our chips off, we wandered around wondering when we would get our medal. I didn’t see anyone, and I didn’t see any medals. We asked a biker, but she said we should have gotten it back by the chip removal. About that time, Karen’s daughter walked up and said that they were out of medals. A guy with a race official shirt walked over to confirm that the medals were on property somewhere, but weren’t at the race – again… I was so hurt and angry. For that to happen two years in a row was incomprehensible. The guy was very apologetic, and directed me toward the tents to pick up some water and food. Unfortunately, when I got to where he pointed, I was given a banana and a choice of coke or sprite – no water, and no powerade. I cannot even describe what I was feeling at this point. I had made it – I got to the finish, and it was just the most incredible let down. It was as if they didn’t care about the back-of-the-packers, and it wasn’t fair. Another runner took pity and handed me her extra water.

I remember coming out of the tent, tears pouring, and running up to DH who was with the WISHers at the W tent. I just wanted my medal – I wanted to show Billy that I had kept my promise, and to show him the reward for persevering even when things get tough. (I also really wanted to wear that medal while walking around the parks.) Lynne came running over and asked if I had gotten a picture. I said no – I think most of the photographers had left already. She took someone’s medal and grabbed my hand and walked me back to the photographer. (Thanks Lynne!!!) I was calming down by this point, but once I got back to the WISHers and was being hugged by everyone, I think I lost it again. The support was absolutely amazing!!!! I love you guys!!!! Anyway, my friend Valerie found us and said something about Shannon. A couple minutes later, she came back and put a medal around my neck – Shannon was leaving and didn’t need hers, so she gave it to me to wear.

We said goodbye to our WISH friends, and made it back to the buses. I sat with Billy, and he just kept looking at the medal. Then he said, “Mommy, I knew you would win.” Wow!!! I love that little boy soooo much!

We got back to the hotel, and I tried to get cleaned up for our lunch at Mama Melrose. I struggled with walking through MGM, and didn’t really feel like eating too much. On the way out, I was waddling slowly, holding onto the stroller – I just wanted to sleep!

A few hours later, the phone rang, and Karen (kareneast) said they had the medals at the expo. DH ran over to get my medal, and came back with a couple other Donald surprises. (Thank you DH!!!!) We later learned all the WISHers that were involved in calling around to make sure everyone that needed a medal got to the expo. Again, you guys are so amazing!!! I can’t even begin to thank you enough!

All in all, I am so glad I did the race. I’ve tried many times to describe to people how amazingly supportive the WISH team is, and I just can’t find the words. You all are so special, and I am so blessed to be a part of this incredible team! I am so proud of all of you – you guys are AWESOME!

 

[wfloyd]

Bill Part 1

5k - Friday

Friday morning was somewhat early getting up at 5 for the race. I was out the door fairly quickly and found the bus over to AK. On the way to the bus, I found out that my Garmin was running out of battery power. I had just charged it Monday so I was a little concerned about what was happening. It ended up dying quickly so I couldn’t use it for the race. The bus dropped us off in the resort bus loop and I walked over to the starting area. I met up with other Wishers there and spent some time chatting with everyone and getting pictures taken.

The race finally started and the mob just stood there. I wasn’t sure if it had started or not but we began moving forward after a while. I was planning to take it easy and look around the park as I was going and have fun. I kept Vic in sight for a while and decided that I could slow down so I wouldn’t keep running into people.

After the first mile, we finally were getting ready to enter the park. We went up the left side and were soon facing the Tree of Life. There were several people stopping for their picture at this point. We headed towards the left and went towards Africa. We rounded the bend and started towards Asia but the course took a left and we went backstage for a little bit. This was an out and back so I was able to see several Wishers as they passed me and I passed them.

We re-entered the park in Asia behind Yak and Yeti and made our way towards Expedition Everest. More people stopping for pictures and I think there were some of the ASI people as well. We headed through Dinoland and out the back of the park. A short while later, I was crossing the finish line and getting my medal. With the kids’ races later that morning, I didn’t stick around but went to find a bus back to the resort. As luck would have it, it was the last one in line.

After making it back and changing, we headed out to WWoS for the kids race. We arrived in plenty of time and saw some of the Heely demonstration they were having. Billy lined up in the 200 yard dash area and was ready to go. He wanted me to run beside him so when they counted down, we were off. He did great and was extremely happy that he beat me in the race. We went back to get ready for the diaper dash for Timmy. After the 100 yard dash finished, they got the mats out for the babies. Timmy lined up and crawled for the first half. Then the crowds got to him and he was a little scared. So he held onto my hands and waddled the last half of it to Lynnda. He got his medal but wasn’t sure what to do with it.

We headed to the expo for a little bit more and saw it was way too crowded to do anything so we left to go back to the room.

That evening we went to the WISH meet and had a great time seeing everyone. I think we missed one round of pictures though since some little ones were wanting to eat by this time. After eating and talking to anyone who was left, we headed back to our resort. Lynnda took care of Timmy while I took Billy to Epcot for extra magic hours.

While in line for Soarin, I saw Mariah Carrey (at least that is who the two girls in front of me said it was). Billy loved the ride and wanted to go on it again so we headed back to the line. After the second time, we went out to see Illuminations and then headed to Test Track. He got his ride in and was starting to wear down so we went back to the resort to get ready for the next day.

 

[wfloyd]

Bill Part 2

Half Marathon - Saturday

Lynnda got up at some early time. Being the diligent hubby, I rolled over and went back to sleep. I remember her waking me up to say she was leaving. Apparently Timmy didn’t like me sleeping so he woke up every hour on the hour until 6 when I decided it wasn’t worth going back to sleep. I turned on the computer and found the live tracking site to check on Lynnda.

It seemed to work somewhat like it was supposed to and she was doing well considering her training. She had problems with plantar fasciitis during the pregnancy and it never really cleared up. Then she hurt her knee during training. So 3 weeks before the race she wasn’t sure she would do it. She kept changing her mind every now and then and by the week before it could almost be a different decision every hour. However on Monday as I was starting to get my stuff together, she asked me if I heard what my son had said. Thinking how the question was phrased I figured this couldn’t be good. It turns out that Billy was asking her about the race and she told him she may not do it. He had this confused look and said, “Mommy you have to do the race”. She went on to tell him about being injured and not being able to finish it so it might be better not to start. He floored her by telling her, “Mommy you have to try and just do your best”. So after that, she had no choice but to do the race.

At the 10k point, she made her time and she was through the MK so I figured it was good. After getting the boys up, dressed, and fed we started our trek to the Epcot lot around 8:30. We got to the resort bus area and waited for the marathon bus to come. About 5 minutes later it pulled up and sore people were getting off. After a short drive, we wound up in the Epcot lot and I saw where the runners were coming into Epcot. We started walking over there and I was showing Billy where the finish line was so he could know where to look. Then we headed over around mile 12. Across the parking lot, I could see a sea of green so I knew where a good spot to stand would be. I called Lynnda and found out that she was at mile 10 so I figured that she could make it in.

We arrived with the WISH scream team and cheered for people as they passed us. A big “thank you” to Colleen for sharing your blanket with Billy. Also, for some reason Billy said the cowbell hurt his finger when ringing it but that mysteriously passed once we were inside. After a while we spotted Lynnda coming over the last hill. She made it to the group and was safe from the sweepers at this point. Thank you Cam for the water bottle, she said it was a lifesaver. Once she passed, we ran to the finish to see her there as well. We saw her one last time before she crossed the finish line.

We headed to the W tent to meet up with everyone and this is where I heard they might have run out of medals again. Bracing for the worst, I waited until I saw her and it was confirmed that there were no medals. Before I could do anything, the WISH team swarmed in and took over. Lynne grabbed her and a medal and whisked (as much as she could whisk by this point) her to get a picture. Then Anne, Kristi, and more Wishers than I can remember were all talking to her. A friend who was with us got us a medal to use for a little while since she was going home that day and wouldn’t need it.

We headed for the bus area and found one waiting for us to go to the resort. After a brief trip, she was feeling a little better. After cleaning up, we headed over to MGM for lunch and were able to get a seat even though we were later for our ADR. After lunch we went back to the room to rest and recover. Around 5, we get a call from Karen telling us they had found the medals and were at the expo. So I went over to see if I could claim it for Lynnda since the blisters she received were hurting more. I picked up the medal without any problems and visited the expo for a little bit. Chatted with Kristi and Chad for a little while and then headed back to the room. I presented the medal to Lynnda and repeated their apologies.

I had a small dinner and started getting ready for the next day. I watched some of the football game and decided I had better turn it off or I would never get to sleep.

 

[wfloyd]

Bill Part 3

Marathon - Sunday

These early morning wake up times seem to get earlier each year. I got ready with no big problems and headed out for the bus. I made the first one and there weren’t many people on it at that hour of day. Another short ride and we were back in the Epcot parking lot. I saw Dave and Erica in the distance but never caught up to them. On the trek to the runners’ area, I saw them testing the fireworks. It was a little odd since there was that brief moment of panic when you think you just missed the start.

I saw Dana and chatted with her for a little bit. Mel came up a little later and we headed to the staging area. We found more of the WISH group sitting by the front area so we joined them. We saw Judy and Kristi as they were headed off to their volunteer spot. About 5:00, they opened the gates and everyone headed to the starting corrals. I was assigned to Corral C but decided to move to D to be on the Wish side. I found Dana and Renee towards the front and talked to them until the start. Craig and Martha said hello and then went back where it was quieter. Paul came up and chatted with us as well.

Since Corral D was at the front, I was able to see the wheelchairs start and then saw the Elite athletes get ready. I was also able to see Micky, Minnie, Donald and Goofy without using the jumbo tron. They started the countdown at 15 in honor of the anniversary and soon we were off.

A little ways into the first mile, I kept leapfrogging a runner who I thought looked familiar. It turned out to be Jeff Galloway so I can now say that I kept up with him for part of the race. The first mile was uneventful and by the second mile I was getting into a pace I liked. I passed the Wish water stop and got my water and went on into Epcot. It was around here I noticed that I was already drenched and thought it was going to be a hot day. We headed under Spaceship Earth and up through the center of the park and headed towards Mexico and China. Pretty soon we were joining the Blue side and going back to the start. Between miles 3 and 4 I was passed by Steve and Martha. I would play tag with Martha for a while until mile 6 or so.

I made it to TTC and looked for the Scream Team. I saw Anne and Heather first then saw a couple of other groups but can’t remember who was in them. I made it through this area and headed for Contemporary Hill. It wasn’t as bad as I remember in the past but it was still slow going for a little bit. Mile 10 almost marks the entrance to MK and I was doing great on my pace. I got in and saw more Scream Teamers along Main Street and was soon headed back to Tomorrowland. After circling around I went through the castle and heard the herald trumpets overhead. The rest of the trek went through Liberty Square and Frontierland before going backstage. The next part was a little bleak since we were crammed on a single lane to keep from getting hit. We went up by the Grand Floridian and saw the penguins who looked a little too happy with it being so hot outside. Saw more Wishers and lots of people encouraging us. Then around mile 12.75, I cramped up just above the knees. This had never happened on training runs and I usually get to 19-20 miles before having problems with my thighs. I kept moving forward and they started feeling better. Although after the next run segment, it didn’t get better and I figure I would have to walk more.

I passed the halfway point and for the next couple of miles, I would think about jogging and the legs would start to cramp. I decided at this point that I would have to walk the rest of the race. I tried to read some of the signs along the road but forgot most of what they said. After a few more miles I saw the back of AK. I knew there would be more people here so I needed to just get through the park.

I had also given Anne directions to the 20.5 mile turnaround point on Thursday so I began wondering if she understood them or would wind up elsewhere. Going into AK, I was met by a sheep, goat, snake and parrot. They didn’t seem interested in the runners so I went on by them. Soon I was in the park and saw some of the guests walking through the runners trying to get to rides. This part was also looking familiar since I was just here on Friday.

I made it through the park but somehow missed the sponges they were handing out. I am going to guess they were at the end of the water stop but didn’t see them. I wandered through the parking lot and made it to the front of the park. Saw more Scream Teamers and heard the cowbells and had a little more energy. The next stretch wasn’t as bad this year since they had characters out on the course.

Saw Anne and Heather at the turnaround point and they were giving out washcloths and oranges. The washcloth was great and much needed by that point. My stomach was doing odd things so I passed on the orange. Saw a few more Wishers as they passed me, I remember Sara, Chad, Denny, and Cecilia but there could have been more than that. After the turn towards MGM, I saw Martha in the distance. I caught up to her and talked for a little bit but needed to keep moving a little faster since I was afraid my legs would stop working if I slowed down. Made it through MGM and saw a few characters that Billy would have loved. He was a little jealous when I told him about it later. They had different costumes up in the tunnel from the last time we went through. I made it to the sidewalk towards Boardwalk and saw the next group of Scream Teamers. By this point, names and faces weren’t matching up so I can’t say for sure who was there but it was great to see some smiling faces.

Colleen passed me around the Boardwalk area and I talked with her for a little bit. I remember seeing Jeff around this area as well. The bridges to Swan and Dolphin seemed a little steeper than they did in December but I was just wanting to finish. I rounded the lake and saw Krista and the next group of Scream Teamers. I knew that Lynnda, Billy and Timmy were just inside Epcot so that was my next goal. My legs were starting to ache and I knew if I slowed down too much, they wouldn’t move anymore. I made it into Epcot and saw my family and waved as I went up the next big hill. Around World showcase and soon I was headed towards the finish line. I saw Lynnda and crew one last time and got the little burst of energy for the end. The choir was there cheering everyone on and I was finally out of the park.

I turned the corner and saw the finish line. Soon it was over with a finishing time of 5:50:13. I beat the 6 hour point which became my new goal after having to walk the last half. Now it was time to slow down and it took a little to keep moving. I found a chip removal person where I wouldn’t have to lift my foot and had my chip removed. I went on and claimed my special medal and then went to get food, drinks and pictures. I headed over to the W tent and met with the earlier finishers and tried to recover a little. Lynnda came up after a little bit and chatted with everyone. She headed back to the room with the boys to try and beat the rain. I stayed for a while since I didn’t want to walk yet. I saw some others finish and then decided to get back before it started to rain.

I found the bus and finally made it back to the resort. I made it back to the room a little slower this time but made it inside just before the rain started. I was hoping that everyone was able to finish and later checked online to see how the team did.

We recovered that afternoon and headed to ‘Ohana for our victory meal where we happened to run into Jen and her family. Afterwards we saw Mel, Jeff and crew along with Steve and Krista. We talked for a while and then went back to our rooms for plenty of sleep - at least as much as we could get with little ones.

 

[Kristi1357]

Lynnda's report is making me tear up here at work - and I hate crying in front of anyone! I am so happy for her. And so upset about another year with a medal fiasco.

Your report is just as great, Bill - great job!

 

[crzy4pooh]

Lynnda's report is making me tear up here at work - and I hate crying in front of anyone! I am so happy for her. And so upset about another year with a medal fiasco.

Your report is just as great, Bill - great job!

Thanks, Kristi!!! Sorry about the tears... Congrats again to you!!!!

 

[Maherae]

So proud of you two!! Billy is a treasure!! Timmy has a great big brother! Ya done good!!

 

[Goofyin08forErica]

Congratulations to the both of you!!

Little Timmy and big brother Billy are just adorable!

Erica

 

[windwalker]

Congradulations guys you did super.


Happy Panda

 

[angietuck2]

Great job you guys!!!!!

Lynnda - Your story is awesome!!!! It summarizes for me why I love the WISH team so much. There are so many stories of perserverance and determination. I have been such a quitter my whole life (not so much anymore, long distance running and finally graduating college has helped that) But since I have always struggled with that I am so in awe of and have so much respect for people who continue on, no matter what.

I said this on Cam's thread and I will say it on yours too I also continue to love to hear stories of where God reaches down and gives us just what we asked for. I am so glad that you were able to find someone to encourage.

angie

BTW - your kids are adorable!!!

 

[padisneyfan]

Congratulations.

Nancy

 

[Big Vic]

 

[funwalker]

Lynnda & Bill…

What a testimony of answered prayer, courage, and determination.
Congratulations on your medal – Way To Go

 

[chimera]

Great job, guys! You both embody the WISH team spirit...I never get over how many tough customers we have on this team.

 

[Optimator]

Lynnda and Bill - A wonderful job to you both!

Lynnda, I'm so sorry you had such a letdown after all your hard work. Hopefully enough time has now passed to take away a bit of that sting. You have so much to be proud of.

Bill - Way to overcome the problems that you were having.

Congratulations again!

 

[escape]

Great reports! Lynnda - what an amazing journey. I'm so glad you and Karen were there for each other. Bill, great job!

I hope to see you both in San Antonio. Lynnda - is the SA half calling your name yet?

 

[kareneast]

Congratulations Lynda & Bill! Loved reading your reports. Lynda - what an amazing example you are setting for you boys. Also, I am so glad we were able to track you down so that you could get your medal.

 

[crzy4pooh]

Thanks ya'll!!!

Susie - I believe I hear a faint whisper, but I think it is getting louder... We have to work out a few more details, but I'm definitely leaning towards the SA half!

Karen - Thank you again for getting hold of us!!!!!


You all are so sweet! Thanks again!

--Lynnda