Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[debedo]

Why are these trip reports so addicting ? Loving it please keep them coming. . . . .

 

[eandesmom]

Ladies, Cynthia and Maryellen, I am too far behind to comment on both of your race posts (and so much work to do this week, and one of my bosses is leaving our firm and I've got to help him clean his office while hiding the tears, and now getting ready to go to Phoenix to see Mary, Jeff and the girls next week).

Let me just tell you that I am both proud and impressed by your doing these runs. I know it is something I couldn't do, and I'm just in awe of the work you put into preparing for these and then doing them and finishing them. Kudos to both of you.

I loved the pictures of you all with the DISer's you met, family, etc.

Oh no, not your main amazing boss? SNIFF!

Running is a funny thing, at the end of the day it really is just walking...faster and a mile is a mile. Many many people run/walk with huge sucess, I really truly believe that most folks are capable of doing a couch to 5K program but it has to be something one wants and it is certainly not for everyone. But I think, like most things, it intimidates folks and it most certainly isn't easy at first or even for a long time so having that will to do it and stick with it is really the key to anyone's success. In a million years I never thought I would be running. Now I think I am scared to stop as I might not ever start up again.

Great Update Cynthia !! Your costumes were great !! Having trouble with either the Dis or my Laptop tonight so , gonna call it a night !!!

I feel your pain Rosie! I've had a number of computer challenges myself.

A huge congrats on the race!!! And I LOVE your new "toy"!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks! It makes me smile.

I don't have a lot of time to comment these days, but I do want to say I amazed at both of you ladies (and Ann too) for your accomplishments. just being able to run an event like this is incredible.

Thank you my friend

I also have to say that since I now have no WDW plans in the near future, I will have to live vicariously through your trips, so please get along with the updates! LOL!

GAH! I read this comment yesterday and was SO confused by it. MAJOR dislike!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cynthia, I loved your race recap! I am so impressed by your achievements. And your speed!! You talk about wanting to be faster, but I am just amazed at how fast you are!!! I am happy if my runs have a pace of under 7 min/km... No clue what that is in min/mile though. But it is not fast!

However, you two have inspired me to consider signing up for a local 10k in June. I am already running a 5k in May with my sister - will be Katharina's first race ever. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Thank you, I don't think I am terribly fast but it is all relative. Jeff and my brother run 7:30 miles in races and I've a few girlfriends significantly faster than I. I think part of it for me is growing up here which is a pretty big running town and people get a bit too serious about it. I really had to get over that mental hurdle to even start or tell folks locally that I run. It has come such a long ways but there are still some with pretty old school thoughts that can get me all kinds of riled up. Kind of gets a the whole running versus jogging concept and it's made a major shift for the positive overall I think, which is a good thing.

5k's are fun! Good for you to consider a 10K, it is a nice distance. I think you mentioned your hip gives you issues over 6 miles? Have you done any kind of PT for it? I know it has really helped both Jeff and myself.

Congratulations, Cynthia. That's a great result, even if it came at the expense of a shoe!

I think that picture was actually taken before the race! The race just made the shoe worse.

Love the costumes and the theme for the 3 of you.

it was fun and I am glad we did it

Amazing Rita story. I would never have thought to head to ESPN for that.

Nor would have I! When I think ESPN I think...

Bud Light.

LOL!

MEK and Cynthia, I just loved your PHM updates, and being able to be there for the experience! I always thought just having someone there who knew you to cheer for you by name would just be a good feeling for the person running. When Ann told us how much it sincerely meant to her, and helped boost her when she needed it, and for you two to feel that lift as you finished the race...........I was just floored that it would have that type of an impact. I was so glad we made the effort, and for me that just made it even more worthwhile on a personal level. I've followed someone around once before at a race to cheer them on at different points along the course, and I wasn't sure it meant much at all to them, so thank you ALL for making it special for me too!!!

It's a funny thing. I am used to Jeff cheering me/watching me at the finish line as he finishes first (sometimes by a LOT depending on the race lol). On my last 12K, he did the 5k. So he cheered me part of the way too. On a hill as I was going up. I was actually embarrassed when I saw him as I am sure I looked miserable as it kind of sucked at that moment and hoped he didn't think that was how I looked the entire time but I still loved having him at the finish. I had never really thought about it being motivating if it was during a struggle spot but I can now see where it definitely would be and it really made an impact for Ann. I loved it, I was on the home stretch and it was a super pleasant surprise to actually see you guys. I mean I knew you would be there at some point during the race but figured I had missed you and my chances of actually making you out depending on crowds and such were slim. It brought a huge grin to my face!

It was nice to spend a lot more down/quality time with you two this trip

Cynthia - So happy you got your Cronut.
Loved the group photo.


Cynthia - Great update and pics of your PHM race. Like the medal holder.


Ladies I am caught up again.

Thanks Scott and CONGRATS on the condo and upcoming trip. SO happy for you guys!

Wow... I mean, I'm not exactly anti-ESPN... I enjoy going there. But I can't say that I've ever had a margarita there. I would never imagine them to be better than La Cava.

I know. I feel like a traitor saying that! Still, I would only do it in a to go cup!

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

But yeah, I can see how an unknowing and unsuspecting guest might be annoyed by it. But there are certainly ways to be civil about it. I'm sure the noise out on the Boardwalk was likely as bad as anything you could have been doing in cheering runners on from your balcony.

The foot pounding on the boardwalk was pretty noticeable! As were the others cheering lol.

Wow. I'm amazed you ran a half marathon in those shoes! I realize you can't just go out and buy new shoes to run in before a race, so you were kind of locked into just dealing with it, but that looks pretty bad.

Well when I looked at them at 125 miles it really seemed like they would make it. But then I looked again after our FW run and yowza. That pic I think, was taken before the race, not after. So, I was in FL when I realized how bad they were. I suppose I could have bought new shoes at the expo or DTD but it didn't really occur to me to do so. I have had so many issues with shoes I wasn't going to risk an unknown for 13 miles.

Congratulations on the PR! You might have been able to do a little better, but I'd say it looks like the results turned out very well.

thank you! I do hope to continue to improve, however I am not at all sure I've the motivation for the training required to likely do so. LOL! I think it is as much mental as anything. In my mind, in the first place, to shave 13 minutes seemed ludicrous. So while conceptually it might be possible, in my mind it was not but 5 minutes certainly was, especially if I didn't take bio breaks! The bigger issue is the lack of competitiveness I have, even with myself. It's the ongoing question. Do I really care enough to really push myself as far as I could? Probably not. I tend to hold back. I don't want to crash, cramp, feel like I am going to get sick, have injuries, any of that. However, given that I never have, to some would imply that I don't push myself enough to know what the limits really are.

I approve! Love it!

it seemed appropriate

Great race recap! Congrats!!!

Thank You!

"My flight was uneventful" sounds great to me.

It is! It is about all you ever want to say. It wasn't entirely uneventful, poor Ann left things on both planes. We got them back at MCO for that leg but the other was just gone.

I love the marathon shirts and I really love your medal display!!!

Thanks! It seemed fitting.

Thanks for the great tip on the ESPN 'ritas. Too funny about the CM working the stand!

:

It was so weird but definitely a great suggestion

 

[MEK]

Another congratulations to you on finishing the Princess Half! Despite your issues (I can't imagine running on NO SLEEP!), you worked through them and you did it! I love your medal! If only I were a runner, I would totally take part in a RunDisney event.

Thanks! The no sleep thing was weird. I didn't really think about it at the beginning of the race, but towards the end it messed with me a bit.

It sounds like you had a wonderful time - so many DISmeets, margaritas, and tons of fun. Thank you for telling us all about your trip!

It was a great trip. I know its going to take me forever to write about it, so I needed to relive the experience a bit.

WOW! That's one heck of an update.

I worked hard on that one! I really wanted to relive the experience because its going to take me forever to write about it.

Sorry about the hassle with your pipes. Living where I am, that's such a foreign concept to me. I would have no idea what to do and how to cope. The shame of it all was that your DH had to stay behind and not see you run, plus deal with it....and then catch the red-eye into Orlando.

Frozen pipes are definitely a risk when it gets a bitter cold as it did this winter. The worst thing would be to have them break. Thank goodness that did not happen.

LOVE your outfit (in fact, I love all the running outfits from the 3 of you). That's one amazingly coordinated Frozen inspired outfit. Or were you inspired from Tink and her friends? In which case....that would make you Silvermist!

Yes - We were actually the fairy godmothers. Totally Cynthia's idea. I think they turned out great. She is so creative . She did a great job.

Congrats on finishing the PHM! I can't run at all; so I'm in total admiration.

Thank you. It was such a positive experience. I have my reservation to go back next February.

You sure got a few DisMeets done in this short trip.

I surely did. It was great. I LOVE seeing DISers at the parks. It's the best!

That's a great Ani and Alex charm. Enjoy!

I went to several stores at the MK looking for it, but they only had gold. I finally found it at HS.

Going home to the cold would have been hard after this trip.

Actually, that nice break really helped me go home. That's just the reality of where I live. I hate it, but when I retire I hope to be a snowbird.

I've never been to Cape May. It looks like someplace straight out of the turn of the century. The architecture is amazing but I bet it looks a lot better and has a much better vibe when it's summertime.

The architecture is really amazing. It's such a cute town. I haven't been there in forever so I really enjoyed my visit. I have plans for an overnight stay in September.

Glad you finally got on an airboat. Fun ride, isn't it? I used to watch Gentle Ben when I was a child and it was always a childhood dream to get on an airboat for me. The first opportunity I had, I ticked that one off the list.

I loved the airboat ride. It was really a ton of fun. I'm so glad we did it. It was a great experience.

Thank you for posting that picture of Jewel. She was a lovely looking furbaby.

Thank you! I can't believe we buried her two weeks ago. We all miss her very much.

Thanks for sharing this trip with us.

My pleasure!

I didn't try them all but the link that says Everybody love Epcot took me to that post.

I ended up re-doing most of them. I have to put more in tonight and I'm almost afraid to update the title.

Mary Ellen that was a Marathon of an UPDATE!!! I am in awe that you completed the race !!! Only way OI could is in a wheelchair with someone pushing me !!!

Thanks Rosie!

It was hard for me to cram a whole week of highlights in one update, but I'm glad I did it. And thank you. I am proud of myself that I completed the 1/2 and did not get injured.

I would have to search for the pix of our meet but it is the same as yours!! I am pretty sure we did the Land and SE together , but don't think we could have done Soarin' Although our meet was brief I was sooo glad to finally meet you and hopefully you will be at October 2016 meet with Liesa !!!

I know we didn't do Soarin, but we did all do the Land and SE. You are totally right about that. I really enjoyed meeting you too. I definitely hope our paths cross again in the World.

 

[MEK]

I discovered the Surging Seahorse and need to go back there for another one. I think we'll combine it with a trip to DTD when we are there in April.

I didn't even know that was a drink. I might have to check that out. April? I am so jelly. You should definitely go back to OKW.

Our AP runs out Nov 30th and we don't have any plans to renew it. We will to be back in Disney Oct 21st to 26th and that will be our last trip on the current AP.

Well, I think you have gotten a lot of nice trips out of your AP. I didn't renew my last one for awhile and when this one expires I let it go as well.

The Brooks Adrenaline is my shoe. I've worn it for ages since it is one of the few shoes that comes in a narrow size. And you are right about running shoes. The right shoe is very important since you can get injuries from the wrong one.

I really do like the Brooks line. I am really happy with the shoe I got. I know I will replacing these with a new pair.

That was really nice of Caitlin to pick you up at the airport and for Cynthia and Ann to let you stay with them. It is very nice to have friends like that.

It was really so sweet of her And Cynthia and Ann were so wonderful to let me stay there. It really eased my nerves as far as traveling alone.

Your outfits were really cute but what a terrible way to start a race. I can't imagine trying to run a half marathon on no sleep at all.

Pretty much a perfect storm. Definitely not how you want to start a race.

I think it is harder to run in the humidity, too. But really, considering the lack of sleep, the stress of the frozen pipes, traveling by yourself and Denny having trouble getting to Florida, you didn't really do too bad in that race. You finished 108 out of 648 in your age group. That is pretty darn good, in my opinion. Your finish time was better than mine when I ran the Disney 1/2 marathon in 2:49. My knee started hurting around the ten mile mark and I had to do a lot of walking. But I made it.

I'm happy that I finished, but I would love to be able to improve a bit. I guess that seems silly, but I really want to finish with that 2:30 pace group.

Dana had to laugh when he heard that you made Denny get up for the Mine Ride fp. That is what I would have done, too.

I am such a sympathetic wife, aren't I?

It was a total surprise to run into you and Denny in two unexpected places. If our trips overlap again we'll have to get a picture.

It was crazy that we did see each other. Definitely a picture the next time.

You are lucky you got out that night. The Orlando airport was full of stranded passengers trying to get to the east coast. Denny was probably very happy that he didn't have to take a delayed flight home after all the trouble he had getting there.

If we had flown on southwest we definitely wouldn't have made it out. I don't know if that would have been good or bad. There was definitely a part of me that wanted to go right back to DTD.

That sounds like it will be fun. The next time the pipes won't freeze, you'll travel together, and you'll get a good night's sleep. It will make a world of difference. Dana and I ran one of the Disney 5K races together, which is as far as he will run.

I would definitely like to try to run it with some real sleep. Denny is interested in doing the 10K. That's still a possibility, but I really want to try the 1/2 again.

 

[teekathepony]

Cynthia, awesome recap of the PHM! I'm just starting (again) to try to get into running. Not my thing, by a long shot, so I'm pushing myself a lot, but you gals really provide a LOT of inspiration and I THANK You for that!!
Your costumes are adorable!! I love them!
Your new "toy" is so cute, great way to remember each race.

 

[teekathepony]

Mary Ellen, just went back and found your PHM short story too! (So my replies to you and Cynthia are in reverse order. )
(Also, I had a run of customers so this reply got delayed.)
I remember reading about all the issues before you left, the pipes! How awful! But how sweet of Cynthia and Ann to lend a hand.
Love the recap of the race. A huge congratulations to you!

 

[MEK]

Let's be real, is anyone really fun when they get hungry? I surely am not.

It is the cronut kiosk and nothing more.

Me either. In fact, I think the world "hangry" was invited for me! Just ask Denny!

The kiosks being closed was like they were taunting you! I felt the same way. My next trip I just miss F&G by one weekend, so it's kind of sad. But I'll get over it I suppose.

I know. I hate when the kiosks are right there, but not open yet. On the bright side - closed kiosks = saved money!

I'm with you, I get caught up with everything too when I come back from vacation and take forever to get back to regular DIS time.

I seem to be struggling this time much more than usual. I think its because I really don't "love" the new DIS. Some of its quirks are annoying to me and I don't feel like dealing with them.

I'm so sorry about Jewel. I had that happen with my cat 4 years ago. Came home from our first trip to Paris and found out she was sick. It was rough.

Oh Wow! I'm sorry. It IS bad when you go away and you come home to find them really ill. Like ill in a way where you know it can't be fixed. It's so awful. My neighbor fed them for several days leading into the last weekend and she said she was totally fine. I like the well she held on until we got home. She was a tough cat!

Money can absolutely buy happiness when it comes to running shoes!

Amen!

We had to have a friend go to our house while we were gone more often than she normally would have to make sure the pipes didn't freeze when we had the subzero temperatures too.

I bet there were pipes freezing all over the place in your neck of the woods. Your past two winters have been ridiculously cold.

You and your cowbells getting scolded. Haha.

I know, right? I actually felt bad. But on the other hand, if you are booked in a boardwalk view room when a race is going by, well....what do you expect. We got a lot of positive responses from the runners, so it was worth it.

Yay for you doing the PHM again next year! I'm doing the regular half in January. Caitlin is kind enough to be doing it with me, so I'm excited.

I wish I could have registered for that, but I have a trip in early December and I wanted to wait longer until taking more time off. Plus I really liked the way the race was very women oriented. Plus I LOVE having off in December. I really NEED it by then.

That is awesome that you had a great pacer! It was really difficult for me to find a pace let alone keep it. But, this was my first outing, so I'm sure I will only get better with time.

You will definitely get better with time. I probably won't. Meaning - I don't think my over all speed with increase, but I would like to be able to sustain my pace longer and that will only come with more long runs.

Standing next to Princesses makes me feel ginormous! You have no reason to feel big next to them.

All I can say is - why do those princesses have to be so tiny????

I do have some group pictures, just not necessarily with everyone. Not great, but here they are. I was taking stealth shots. They're just not planned pictures.

Thanks for posting these pictures. They are awesome - especially the last one!

YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! Really I am impressed with all of your Princess Half- you should be EXTREMELY proud of yourself- you placed very well, especially in your age group! Well Done!!

Thanks Ellen! When Cynthia told me how I did in my age group I felt much more positive. Now remember - the participants in this race as now where near as speedy as most half marathons, but I don't care!!!!!!

Your pics, phone or not, are great- but this one your friend took is HILARIOUS!!!!!!

[/QUOTE]

Leave it to Popadon to crack us all up. That's what he does best!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Embarrassingly late to this party, but looking forward to catching up. Love the throwback to the first East meets West trip. What amazing friendships came out of that trip and what fun we had.

 

[MEK]

Thanks for the mini report on the Half Marathon, you did really well. Glad you were able to have a few DisMeets, they seemed like fun.

You're welcome and thank you! Overall it was a really great trip and the DIS meets are always icing on the cake!

Oh, by the way that pic isn't a Carnival ship. I'm not sure what it is, either Royal Carib. or Princess but Carnival ships all have that big red tail on top.

Thank you for pointing that out. It WAS Royal Carib. and I KNEW that when I wrote the update. Clearly was attention to detail was not the best.

Nice pics of Cape May, too. I have been a few times growing up in Philly, it's nice there. My Uncle lives there too.

It's a really cool town and I haven't been there for years, so it was fun going for the afternoon, even though it was super cold. Your uncle lives there now? cool!

Awww, it does my heart good to see these big group DISmeet photos. Love it!!

That big DIS meet was so much fun! I had a blast. It was great to see everyone again. There really is nothing better!

Wow, the Cape May buildings DO look like the Boardwalk.

Cape May is such a gorgeous town. I forgot it was so lovely. It's been years since I've been there. I'm definitely planning a return trip.

That better not be Ariel in that statue or she and I are going to have a LOOOOOONG talk.

Awww gee, even more wonderful DIS moments with such generous (but not surprising) help offered.

I really appreciate Caitlin, Cynthia, and Ann for offering to help me out. I really didn't want to stay off site by myself the first night because I was going to be checking in at night and I had been to this hotel once before and the parking was not good from a safety standpoint.

Wilderness Lodge.

Awwwwwww.....

Mary Ellen, CONGRATULATIONS to you!!! You should feel proud. In fact, CONGRATULATIONS to you ALL!!!

Thank you! I am really glad I did the half. Training for it was tough, but it was such a worthwhile experience.

And I have to add... HOLY WOW DISMEETS!!!!!!! That one with the photos Danielle posted is simply EPIC!! What a great looking group.

You have to plan a trip so you can meet Popadon some day. He is a total hoot!

Cynthia: It was really hard being in Epcot right before the F&G Festival, seeing the booths closed up for a few more days! I thought I was the only one who walked by and went, "I wish they'd open these kiosks up early so I could buy some of last year's favorite foods."

I am sure there were A LOT of people wishing the kiosks would open up early. But like I said to Danielle - those kiosks are money suckers, so at least we all save a little bit of $.

Mary Ellen: Loved your recap of the PHM. When you were telling me about all the volunteers cheering runners on, it couldn't help but make me feel good. It's nice to know there are that many people out there who want to support and encourage others. And I love that you all were able to wach the 10K from your balcony. That is fantastic!

The volunteers at the half marathon were simply amazing. And there SO many of them. Probably more than they even needed. The spectators at the 12 mile mark were the ones that really made it for me! They were awesome!

I know the trip had its moments, what with all the rain and cold weather and Denny's flight changes, but in the end I think you made the best of it and had a unique experience. Congratulations again!

Thank you! Yes - the trip had its moments. I actually felt much worse for Denny. At one point he said, "I am just canceling and going to work" I was like , " NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

First time to NYC for a play or musical? That is just WRONG!

Yup - first time for a play. I know, hard to believe. I think when you live close to a city you take it for granted. If I ever move I am going up there to spend a week. It was actually a fairly long day. I left my house around 7:30am to meet 6 other girls. Then we caught a commuter train from Hamilton NJ. We didn't exit out of Penn station until 10 minutes before our noon lunch reservation. We walked to play from lunch and as soon as it was over we caught a cab back to Penn station. I ended up getting home at 8:45 pm. It was such a tease to be up there and not get to stay longer, so there will be a re-do with an overnight stay.

My earlier run was lovely. Today on the other hand...soggy!

Yay for lovely and boo for soggy!

LOL! those are the PP shots, not mine. You should have the same set, if you don't let me know and I can send copies.

I have the disc, but sadly I never uploaded those photos. I really need to do that. I am so far beyond on managing all my pictures. It's a disgrace.

That cronut was like nirvana

and then the sugar hit.

I HATE the sugar hit.

I am glad you got last snuggles.

We did. It was so sad. I have also been with my cats when they were euthanized, but I just couldn't be there for her last breath.

I hear you there, I need more longer ones as well. I am incredibly proud of you!

Thanks!

I go about once a quarter so it really was on my normal schedule. I am SO glad I got that run in Tuesday as I didn't look up after that. I tried to run a couple times but it was not to be for a variety of reasons. Which in a way is good as I might have had more chafing. LOL!

Thanks, it was ok. Everything kind of went wrong but we got it done anyway. First I messed up packet pickup, we were supposed to do it last Sunday and I thought it was yesterday. Which meant Jeff had to go downtown to get our stuff versus grabbing it closer to the house.

Then he almost got a ticket and it appears in his rush back to his car before the parking expired, he dropped my shirt!

Ugh - that sounds so frustrating. I think all the logistics are one of the reasons I don't do more races. I find all that crap annoying.

My sister and her DH were going to run with us and it was going to be a fun adult outing with beer garden after.

They bailed. So I've commandeered her shirt even if it is a size too big as Jeff was nice enough to grab their packets too.

Bummer that they bailed. But yay for the shirt!

I landed from Hawaii to find a dead car. Too late at night to deal with it so took a cab home. Instead of the beer garden (which honestly did NOT sound good at 9am lol) we headed back ot the airport to charge my car. And then hit horrendous traffic on the way home in hideous weather. I also thought I lost my running glasses but thankfully they had fallen out of my jacket in the car as I got out. WHEW! Oh, and my running watch was dead so I had NO clue how I was doing.

UGH AGAIN! VERY frustrating. I found my car dead after one of our trips. Totally my fault because I left the vanity mirror down and the light drained the battery. I will have to give the place props because one of the drivers actually charged my battery so we could get home. Sorry there was no beer garden. That sounds so much better than picking up your car.

It rained for the race. And it was crowded! I expected crowds, there is about 13,000 that do this dash. What I didn't expect was the pacing disaster/congestion. It may have been the worst run I've done in that regard (although I expect the one we are doing in SF in May will be similar). The run had 4 waves, 2 timed and 2 not. The timed waves combined had almost 5,000 people in it. We went for the 2nd of the timed groups as my BIL has never done a race. Lots of walkers had signed up for the timed waves, including the faster 1st group. We literally walked across the start line! Parts of it were really cool, bagpipes at the start line as each wave went, a solid sea of green running through downtown (and neither of us had ever run through actual downtown before) but the people dodging the entire 5K got a bit old and didn't make for a race that felt fast that's for sure. Plus a little hill right at the end. LOL! Still, it was a PR. Not the PR I hoped for but hey, 4 seconds is 4 seconds. If I did it again, we would definitely choose the first wave, Jeff was worried about his knee and we wanted to support my BIL. It worked out but it was a little frustrating at times (and slippery in spots).

Good for you for managing a PR with all those distractions, although I am sure it was a cool race. The St Patty's day races all seem really cool.

I think the Bay to Breakers sounds amazing. I have read what a cool race that is. Sounds like a great experience.

Kind of bizarre though, Jeff and I took the exact same place in our age groups, that's a first. Not that it's anything huge mind you, just odd that it's the exact same number. Similar results by gender in terms of placement too which is also unusual for us. As expected though he blew me away in overall finish so it would appear the knee did just fine. LOL!

That is pretty cool actually. And I'm glad his knee was fine!

Glad to be home now in front of the fire lol. Not motivated to do much.



I guess I'll do a little PHM recap next then too

And a great recap you did, so I won't comment here, especially since I commented on your other TR.

No rescue needed, you are ALWAYS welcome, it was a no brainer and I'm so glad you accepted. It was so much fun and made it more of a girls trip for that part which selfishly was very cool.

It WAS pretty cool that we got some girl's time in. I think I really needed that. It was really wonderful of you guys for letting me stay there. That worked out SO perfect for me - you have no idea!

I admit, I LOVE owning there and being able to lock up this view for key trips! I have a funny story about that Rita. Oh that guy. I mean I feel bad but it wasn't like the 10,000 feet outside wouldn't have woken anyone up anyway. He could have been a little nicer about it.

When I added on at VWL I had never stayed at BWV. I kept seeing contracts, but I never bought because I just wasn't sure if it was the right add on. How ironic that its ended up being one of my absolute favorite resorts. Probably my fav, actually.

Hail to the rita. I SO needed that!

It was SO good to see Christine even if I felt like I was very boring as we started to all hit various walls. Next time I will be more fun! I am just sick about how your night ended up going, that is awful.

I am so glad Christine met us for dinner. It was awesome to see her. I am sure her adjustment can't be without some hiccups. I give her mad props for making that move. I don't know if I could be so brave.

And my night - well - it was my worst case scenario and I survived so that just makes me stronger for next time.

I am glad that it went fast for you while waiting, I know I was worried about that too as you get out there a lot earlier than in CA. I think you did GREAT to keep with them until the 10K mark, better than I did with my pace group!

I loved being with the pace group. I felt so perfect as the beginning, but some of them literally just skipped the water stops and I was too afraid to do that. I really thought we were going to really slow down for each one and we didn't. So I had one scenario in my mind and that's not how it went. I hope to be better prepared next time.

I know what you mean about walking, some people are crazy fast!

And she was CRAZY fast.

I think all of this is as much a mental game as it is the physical part. You had more than one night of less than optimal sleep plus a huge work load before you left and I think it's only natural with everything that the self doubt creeps in, it happens to me, to all of us I think!

I totally succumbed to self doubt towards the end of the race. It made me afraid to push through the pain because I was afraid. If I hadn't been up all night I think I could have forced myself more, but once the adrenaline of the newness is gone...well.....

First, none of those are ugly pictures! You look focused and determined but NOT like you are dying! YAY for Pat and Marv, I know their cheer meant a ton to Ann, who hadn't even met them yet. Really boosted her when she needed it. You did incredibly well and should feel fabulous about it.

I really wished I had seen them sooner on the course. I definitely needed that.

You should feel special.

You are special!

Thanks!

A mimosa, breakfast with Princesses and sleep sound pretty perfect to me! I have to say the mimosa and the tablemates were the highlights. I am glad we went there and it was very appropriate but it won't be on my list to get back to anytime soon. Not impressed.

I really wasn't impressed with the food either. Even the lox and bagels were not as good as what I'm used to there. I kept thinking I was being picky because I was tired, but it goes a long with my overall impression that the food quality at Disney is declining. And that annoys me because I don't know which meals are going to be really good and which ones aren't going to be worth the $. Plus that bathroom was a disgrace.

It was pretty funny that we were in Norway the whole time just chatting away as Illuminations went off next to us. Yep, not a newbie in the bunch. I probably would have had one more drink too but the couch was comfy and that seemed like work. LOL!

Amen to that! I am glad I didn't have a final drink. I actually woke up feeling a bit hangover-ish, which was an unfamiliar feeling for sure.

I loved having the extra time with Danielle!

Me too and I felt terrible that I kept falling asleep.

And am glad I FINALLY got to meet Denny the next day.

And there was definitely a time where we didn't think THAT was going to happen.

That's right! It shall now be called the cronut kiosk henceforth!

I don't know when I will be back, or more accurately IF I will be back before 2017. Which gives me anxiety just typing.

That pretty much stinks. I do hope the wine & dine is still around then, although part of me thinks I should finally hit DL in the fall of 2017.

That is great!!!

I need to figure out, um get approved for, a next disney race or I might go a bit nutty on everyone.

I am sure you will figure something out. I have totally confidence.

EVERYONE (well except Caitlin lol) feels enormous next to the Princesses. LOL! My head always looks huge for some reason.

Those darn princesses. At least I was prepared for it this time.

Oh your dad, I love love love your Dad. I was in stitches all night. So.Much.Fun!

Scooter Tutor!

Popadon IS the best.

 

[MEK]

Mary Ellen - just want to say congratulations again on the PHM. You did great, excellent placement in your age group. I would really like to run the 10K. I need some motivation. I could barely run 2 miles right now, my thyroid disease has been terrible over the winter. So, I truly applaud you! Job well done!!!

Rebecca

Thanks Rebecca! I am happy that I did the race and would really like to try to run with that 2:30 pace group next year. I hear ya on the motivation. sometimes it is so difficult. I was only running 2-3 miles when I started training, so it is possible. You just have to push yourself to go a bit further with every run. When you map it out in a logical way it doesn't feel or seem as daunting.

All caught up again. Great recap on the PHM. I do have some pictures of you at the 13 mile mark and yes they show a great stride.

Glad you like the recap and I am shocked I had any kind of stride left at all by that point.

Fun night at the ditch - annex. It was margarita day or something.

It WAS margarita day, although the ritas were the same price as ever. I remember it was buy, get one round of tequila shots free. They definitely a "buy one, get one" rita deal.

Zowie! Took me a while to enjoy every minute of your race. I understand your jitters, but so glad you made it through! And yes, it was such a HUGE accomplishment, and I"m so proud of you! I've only gotten up to running a couple of piddly 5Ks and it took me MONTHS to train for those. Don't run at all anymore, but know the dedication it takes to be able to run any distance. Good for you! You all 3 looked so super cute.

Thanks! I definitely had the pre race jitters. Those, of course, left the minute I started running. It was a lot of training to do those distances, but I'm so glad I did. It was totally worth it.

Great friends to offer a place to stay in a crunch. Happy they pulled through for you! And the view! Nice! Someday I would LOVE to stay at any of those in that area.

They were more than generous with their offer to let me stay with them overnight. That was HUGE and greatly appreciated. I really didn't want to stay off site by myself. I needed to be somewhere familiar that night.

Bummer that Denny was so delayed and that travel and pipes were such an issue. Not a fun way to start any vacation anywhere.

It was NOT the best way to start vacation, but fortunately I was still able to go. I was so concerned that we would have bad weather and I would get delayed. I am SO happy that didn't happen.

Cynthia- great update about your arrival at EPCOT with the important Cronut stop. What fantastic group pictures!!!

They turned out fabulous, didn't they? I LOVE them!

Really, never on Living with the Land before? That shocks me too.

Very shocking. I think I ride that almost every time I go. I love seeing Blueberry boy.

But then again, I recently took the FB quiz, "How many MK attractions have you been on" and I was so embarrassed with my number that I didn't post the results. New Fantastyland really did me in, along with the Spitting Camel and sadly, Dumbo.

There are still a few attractions that I have never been on - the speedway being one of them. Everyone tells me just to stay away!

MEK- Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures of Jewell.

You're welcome. and thank you!

I loved your little detour to Cape May. The beach in the winter can be so inspiring. Watching the cold, powerful waves and walking on the empty beach.

I totally agree. A cold sunny day at the beach is really great. We are fortunate that we live close enough that we can go to the Delaware beaches pretty much whenever we want. It was fun visiting a completely different area.

Great recap of your PHM trip.

I was so sorry to hear about the frozen pipes and Denny's delay Was there any damage?

Thanks!

And, thankfully, No. the pipes never broke, but they were frozen for over 24 hours so we are so fortunate they thawed. Definitely a blessing.

YAY for friends like Caitlin and Cynthia and Ann!

Tell me about it. They all rock!

Gorgeous views of the 10K, and of Crescent Lake from your balcony.

That was such a bonus. I just love the Boardwalk view. It's really very special. I had to drag Denny down there to show it to him before we left.

That is great that you had a view of ToT from your room at BWV and the Eiffel Tower at BCV.

I know, right? I got some great views myself. Definitely not as cool as the boardwalk view, but still pretty great.

Bummer about not getting sleep before the race.

Ugh - that was one of the worst parts of the trip. Total bummer, but I still managed to soldier through. There was no way I was going to let that keep me from running.

I just want to say how impressed I am that you pushed yourself and finished the Half Marathon (standing, no less)

Nicely Done!

Thank you!

Cynthia: Great start to the day! I am still not sold on that cronut thing. It just looks so dry to me... I am amazed how much energy you were able to have after the flight!

I think it looks amazing, but I didn't love it when I tried it. Which is shocking. So its definitely on my list to try again, but I think I need to put ice cream on it and make it a dessert.

Mary Ellen:
I am so sorry about Jewel, she was beautiful!

Thank you! She was a really sweet cat. So low maintenance and so loyal. We all miss her.

Congratulations on finishing your race! I think you did really well - you only lost a few minutes on the pace lady that you tried to stick with! I have been trying a few times to train for a longer distance, but everytime when I get over 10k for my long runs, I start having problems with my hip. I guess I will just stick with the 10k in the future. Even though that newly announced Disneyland Paris race next year is really calling my name! I loved to read about your race experience, thanks for sharing this!

Thank you!

I hear ya on the long distances and injuries. I started having problems with my ankles. Fortunately, by wearing braces for every run I was able to remedy that. Unfortunately, that does not work for the hip.

I think the Paris race sounds amazing. If its calling your name then I say you really need to listen.

I was excited to read that you met Christine for dinner! I remember her and her trip reports from many years ago! Seems like you had a fabulous time with so many different friends at WDW!

It was great to see Christine. I really do miss her on the DIS boards. I loved her TRs too.

I have met so many great people through the DIS boards. Meeting DISers during each of my trips really adds something special. It's true that

 

[saintstickets]

Great race ladies! I admire your tenacity and perseverance in committing to something like this. Will I ever do it nah, but I admire y'all for doing it!

 

[khertz]

I love all the F&G pics! That is the one "season" at WDW we have not visited during yet, and I'd love to go sometime. Looks beautiful!

Another thing that looks beautiful is that cronut! lol Yum! Gotta try one of those when we go back, for sure.

Loved the short recaps of PHM weekend. Looks like a blast...aside from those frozen pipes and all. lol

 

[MEK]

Gotta have priorities!

Nice shot there!

Those pics turned out great!

And again!

Whoa--what??

I know - that's cray-cray!

Sorry to hear that. It's always hard to say goodbye, especially if it comes suddenly like that.

It was a rough 5 days from the time she got sick until the time we put her to sleep. Very sad.

I totally get that--we have been stuck doing various school activities the last several weekends and are starting to go out of our minds!

Ugh - thank goodness I can take a February vacation. It really IS a sanity saver for me!

Ack! Not what you needed!

Totally not what we needed. I almost couldn't believe it!

I felt kind of bad, but on the other hand he WAS booked in a boardwalk view studio during an early morning race.

Glad it didn't turn out to be a horrible issue.

Overall, I think we were pretty darn lucky. I am so glad they thawed as quickly as they did.

Can you believe it? When he told me it was snowing I figured it was nothing. I still really don't know how much snow you all got that day, but it doesn't take much for Southwest to cancel their flights.

Whoa--you mean you ran a half marathon on 1 hour of sleep??

Yup - that pretty much sums it up!

Hey, the fact that you finished is amazing! I would have crashed long before that.

When I first started running I felt so much better - almost normal, but by the time the sun was up and it was getting warmer fatigue was definitely setting in. It got rough then.

I really needed that cheer of encouragement.

A very big deal! You should be proud! Especially with no sleep.

Thanks!

Yeah that was weird - being asked to leave that is!

Holy cow. It's like the universe was conspiring against him.

At one point he told me he was staying home and just going to work the next next.

You guys take your Mine Train rides very seriously.

Amen to that!

Thanks for sharing--it was a great accomplishment!

Thanks!

Sorry your morning run got interrupted... and that you might have been out 40 bucks. At least you're able to have a good attitude about it.

I agree.

That is what I call some good friends! No way I'd have been able to wait to take a picture of that thing. In fact, I don't think I'd have stopped after the first bite. There would be a picture of an empty tray.

I'm glad you finally corrected that!

Me too!

Oh, yuck...

Our pipes froze one evening this winter. I cranked the furnace up to 83 for about 3 hours and we were luckily back in business.

Yeah - it was bad. We learned that space heaters are definitely the way to go. Worked like a charm.

I'm glad that you have good friends who will have your back!

Me too! They really helped me out because I didn't want to stay off site by myself. It was a hugely generous offer.

See... good friends.

Yup!

There's an easy way to fix that.

Easy, but not cheap! That's for sure!

Oh... yuck.

I couldn't believe it. I had no idea it even snowed that much at home.

I'm sorry... It sounds like it was a great group to run with. I'm sorry that you weren't able to keep the pace for the whole race. But you've got to do what you've got to do. And you stuck with it and finished which is what really matters!

I did what I could. It was the stops that got me. I wanted to stop at every water stop and they were supposed, but didn't. I just couldn't seem to catch back up again and its hard to even see people in the dark.

I've never ran a race, but I swear, every TR where someone writes about one of these RunDisney events, there is always a line like this about how the crowd or someone they know really helped get them over the hump!

It really was a great experience and the people cheering and volunteering made it that way.

Poor guy...

He was so frustrated by that evening that he told me he was just going to stay home. Seriously, THAT did not go over well.

Yeah, I'm sure that was the right call.

Definitely the right call. I never would have made it without that nap.

Shocking, right???

Seriously... just brutal. I'm sorry he had such a hard time getting there. I'm glad he eventually made it though.

I am too. I felt really bad for him.

It looks like a nice PHM trip for you with plenty of Dismeets. Congratulations on completing the race. You're definitely well within your rights to show that medal off as much as you want!

Thanks! I was really proud of that medal that week. And I still am!

 

[MEK]

Welllll, I stopped getting email notifications again so I got behind. There's simply too much to comment on other than job well done on the race. Oh and I loved all of the pictures of ya'll and the Dis friends. Dis friends are THE absolute best!

Thanks. The race was such a great experience and all the DIS meets were the icing on the cake.

Caught up. Great write-up on all of the goings-on. Boo to the guy who complained about your cheering from the Boardwalk.

Thanks!

I actually sort of understand why he got angry, but on the other hand, when you have a boardwalk view room during an early morning race - well - your take you chances.

Good job on your runs! You guys are amazing!

Thanks!

So great to see the pictures of everyone. Awesome that so many DISers could get together.

I love having DIS meets, as you well know! It was great getting to meet with so many DISers this past trip.

This picture is seriously awesome! Cynthia can't even look.:

That picture is hysterical. That Popadon. He keeps everyone laughing all the time!

You have no idea, my sides hurt that night!

I bet they did. That picture is hysterical!

Wow, Mary Ellen, what a crazy 24 hours before your race! I'm so sorry to hear about the debacle that was your pipes freezing! And then not being able to sleep?! You poor thing! But you powered through like a champ and you've got to be SO proud of yourself for that! I am proud of you for it!!!

When I was laying there in bed just knowing I probably wasn't going to sleep, I just knew there was no way I was going to let all that training go down the tubes so I just knew I had to soldier through. I was definitely glad when it was over!

And what a great set of Dismeets you got to partake in!!!

I LOVE DIS meets. I'm thrilled that so many DISers were there at the same time. It was great!

I had to share! I'm so glad that you had a great time. Popadon loves to have a good time.

Those pictures are so awesome and it was great to see Pop having such a fun time!

Hahahaha, it was such a good time. We need to help Pop open a Scooter Tutor School. We can call it "Pop Can Scoot and So Can You!"

Ladies, a HUGE congratulations to both of you! Wow!!! That was a lot of time and training in the making. Too cool you met up with so many people! Looks like fun was had by all

Thanks Pam! It was a lot of work and training, but it ended up being a great experience.

Poor Denny's flight tribulations. And what a pain about the pipes.

Ugh - the timing couldn't be any worse. But it all ended well, even though Denny arrived 2 1/2 days late. Better than not getting there at all.

Love the Valentines Day beach pictures

Thanks!

Cynthia, that medal hanger thingy looks great!

I agree - I want one, but I need to get a lot more medals first.

Cute outfits

Thanks. Totally Cynthia's idea. I can't take any credit at all.

 

[MEK]

Your meal from Trail's End looks so tasty! I keep hearing such good things about that place!

Her meal looked so good I wanted to go over there and eat all week. I never did, but I WILL get there.

I LOVED your costumes - I recognized them right away! I'm quite impressed that the three of you ran with wings!

I am too! Seriously though - Here's what Cynthia did. She sewed our caps onto the back of our tanks. Then the morning of the race we pinned the wings in place. They were pined through the cape and into the tank. Mine didn't move at all. I didn't even realize the wings were on. Now the visor - well - that was a different story.

Congratulations on finishing the Princess Half AND on your PR!!!

She did amazing!

Your wall plaque that holds your medals and bibs is awesome! I have several runner friends that would love that!

I love that. It makes me want to do more races - but only those that give medals.

Well you might not be able to take credit for the pictures themselves Cynthia, but you were still part of an awesome DISgroup picture, so that counts for something.

Agreed!

Haha cute shirts, but the "Stay Hydrated" with an Ariel silhouette is PURE GOLD!!

That IS an awesome shirt. They had so many super cute shirts at the expo.

I'm still always impressed with all you runners. But if I had to run, Disney would be the place for sure. Congratulations on not only finishing, but also setting a PR as well. Especially with all the distractions, that is impressive indeed.

I totally agree.

That was a seriously fun story to read. Thanks for the detail you put into making it all come alive for us!

Congratulations again on your hard work and example of enthusiasm you put into life.

I loved Cynthia's story. You are right - she is very detailed when she describes her running. It
definitely makes it more interesting to read.

Those shirts are very cute. I think the Princess half has the best wardrobe.

I love your Margarita story. Who would have thought that ESPN had better ones. And they take the TiW card. Too bad the place is noisy and doesn't have a good atmosphere.

That would have been fun to watch a race from your balcony. The fans use cowbells for the Chicago marathon. I can see why your neighbor was complaining.

Your outfits were very cute. It's too bad that the top rode up like that. It is annoying to have clothing malfunctions during a race.

That is a lot of wear for only 150 miles. I can see why you would be running lopsided. And the canted roads probably didn't help, either. That was one thing I remember about the Disney half marathon - the canted roads were hard to run on.

Congratulations. Considering everything, including Artist Point, you did great.

I love that. I've kept all my race bibs and written my race times on the backs of them. But the medals are just hanging on a tie rack in the closet.

I know that Cynthia probably already responded to this, but I'll throw in a few comments myself. It was actually a mini cow bell, so it wasn't super loud. I have to admit - I did ring it more than a few times. I felt bad when he came outside. I did love watching the 10K from the balcony. It was fun.

I agree that C's shoes look a mess. I am shocked they wore that much. I would be highly upset about that.

Hail to the ESPN rita. It was very relish!

 

[MEK]

Ladies, Cynthia and Maryellen, I am too far behind to comment on both of your race posts (and so much work to do this week, and one of my bosses is leaving our firm and I've got to help him clean his office while hiding the tears, and now getting ready to go to Phoenix to see Mary, Jeff and the girls next week).

No worries Kathy. I have been the worse DISer for the last month. No apologies needed here - that's for sure!

YAYAYAYAYAYAY for your Phoenix trip! It's going to be wonderful!

Let me just tell you that I am both proud and impressed by your doing these runs. I know it is something I couldn't do, and I'm just in awe of the work you put into preparing for these and then doing them and finishing them. Kudos to both of you.

Thanks Kathy! Last year this time I would have never imagined myself doing it, so I am proud that I made the commitment and stuck to it. I'm disappointed that I can't run nearly as fast as I did 15 years ago, but I'm still happy I did my best.

I loved the pictures of you all with the DISer's you met, family, etc.

You know what everyone says....

Great Update Cynthia !! Your costumes were great !! Having trouble with either the Dis or my Laptop tonight so , gonna call it a night !!!

I agree - she did a fabulous update! And she is responsible for our wonderful costumes. She did a great job figuring all the details out!

A huge congrats on the race!!! And I LOVE your new "toy"!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love it too! I want one. I think I need to do a few more races first!

I don't have a lot of time to comment these days, but I do want to say I amazed at both of you ladies (and Ann too) for your accomplishments. just being able to run an event like this is incredible.

I hear Ya on the "not a lot of DIS time". Thank you for the compliment. I really appreciate it and I was thrilled I was able to participate and finish. I think I'm still on a high!

I also have to say that since I now have no WDW plans in the near future, I will have to live vicariously through your trips, so please get along with the updates! LOL!

I am working on a new update as we speak. I hope to get it done soon. It's the whole lack of time thing.

Cynthia, I loved your race recap! I am so impressed by your achievements. And your speed!! You talk about wanting to be faster, but I am just amazed at how fast you are!!! I am happy if my runs have a pace of under 7 min/km... No clue what that is in min/mile though. But it is not fast!

However, you two have inspired me to consider signing up for a local 10k in June. I am already running a 5k in May with my sister - will be Katharina's first race ever. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Cynthia's speed IS really awesome.

Congrats on signing up for the 10 K - that is SO awesome!!!!!! That's how it start. And that's really how I got inspiration - from hearing other people's stories. It really can be quite contagious!

Congratulations, Cynthia. That's a great result, even if it came at the expense of a shoe!

I think her shoes were already wearing excessively before the race and that totally pushed them over the edge. That wear was crazy. I would NOT be happy about that.

Love the costumes and the theme for the 3 of you.

Thanks. We owe it to Cynthia. She was the mastermind.

Amazing Rita story. I would never have thought to head to ESPN for that.

I can tell you one thing - I will be heading back there this summer for another one.

 

[Poolrat]

I think when you live close to a city you take it for granted. If I ever move I am going up there to spend a week.

I couldn't agree more says the girl who has never been to the Statue of Liberty.

I went once with Friends to see Gilda Radner live on stage but other than that if it wasn't for school trips my trips to the theater would be non-existent. My mother made sure I saw Christmas in the City and we used to go to the circus at the Garden and Rockefeller Center but I distinctly remember going into the city during my college years and having a very nervous mother.

 

[Poolrat]

I can tell you one thing - I will be heading back there this summer for another one.

I second that.

 

[MEK]

MEK and Cynthia, I just loved your PHM updates, and being able to be there for the experience! I always thought just having someone there who knew you to cheer for you by name would just be a good feeling for the person running. When Ann told us how much it sincerely meant to her, and helped boost her when she needed it, and for you two to feel that lift as you finished the race...........I was just floored that it would have that type of an impact. I was so glad we made the effort, and for me that just made it even more worthwhile on a personal level. I've followed someone around once before at a race to cheer them on at different points along the course, and I wasn't sure it meant much at all to them, so thank you ALL for making it special for me too!!!

I can't tell you how great it was to have people cheering for me at the end of that race. It was so cool to enter Epcot and have all those people I didn't know clapping and cheering us on it. It was huge. And then to hear my name at the end of the race - that was pretty epic. So thank you!

It was just so great getting to see you both again and spend some time together, and being along to meet so many new DISers I haven't had the chance to meet before. Spending time in Norway with so many fun and warm people is a great memory, and I agree with everyone that Popadon was a hoot!

Norway was such a great meet. I am glad we were able to get everyone together like that. It was perfect.

Oh yeah - that Popadon - never a dull moment, that's for sure!!!

MEK, I'm so glad Denny finally made it after so many struggles (and I KNOW you were), and it definitely was great getting to share dinner with you two and get to know you both better!

Dinner was fun! Denny really enjoyed himself and so did I. So glad we got to spend that time together and to ride ToT the next day. It was really great! I hope we have overlapping trips again. Maybe Pat will want to train for the PHM for next year. I already made my DVC registration so I am in for either the 10K or the 1/2.

So proud of all of you runners and the great job you did!!!

Thank you!

yeah you are on Disney property.

Which is the best place to be EVER!!!!!

MEK - Nice run you are doing. The Grandstand is my favorite quiet pool.

I LOVE it there! SSR is a great resort and all the pools are so wonderful!

Nice pics at Epcot. Hi Rosie.

Thanks! And it was great seeing Rosie! She's awesome!

I am the same way on SE with pics. LOL.
Looks like a nice day so far in Epcot.

It's a disease, I'm telling you!

Cynthia - So happy you got your Cronut.
Loved the group photo.

Hail to the cronut....and the group shot!

MEK - Sad to put an animal down.

It was SO sad because it was just so unexpected. And animals are so innocent and they trust you, so its so hard to see them go.

Pretty pics in Cape May.

Thanks. Living in NYC - have you ever visited? If not, you really should before you relocate. It's such a lovely town. I'm definitely heading back in the warmer weather.

That stinks about the pipes and he couldn’t go down with you. Glad you were able to stay with Cynthia.
Nice view of the 10K. LOL the neighbor scolded you.
Glad he was getting in on Sunday now.
Nice view from your room.

Those darn pipes caused SO many problems. Ann and Cynthia were so great to rescue me! And then there was a brief period of time where we thought Denny was going to have to cancel all together.

Too bad his flight was cancelled.

That was such a mess. ugh!

Yeah you finished. Good for you.

I was going to finish even if I had to CRAWL across that line.

Nice meets you had while you were there.

Dis meets are always the best. I enjoyed seeing everyone.

Cocoa Beach is in the running for us to move to but looks more like Sarasota.

Sarasota is a great location. You are SOOOOOOO lucky. I am totally jelly!

Beautiful pics from DTD and SSR.
Sounds like a fun trip.

Thanks. It really was a great trip.

Cynthia - Great update and pics of your PHM race. Like the medal holder.

I love it too. It's super cool.

Ladies I am caught up again.

Nice job. You are doing SO much better than me.

 

[MEK]

Wow... I mean, I'm not exactly anti-ESPN... I enjoy going there. But I can't say that I've ever had a margarita there. I would never imagine them to be better than La Cava.

I think as a classic rita it did rival the quality of La Cava's, but its not as good as the cucumber or jalapeño - but I think its pretty much impossible to top one of those.

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

That is awesome. Where did you find that????

But yeah, I can see how an unknowing and unsuspecting guest might be annoyed by it. But there are certainly ways to be civil about it. I'm sure the noise out on the Boardwalk was likely as bad as anything you could have been doing in cheering runners on from your balcony.

I think he could have been a lot nastier. I felt bad. I get it. When you are trying to sleep and you can't - well that pretty much sucks. But, on the other hand, I really wanted to cheer on the runners.

Wow. I'm amazed you ran a half marathon in those shoes! I realize you can't just go out and buy new shoes to run in before a race, so you were kind of locked into just dealing with it, but that looks pretty bad.

I can't believe how worn they looked at the end of the race. Crazy.

Congratulations on the PR! You might have been able to do a little better, but I'd say it looks like the results turned out very well.

I agree.

I approve! Love it!

It's awesome!

Great race recap! Congrats!!!

"My flight was uneventful" sounds great to me.

I love the marathon shirts and I really love your medal display!!!

Thanks for the great tip on the ESPN 'ritas. Too funny about the CM working the stand!

:

I know Cynthia already responded to this, but I have to agree with you about

Why are these trip reports so addicting ? Loving it please keep them coming. . . . .

debedo! I apologize if this is not your first post. It's hard for me to remember everyone who had posted. I am so glad you are enjoying out TR and we will definitely try to keep the updates coming!

Cynthia, awesome recap of the PHM! I'm just starting (again) to try to get into running. Not my thing, by a long shot, so I'm pushing myself a lot, but you gals really provide a LOT of inspiration and I THANK You for that!!

It's so cool to hear that we are inspiring to people. That's really how I got back into running. I found all the runners around me to be very inspiring and I knew it was time to crank it up a bit.

Your costumes are adorable!! I love them!

All the credit goes to Cynthia. She did a great job figuring out how to pull it all together.

Your new "toy" is so cute, great way to remember each race.

I love that! I want one!!!!!!

Mary Ellen, just went back and found your PHM short story too! (So my replies to you and Cynthia are in reverse order. )
(Also, I had a run of customers so this reply got delayed.)

No worries. We haven't been super organized at keeping this TR up to date, so its certainly easy to miss an update!

I remember reading about all the issues before you left, the pipes! How awful! But how sweet of Cynthia and Ann to lend a hand.

Ugh - those pipes really messed things up. But Cynthia and Ann were so awesome and it was so fun to hang out with them. It was likely getting a bit of a bonus girl's trip and those girl's trips are always so special.

Love the recap of the race. A huge congratulations to you!

Thanks!