Oh! My Peanut butter! (a 2013 PHM report)

[chunkymonkey]

I just caught up on your latest TR! I can't wait to hear about the PHM. You bought DVC? So exciting! What is your home resort?
I'll have to ask you more about it after you get it. I hope it goes through! *crosses fingers*

We just booked tentatively for labor day weekend this year, staying at AoA. I'll be there with DH, my sister and possibly a family friend. There is nothing like an upcoming trip to make you troll the boards again, right? LOL.

 

[eandesmom]

Yup... first thing. It gives me the ability to not shower... then run... then get cleaned up. I have TERRIBLE skin and more than one shower in a day would make me shrivel up like a raisin. Plus... I just eat my prerun meal (usually toast and my peanut butter...but if it is cold some oatmeal) I sometimes wish I could have the coffee first... but I am afraid of what a. the extra liquid would do to my bladder. and b. what the caffeine would do to my performance.

My daily breakfast, and often lunch, diet is your pre run meal that's kind of funny. Today I had...multi grain oatmeal with raisens for breakfast, whole grain rye toast with low fat PB for lunch. Talk about boring! Sometimes I get wild and mix it up with greek yogurt and granola. I have coffee before I work out but only a cup and a fair amount of water. Mary Ellen can do it before she runs but Jeff won't...though he will before a regular gym workout.

The gsc is for doing the 10k and the half during the PHM weekend. It is probably good we are not going to be there for the phm... cause doing that might be too much for me... but I would be compelled to try.

As for the coast to coast...I would love try to do one sometime. That means either a labor day weekend or January in DL. I could see doing the tink in January, but the heat at the end of August or beginning of September might kill me. So on the flip side it would mean doing a fall half in WDW. Not a bad idea... there is the Wine and Dine. I SOOOO was hoping Steve would pick that one!!!! There is an after party in the middle of the night with food and wine kiosks open! Plus you get a gc to use at the kiosks. (not much...but enough for a sampling or two) Yes... I MUST do that one some time! Plus it is a night time run. So no getting up at 3am to catch a bus.

Ah, so it's kind of like the Dumbo Double Dare? I have a co worker who is doing that. The Food and Wine one always looked perfect to me on so many levels.

No it isn't. Neither is June Dairy.(which is coming up) I really need to get a different job....

They both sound...BRRR!

NYE will be so cool! But I imagine it will be hard if not impossible to change plans...maybe not for the end, but for the beginning. Off hand do you know when they take the Christmas decorations down?

I've heard early Jan but not really sure how early....

Zoe does have appointments at Childrens. She should have more... but I have been so busy. Now add in Steve's job and insurance change. For the first time EVER we have a deductible to meet. (I know..waaa) but this month deductible is $300 pp (so not a problem) Only the plan changes next month and the deductible is going to $1k. Good grief! Oh well... I guess we just will have to make due. Out of pocket max is going up considerable as well. I am soo very glad I stocked up on her durable supplies since we will be paying oop (they were costing us nothing) Good news is she will hit her deductible in the first month.

UGH! I hear you. I never had a deductible at all until about 4 years ago and I can't stand it. Ours just went up. I hope that $300pp is the max for the year, not the month?????? Ours was $250pp $750 for the family but is now $306/$918. And honestly is why I am procrastinating on my mammogram. Regular is covered but a u/s which I always need is considered "elective" and it will be all deductible. I'm not late mind you but should be going soon and frankly...am not in a rush to pay that much cash.

So yes... getting up there works. Tukwilla isn't far.... AND I will be going to see what is at the brooks outlet. It will just probably not be until after June Dairy is over.

Hopefully we can coordinate something

 

[annmarieda]

I just caught up on your latest TR! I can't wait to hear about the PHM. You bought DVC? So exciting! What is your home resort?
I'll have to ask you more about it after you get it. I hope it goes through! *crosses fingers*

We just booked tentatively for labor day weekend this year, staying at AoA. I'll be there with DH, my sister and possibly a family friend. There is nothing like an upcoming trip to make you troll the boards again, right? LOL.

We are still waiting to hear on the ROFR... so we might be purchasing. With how much prices have jumped in just the last few weeks... if this doesn't go through we may just wait out until they come back down. If it does go through... it would be at OKW.

A labor day weekend trip??!!! I know it is such a hot time of year to be there, but I really do like that time. It is funny how a trip can get you back to dis, isn't it. Course for me I always have one (if not more ) in the works... so I am ALWAYS here and ALWAYS trying to catch up.

My daily breakfast, and often lunch, diet is your pre run meal that's kind of funny. Today I had...multi grain oatmeal with raisens for breakfast, whole grain rye toast with low fat PB for lunch. Talk about boring! Sometimes I get wild and mix it up with greek yogurt and granola. I have coffee before I work out but only a cup and a fair amount of water. Mary Ellen can do it before she runs but Jeff won't...though he will before a regular gym workout.

I don't know if that is boring... I tend to like multi grain anything! I have to be careful though with my carb intake as it can have ill affects on my blood sugar.

And as for coffee pre work out. I think I could if I were...inside...near a restroom... where someone could find me easily if I were to. ... I think not entirely knowing how I would react has me reluctant to try.

Ah, so it's kind of like the Dumbo Double Dare? I have a co worker who is doing that. The Food and Wine one always looked perfect to me on so many levels.

Yep... Rundisney has come out with all these "challenges" And they add to the cost of the race. Do you know... to purchase the runnersworld dopey challenge was about $1k? PLUS there is an active fee on top of that.

I liked that my first rundisney event was under $100. Next was more... and even though this last one I registered for I had a $15 discount... it still was over $150 (and that is early registration)

Still, I would love to do A challenge sometime. Maybe a coast to coast. And I do get it... it costs more because you get an extra medal. And those medals are substantial. You could kill someone with the princess one!

They both sound...BRRR!

they can be...

I've heard early Jan but not really sure how early....

I must figure this out! I would love to go early enough to hit DHS on my own so I could see the lights!!! Steve won't go with me. It is just too much for him.

UGH! I hear you. I never had a deductible at all until about 4 years ago and I can't stand it. Ours just went up. I hope that $300pp is the max for the year, not the month?????? Ours was $250pp $750 for the family but is now $306/$918. And honestly is why I am procrastinating on my mammogram. Regular is covered but a u/s which I always need is considered "elective" and it will be all deductible. I'm not late mind you but should be going soon and frankly...am not in a rush to pay that much cash.

It was $300 for the year... but as of June 1 it will go to $1000 a year.

I wish that our system had not changed so horribly in the last 10 years. I didn't mind the HMO model. I don't care (normally) about who my doctor is as long as they are competent and respectful. The idea that you would wait to go in... and even though you are not late...... hesitating and possibly missing something that would end up being more of an issue is the reason HMOs got big in the first place. I don't need freedom to pick my plan...my doc...etc.... I need to know that if I go in I am not going to be paying an arm and a leg. I went in recently (if you saw my fb post) Just to meet with a new doc. Just a "hey, I need to get established" type of visit. The charge to establish like that is $150. I get... their time is valuable and they have costs... but (especially since I wont go back) it seems like a lot of money for not much service.

Hopefully we can coordinate something

Definitely!!!

Actually... do you realize that we were suppose to meet a couple years ago? I was cleaning out my inbox. (cause I never delete my pm's and as you know... I had messages getting bounced) You and one of your E's were driving down south and it was suggested I ride with you. Too much was going on at the time... I bailed. I never heard more about it... so I don't even know if you ended up going... not going.. how the weekend went. Just funny how long it took us to connect on here again.

 

[annmarieda]

So now I come to the part you are all waiting for, yes?

2/24 and race day!!!
I knew I needed to get up and to the buses before the "last one" since I had read that most people try to do that and find that the last bus is VERY full.

So I set my alarm for THE earliest time I have EVER set it for while on vacation - 3am.

At just a skootch before 3am I woke. I tend to do that. My internal clock works pretty good... and it messes with my mind. I am jolted awake thinking "OH! It is time to get up" Only I have like 5 minutes left

However, I was up... and excited to get ready. I had prepared everything the night before. So it was a quick wash of my face and apply new make up (I had to look somewhat presentable for pics), change out of pjs into my running outfit (yes, no shower... who says I have to smell good to start?)

No one else was up in the room as that was the plan. The fact that CSR has doors near the sink area rather than curtains was a huge plus. It made it so not only could I keep the light away from my sleeping family, but the noise was minimized too.

Soon I as ready and with no one up... I played around with taking some pictures of myself.





The night before I had tried so many combinations of what to wear. I am actually glad I brought multiple options and had not relied on a specific "costume". As you can see, I ended up wearing the official shirt we were given, my pretty new -longest run of 6 miles in - brooks, the sparkle skirt I made, the disney rewards princess hat and my compression leggings.

I grabbed my bagel, peanut butter packet and water bottles(one for the race and one to toss after I ate) and headed out the door.

It was still dark of course and my plan to get to the bus stop at 3:30am was successful. There were people there already, but not so many that I didn't get on the very next bus that arrived.

I will admit, the ride there had me a tad intimidated. I looked around at all the young women wearing tiaras and various other costume pieces. I was partially struck with a feeling like I was out of place. The feeling was only beginning to manifest when the bus ride was over and we were dropped of.

I don't know where we were dropped off. A parking lot...

Once off the bus began the first of the "endurance walks" Hundreds... no thousands of people migrated from the bus stop to the staging area. It was not a short walk, but in a way it was nice because it gave me a chance to further wake up.

I remember striking up a conversation with another solo runner. I can't remember what was said, but I think it had to do with how large the herd of people was.

As we approached the staging area, the migrating herd turned into a large crowd. Photographers from marathonfoto were jumping in front of groups of people to take their pictures. There were announcers talking to the crowd as we were all trying to get into the staging area. You know... the typical "who here is doing their first half marathon" and the crowd yells "woooo" "who here is celebrating their birthday" and the crowd yells "wooo" and so forth.

Finally we were in the staging area.


I found a spot to settle into and broke out my bagel and peanut butter. While I ate, I watch the crowd as the dj/announcer tried to get people revved up. I also did a bit of stretching.

Bagel eaten, water bottle drank. I was fueled and hydrated. Then I noticed the corrals were being called. I heard corral E and F being called to move to their position...then G. And I realized I missed the call of my corral.

So with a very full bladder I hustled to try and get up in the migration so that I could get to my corral. My thought was that (like the ToT race) there would be a porta potty to use once I got there.

I managed to wiggle my way up through the mass amount of people heading to the corral... thus taking the second "endurance walk" (why are these walks so long?) This walk takes about 20 minutes.

I found my corral easy enough and entered. I scanned the perimeter and did NOT see the much needed porta poty!

I knew based on the time guidelines for my coral that I should try to be near the front because I was bound to be faster than many in my corral (except the guys... the guys were not allowed in A or B...so the FASTEST of them would be in C) So I made my way up along the side to near the front. I found and open spot and began waiting. Soon I felt pain. Multiple sites of pain. Burning pain... stinging pain. Yes, I was standing in a fire ant nest. They were in my shoes and socks and yes... biting me. I moved quickly away from the spot and continued to slap and brush off these pesky little critters while the points on me in which they had had their morning nibble continued to sting and swell.

Now with spots that burned (that even were on my wrists since some of them were very intent on letting me know they would not be so easily brushed away) and a very full bladder I worried that this did not bode well for the day.

However, I had so much energy and the crowd was amazing that I quickly forgot that notion.

One by one though people found that open spot. The first guy to hit that spot I pointed out the ants. It only took a second of standing there and he too was doing the same "ants in my pants dance". He told me he wondered what I was doing before. Just thought it was some strange type of stretching. yes... that would make more sense than getting bite by angry ants.

It was funny how the crowd around me grew and we all would warn people. Some immediately moved away while others looked at us like we were trying to trick them and stood their ground... briefly.

There was some prerace show that included Sean Austin (who was running the race) and Ali... (not sure of her last name) who won biggest loser. She shared her goal of running 13 half marathons in 2013. Just amazing. The fairy godmother came out and wished us well on our journey.


Being in corral C meant that at 5:30 we got to see fireworks for corral A... then corral B. As each corral left, we moved up.



Finally it was time for corral C to start!

Some of you may remember my dilemma regarding my corral placement. The time I submitted was from a race in October. I was running at a better place by the time the phm came. I had been in contact with rundisney and the rep who placed me in C, kinda was a bit of a jerk. My time from october had technically been good enough to project a finish of less than 2:30. That time would have bumped me into B. However, the rep told me that he didn't personally think I could finish in that amount of time. I am not sure if they look at other rundisney events.. the fact this was my first half... age.. what... but he put me was a finish of 2:30 (the cut of for B was 2:29) Begrudingly I came to the conclusion that running in C was only going to put me starting/finishing only a little bit later (since the corrals leave about 7 minutes apart) Well, I should have listened to my gut on it. Running in C was a bit of an exercise in frustration.

As C ran over the start it almost came to a dead stop. Walkers... already??? Now, I am not at all opposed to a walk run method. I also can appreciate the need to stop and walk. At the start? I kinda don't get.

It took a long time (I want to say a mile) to have the crowd thin out enough that I would run at my pace. Even though there was this frustration, I was having an awesome time and was so excited!

I attempted some stops for pictures along the way, but between lines being long and my camera not working right I gave up. As I passed under the tolls for MK, I made my last stop... and tried and tried to get my camera to work. Not wanting to waste more time I decided then and there I would not be stopping for more photo ops.

As we ran in front of the contemporary we ran up our first "hill" This caused a lot of congestion as people slowed...walked.. almost crawled up it. I heard that someone who was frustrated by this jumped the cones (one side of the road was still open to cars) and got hit by a car. I can remember it was an awkward area... the road.. the median, the crowds and the cones all made for a mini obstacle course.

Then it was time to run through MK. We entered via a service road that popped us out near Tony's. We turned and run up main street! This was one of my favorite moments. Crowds were lined up cheering us on. It was still a bit dark out and it was marvelous! We turned and ran through tommorowland. I began to really think of my need for a restroom. I had read that once in MK there were plenty of real restrooms on the course that one could use. Only... in running the course it did not seem so easy to find them.

We wrapped around and the castle was next! Trumpets played and my excitement grew. I exited the castle and had to make a choice. Stop in front to get my picture taken by marathonfoto (and pee my pants) Or run to the nearest restroom.

Well, the urge was so great at that point that I may have had a bit of an accident....so I knew that if just considering my option caused that... I COULD NOT STOP

marathonfoto did get a video of me running through the castle... a brief second... so at least I got to see that.

I continued on through frontierland scanning for someplace to complete my needed task. We exited MK at the end of fronteirland..turned and at the end of that service path was GLORIOUS porta potties!

Now this is certainly gross but I will share... I think/know that I was not the only one that encountered this. I think most runners...female runners, know the hard reality of our poor post pregnancy bladders. Given it was hot I had been dumping water over my head. Given it was hot and humid I was sweating a lot. Given my full bladder...well... you know. So when I finally after 5 miles of running made my way into the stall... it was truly hard to tell what moisture was from what... and the flood gates opened!! Whatever the reason I was so.. wet from head to toe... my bladder certainly had enough contents to keep me in that stall for a while. OH... and let me just say... compression pants on top of compression panites... not such a good idea to try and quickly get off when the alarm has sounded and the gates KNOW they are about to open.
Nor are they particularly easy to get back on once they are off....

The sun was coming up by this time and I continued to run. The on course entertainment was outstanding. If you have never done a rundisney event, YOU SHOULD. The crowd energy even while running is amazing... and seeing characters along the course...and entertainers. It is just an experience not to be missed.

I lost a lot of time in the porta potty... but I still was doing well. I ran all of the race until about mile 12. Mile 12 is where we get some more hills. Hills in the way of onramps, which may not seem like much...but after 12 miles believe me... they are much!!! I managed to run the first one but the second or third caused me to walk a bit. However, Epcot was visible in the distance so I pushed on.

As we entered (I want to say it was near where the buses pickup/drop off) the cheering section grew. There were many people there with funny and encouraging signs. I scanned the crowd because the plan was that Steve and Zoe would be at the finish. I knew I was near the finish!

As we entered Epcot and ran around the ball I was a bit aggravated. I had runkeeper on during the race and it noted that I had reached 13 miles. 13 miles?? Where is the finish? This was my thought as I reached 13.1... 13.2....13.3...13.4 And then... THEN I saw the finish. I gave my last OOOMPH of energy I had and sprinted across. I was a tad disappointed to not hear my name called as I crossed. I guess there were too many people crossing at the same time. I finished and looked around. Steve was no where in site.

I started my walk through the end... to get my goodies. (food box, water, banana, fruit snack, powered) Medics where on hand and were not letting people exit until they opened their water bottles and started to drink.

Once back to the family reunion area I called Steve. He was lost...but there. He did miss me crossing the finish. Which...honestly with the crowd being what it was both in spectators and in runners I did figure he would miss me.

I decided to take my own finish picture. (not that they ever turn out good)


I stayed put thinking that Steve should come to me...rather than me hunt him down. He got a bit frustrated at one point and the only time on the trip was a bit of a jerk. He threatened that he was just going to go back to the resort.

Begging him to find me so that we could get back together.... he did. Took him 30 minutes... but he did.

My finish time? Cause I know you all are curious... and you want to know if I proved that jerk at rundisney wrong...

2:25:50

Total finishers - 22739

My overall place - 3946

Total female finishers - 21238

My gender place - 3575

Total in my division - 2706

my division place - 448

I think I didn't do too shabby!

Next Up: 2/24 - Day 5 Part 2

 

[KatMark]

Ann, I am so impressed that you did this again. Good for you!

It sounds like a nightmare in the morning getting to your corral, and then to have to deal with the fire ants.

Sorry you weren't able to stop for your picture...but there is always next time. And I believe you will have many next times with yoru Disney races.

Congratulations!

 

[dizneeat]

Wow! First off, congratulations Ann, on finishing the course. It was so exciting to read all about it, from the ants to the walking start, the restroom break to your glorious finish.
And your time is just AWESOME!!!!!!!! You really showed that rundisney jerk!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Yay! Congratulations! I have been waiting to read this! You did fantastic, great time. Any tips you would give that you didn't think of until you were actually in the race??

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, I am so impressed that you did this again. Good for you!

Well... this was my first time, but thank you! I did do the ToT 10 miler last fall and am registered this years as well. I had hoped that I would be doing the 2014 PHM... but Steve has picked the Donald half marathon. btw, I thought of you and Mark when I saw the new Dumbo medal. OH MY GOSH too cute. Wanna see? of course you do!

I hope that didn't come through GIANT sized...

It sounds like a nightmare in the morning getting to your corral, and then to have to deal with the fire ants.

Ya know.. it wasnt so bad. I made it to my corral even though it is a VERY long walk. (again, why does it have to be so long? Warm up? ) And while the ants were quite literally a pain, once I was running they were not at all bothersome.

Sorry you weren't able to stop for your picture...but there is always next time. And I believe you will have many next times with yoru Disney races.

Pictures are not a HUGE importance to me. I can be happy just seeing the sites while on the course. I also am a tad ocd and the idea of waiting in a line 100 + people long... and sacrificing running time makes me too

That being said... I do hope to get some pictures at the next race. The ToT will be a pretty easy one to PR at since last year took me a very long time to finish. So it will afford me some time to stop without making me too nervous.

Congratulations!

thank you

Wow! First off, congratulations Ann, on finishing the course. It was so exciting to read all about it, from the ants to the walking start, the restroom break to your glorious finish.
And your time is just AWESOME!!!!!!!! You really showed that rundisney jerk!!!

Thank you! It was definitely a high point in my life. The time I submitted for both the ToT 2013 and the Donald 2014 was from a recent race where I was the first female finisher. (I have NEVER had such a good race) The registration for 2014 is a tad different. They want PROOF, PROOF (you would be surprised at how many people fake their times to get better corral placement) So when I had to run the calculator to see what my expected finish for the Donald was... I was SHOCKED to see it was nearly a sub 2:00. 2:04:xx to be exact. I am not sure that will happen. But lets just see a run disney rep try an tell me again that he doesn't think I will finish in that amount of time! I am sure that as long as I keep running I should finish again in under 2:30!

Yay! Congratulations! I have been waiting to read this! You did fantastic, great time. Any tips you would give that you didn't think of until you were actually in the race??

Thank you, so much!

Tips?

Clothing - make sure to run in your costume. Know if a tutu is going to make you nuts...or if you will feel naked if you wear a tank top. I WISH I had known how hard those darn compression pants and panties were gonna be to get off when it was urgent they do. I knew how they felt to run in though, so at least there was that. I also knew that the hat was not going to bug me too much wear as a head band I got ended up on the side of the road during a run.

Shoes - Rule after rule will tell you NO RUNNING A RACE IN NEW SHOES! Well, I think given that I really only have one toe nail currently... it hold true. I ran in my shoes...overall a good idea because I think I needed the cushioning but I should have maybe gone out for a longer than 6 mile run in them.

Fuel - Don't try anything new. Don't get fancy and pick up anything at the expo and then try and use it during the race. And for God's sake... on course if they offer gu and you have NEVER had any.... DON'T take it unless you are prepared to gag.

Hydration - Do bring your own bottle. I find it seriously hard to run and drink from a cup. My squirty top was great at giving me what I needed without drowning me in the process. It was also great because I could grab a cup of water and dump it into my own bottle as I ran. Did I spill a bit here and there... sure... but since I also was grabbing cups to dump over my head...whats a little water on my legs as I spill? Do to all of this I was VERY well hydrated. This is a good thing..mostly. Just make sure to look at the course and KNOW your "exits"

Travel Time - I am SO glad that I read to not catch the last bus. I cant stress enough that getting to the bus at 3:30 probably not only saved me some time since I didn't have to really wait long to be on my way... but I arrived early enough to the staging area that I could eat...and when I missed my corral call it wasn't the end of the world. So while I did't catch the earliest bus (3am) I didn't catch the latest either (4am)

Photos - If they are important to you, make sure you have not only easy access to a camera (I had a spibelt I wore) make sure the camera works or you have the right setting...etc while still in your room. That way you can fix anything before it is actually a problem. Do know that marathonfoto or brightroom... they take pictures, but it is expensive to get them. Or at least I think they are expensive.

Weather - It was a very warm day, but had it been cold I knew by reading that I should bring something that I could wear that was warm until the race started...that I wouldn't feel bad about tossing. I had a blanket and a jacket all picked out for this...but did't need them. It is something to keep in mind...weather could require a different strategy. Too warm... less clothing... too cold more.

Corral Placement - I did mention my frustration a little, but here goes a bigger rant (much bigger)... Really make sure to be where you SHOULD be. It isn't fun for people to try and get around you...or you to get around them. So many people think "but I don't want to be swept" and they make their way to the front of the corral... or they get into a corral that they really have no business being in. I am SO pleased that Disney is changing how they handle this. No longer can someone change their corral at the expo and proving their time with a race that can be documented is big. I had heard of non chip timed events that were accepted. Ones where the runner told the race official their time and THAT became their time. This allows for some not so truthful documentation. That does not do them good nor the people who they are suppose to be running along side. I had also heard of people just out and out lying about their race. Like... I ran the no name made up 10k in 45:00. Great... 10k time of 45 minutes... but Disney wasn't checking the race apparently. Now, the date of the race needs to even be given. My hope is that it HAS to be chipped. I know everyone wants to have a good time and no one wants to be swept. I just think that it is important to not block other people from doing their best or having a good time in their own way. For some people it is just as fun to run the race as it is to get pictures. I would not make it so that someone couldn't get a picture with their favorite character on the course... so why is it ok or has been ok that someone else can go at a pace that is way to slow for the corral they are in and block me for a mile while I try and run...just so they can have fun and not get swept? It is about fun...all kinds. The experience for me was THE BEST. I didn't need to be next to a character in a picture to make that happen for me. Some need that...and that is absolutely fine. Just make sure you are where you are suppose to be...you and everyone else will have a better time.

 

[MEK]

I just love, love, love reading about running races. I can imagine that there are points where the adrenaline is really pumping. What I don't like about races (and I used to do them all the time) is all the hurry up and wait. It started to get to me and that's when I decided I could only run for fun and on my own scheduled. Although I have to say that I find the Disney events tempting.

But the full bladder. I thought I was going to need a bathroom break just from reading your update. I bet running up Main Street and around the castle is so awesome!

 

[MEK]

I almost forgot - your outfit was adorable!

 

[NaniKate]

I almost forgot - your outfit was adorable!

Subscribing

 

[annmarieda]

I just love, love, love reading about running races. I can imagine that there are points where the adrenaline is really pumping. What I don't like about races (and I used to do them all the time) is all the hurry up and wait. It started to get to me and that's when I decided I could only run for fun and on my own scheduled. Although I have to say that I find the Disney events tempting.

But the full bladder. I thought I was going to need a bathroom break just from reading your update. I bet running up Main Street and around the castle is so awesome!

I tell you... Disney events are worth the wait. But yes... a lot of hurry up and wait. I got up at 3am, but many got up earlier... maybe as early as 2am? The race started at 5:30am However even in the waiting there was fun. It is really something!

I am sorry for sharing TMI... but it was a bit part of the race for me. all 5 miles to MK I was thinking "can I hold it still?" and "wonder where the next stop could be" Ultimately I hate porta potties and the idea I might be able to use a real restroom in MK is what kept me from going earlier. I am really good normally about making sure to empty my bladder before I go for a run...so this was just a misfortunate circumstance.

And even though my bladder was really near bursting... running up main street and through the castle was A- MAZING!!!

I almost forgot - your outfit was adorable!

Thank you. It definitely wasn't a true costume...like so many wore... but it worked for me.

Subscribing

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Great tips! Thanks!

I'm glad they are making changes as well, it sounds like things should work better this year, especially since everyone has to submit if they are going to be under 3:15. I really think a lot of people were just putting 2:46 when the cutoff was 2:45. I'm running my first 10K on June 8th, just so I can have something official when I register, then I'll be emailing my October 10K time if it's better! I'm thinking the cutoff date to email will be around December 10th, not long until we find out now!

 

[disfanforlife]

Congratulations! You are an inspiration! I walk two miles every other day but have never been a runner. I wish I was just to have the feelings you described.

 

[Woth2982]

Hi Ann! I have been following along, yet to comment though! Congrats on your finish time! That is amazing! I have my first half 2 weeks from tomorrow. I am so excited and nervous! Goal is to finish. I have 3 hours so I am sure I can. I can totally relate to your bathroom story! I was running on the Boston Marathon route last week with my Alzheimer's Association teammates, and by the time I hit mile 2 I REALLY had to go! I asked where the closest bathroom was and it was a mile up the hill....heartbreak hill.....so my 5 mile run turned into 6.6 miles lol. But once I found the Dunkin Donuts bathroom the 3.3 miles back to my car didn't seem so bad.....plus now I was running DOWN heartbreak hill lol. My first Disney half is the Disneyland half Labor Day, then I am going for the coast to coast medal in November! I also decided to go for the coast to coast pink medal next year and am signing up for the Tinkerbell half and the Princess half!

 

[KatMark]

I LOVE the Dumbo medal.

Happy Mother's Day, Ann

​

 

[eandesmom]

I don't know if that is boring... I tend to like multi grain anything! I have to be careful though with my carb intake as it can have ill affects on my blood sugar.

And as for coffee pre work out. I think I could if I were...inside...near a restroom... where someone could find me easily if I were to. ... I think not entirely knowing how I would react has me reluctant to try.

I hear you on the restroom! I have to be careful with whole grains. Rye and Oat are great (If whole grain) but Wheat is a problem. I have to focus on soluble fiber when I can...which really means crappy white bread is better for me. Bleh. Thank god for Sourdough!

Yep... Rundisney has come out with all these "challenges" And they add to the cost of the race. Do you know... to purchase the runnersworld dopey challenge was about $1k? PLUS there is an active fee on top of that.

I liked that my first rundisney event was under $100. Next was more... and even though this last one I registered for I had a $15 discount... it still was over $150 (and that is early registration)

Still, I would love to do A challenge sometime. Maybe a coast to coast. And I do get it... it costs more because you get an extra medal. And those medals are substantial. You could kill someone with the princess one!

Does it add up to 1K if if you registered separately for all of them? I wonder what the differential is... that's insane.

I must figure this out! I would love to go early enough to hit DHS on my own so I could see the lights!!! Steve won't go with me. It is just too much for him.

Sensory overload? I think the bigger question is probably when do they stop turning them on. If it takes a month to put up, probably takes a month to come down?

It was $300 for the year... but as of June 1 it will go to $1000 a year.

I wish that our system had not changed so horribly in the last 10 years. I didn't mind the HMO model. I don't care (normally) about who my doctor is as long as they are competent and respectful. The idea that you would wait to go in... and even though you are not late...... hesitating and possibly missing something that would end up being more of an issue is the reason HMOs got big in the first place. I don't need freedom to pick my plan...my doc...etc.... I need to know that if I go in I am not going to be paying an arm and a leg. I went in recently (if you saw my fb post) Just to meet with a new doc. Just a "hey, I need to get established" type of visit. The charge to establish like that is $150. I get... their time is valuable and they have costs... but (especially since I wont go back) it seems like a lot of money for not much service.

Yes, I saw the post, that is such a drag. But is a "normal" office visit charge it seems, established or not. I know my last 2 visits were between $115-185 respectively (dermatologist and rheumatologist) and really...neither did ANYTHING other than advise and prescribe. I'm not complaining mind you as in both cases it was needed and helpful but what, they spent tops 15 min with me? Maybe more like 5-10? thankfully on our plan those are covered with just the co-pay, it's just "elective" things that hit the deductible. I just fail to see how a u/s mammogram is elective if it is determined it is needed after the regular one. That chaps my hide.

I have to admit I do "need" to be able to pick all my docs, I do like that aspect of our plan, we can self refer. I had to find a new primary for myself last year, long story. Not an insurance issue, got fed up with my old ones office and the level of service over multiple issues and it was a bit of a nightmare trying to figure out who to even "try" as I really didn't want to bother going once and then having to start over again. If I could have avoided it entirely, I would have. There really wasn't anything in my mind I needed to see one for but...insurance wouldn't continue my PT without a doctor referral to continue, or a review of progress to date. I can only self refer...to a point. A doctor really is such a personal thing, I like having a long term relationship if I can. Heck my kids go to the same pediatric clinic I went to as a child and worked at the summer before college. Different doc but point is...that kind of change to me is traumatic and hard. Hopefully you've found someone else to try. FB is a wonderful resource when doctor shopping, I ended up with 4 recommendations via FB that met my needs and chose one based on location and availability after checking out their bios. I am thrilled with her!

Actually... do you realize that we were suppose to meet a couple years ago? I was cleaning out my inbox. (cause I never delete my pm's and as you know... I had messages getting bounced) You and one of your E's were driving down south and it was suggested I ride with you. Too much was going on at the time... I bailed. I never heard more about it... so I don't even know if you ended up going... not going.. how the weekend went. Just funny how long it took us to connect on here again.

OMG, that was YOU? I honestly had no idea who it was, Liesa mentioned your name, or user name but it didn't ring a bell at the time. Yes, Eric and I went and met up with Camille, Tammie and Liesa. It was actually right after a state cup soccer game in Bonney Lake! We drove down after the game, crazy crazy weather. It was a fun trip but definitely a lot of driving in less than 24 hours. I don't know that I would attempt it again but I am very glad I did it especially now that Liesa isn't on the boards much.

Ok, I need to go make dinner (we eat late lol) so will be back to comment on the actual race day update!

 

[annmarieda]

Great tips! Thanks!

I hope they helped.

I'm glad they are making changes as well, it sounds like things should work better this year, especially since everyone has to submit if they are going to be under 3:15. I really think a lot of people were just putting 2:46 when the cutoff was 2:45. I'm running my first 10K on June 8th, just so I can have something official when I register, then I'll be emailing my October 10K time if it's better! I'm thinking the cutoff date to email will be around December 10th, not long until we find out now!

I too am happier at the new way they intend to do things. Do I think it will totally stop people from being in the wrong corrals? No... but it will help to keep more like paced runners together. (in theory)

And I am totally for resubmitting times!!! I do suspect that changing at the expo is a tad late to place the right number of people in each corral... but I intend to resubmit as many times as I need to up until the cut off.

Sadly..for me I will not be doing the phm again in 2014. I am excited to do the Donald though! Not long until registration opens for the phm....and with the gsc, I bet it is going to sell out quick!

Congratulations! You are an inspiration! I walk two miles every other day but have never been a runner. I wish I was just to have the feelings you described.

I never thought I would be a runner. EVER! I wouldn't say that I was inactive... but last year this time was a huge struggle for me. I was new... I was injuring myself... I was trying to find the right kind of shoes. A year later and I definitely have a sense of accomplishment. And... while I don't know your situation.... I do think that if I can get to where I am... just about anyone can!!

Hi Ann! I have been following along, yet to comment though! Congrats on your finish time! That is amazing!

Glad you are here! And thank you!

I have my first half 2 weeks from tomorrow. I am so excited and nervous! Goal is to finish. I have 3 hours so I am sure I can.

You can do it!!!! Be sure to let me know how you do, k?! I will be excited to hear.

I can totally relate to your bathroom story! I was running on the Boston Marathon route last week with my Alzheimer's Association teammates, and by the time I hit mile 2 I REALLY had to go! I asked where the closest bathroom was and it was a mile up the hill....heartbreak hill.....so my 5 mile run turned into 6.6 miles lol. But once I found the Dunkin Donuts bathroom the 3.3 miles back to my car didn't seem so bad.....plus now I was running DOWN heartbreak hill lol.

I think bio breaks make for some funny moments to look back on... not so funny while you go through it though!

My first Disney half is the Disneyland half Labor Day, then I am going for the coast to coast medal in November! I also decided to go for the coast to coast pink medal next year and am signing up for the Tinkerbell half and the Princess half!

I would love to read your recap on that! I would love to get a coast to coast some day... before I get too much older. But that means either January in DL or Labor Day. Labor Day is bound to be warm.... and that scares me a bit. Good luck!!!

I LOVE the Dumbo medal.

Happy Mother's Day, Ann

​

Thanks. I failed to wish everyone a happy mothers day yesterday. I hope your day was amazing.

Does it add up to 1K if if you registered separately for all of them? I wonder what the differential is... that's insane.

No... and that 1K is not just for the races, but for "extras" It gets you a "special corral" and a "special walk" to your corral. I think it is a way for people to buy their way into better corrals without doing the work of actually training to be a the pace required for the corral. Course... I tend to be a bit cranky about corral placement... so maybe I am just being cranky.

Sensory overload? I think the bigger question is probably when do they stop turning them on. If it takes a month to put up, probably takes a month to come down?

Yeah... he was a tad overwhelmed by them.

I do hope they are up. I watched some videos of the race and there were still some lights up in MK...so we will see.

OMG, that was YOU? I honestly had no idea who it was, Liesa mentioned your name, or user name but it didn't ring a bell at the time. Yes, Eric and I went and met up with Camille, Tammie and Liesa. It was actually right after a state cup soccer game in Bonney Lake! We drove down after the game, crazy crazy weather. It was a fun trip but definitely a lot of driving in less than 24 hours. I don't know that I would attempt it again but I am very glad I did it especially now that Liesa isn't on the boards much.

Yup... that was me.

 

[afnaechiquita]

I've been a bad reader/commenter, but I was so excited to see you finally at the race in your TR!

omg, fire ants! What an awful start!! and paired with your camera not working, I would have been bummed!

My aunt was VERY nervous on our first one about the port-a-potties. My cousin "helped" to coax her fears by telling her that you're not a real runner until you've gone a little in your pants...

In 2012, the announcer called me out as Batgirl across the finish. I had my headphones in and had NO IDEA they even did that until I saw the videos. I'm still kicking myself for not paying attention to that. Maybe next time they'll call you out

Congratulations on the excellent finish. It's always nice to prove someone wrong!!

 

[eandesmom]

I knew I needed to get up and to the buses before the "last one" since I had read that most people try to do that and find that the last bus is VERY full.

So I set my alarm for THE earliest time I have EVER set it for while on vacation - 3am.

At just a skootch before 3am I woke. I tend to do that. My internal clock works pretty good... and it messes with my mind. I am jolted awake thinking "OH! It is time to get up" Only I have like 5 minutes left

However, I was up... and excited to get ready. I had prepared everything the night before. So it was a quick wash of my face and apply new make up (I had to look somewhat presentable for pics), change out of pjs into my running outfit (yes, no shower... who says I have to smell good to start?)

Who in their right mind would shower first?

I'd be so worried about even falling asleep with getting up that early.

The night before I had tried so many combinations of what to wear. I am actually glad I brought multiple options and had not relied on a specific "costume". As you can see, I ended up wearing the official shirt we were given, my pretty new -longest run of 6 miles in - brooks, the sparkle skirt I made, the disney rewards princess hat and my compression leggings.

I grabbed my bagel, peanut butter packet and water bottles(one for the race and one to toss after I ate) and headed out the door.

It was still dark of course and my plan to get to the bus stop at 3:30am was successful. There were people there already, but not so many that I didn't get on the very next bus that arrived.

I will admit, the ride there had me a tad intimidated. I looked around at all the young women wearing tiaras and various other costume pieces. I was partially struck with a feeling like I was out of place. The feeling was only beginning to manifest when the bus ride was over and we were dropped of.

Why did you feel out of place? Not costumey enough? I like your outfit!

Once off the bus began the first of the "endurance walks" Hundreds... no thousands of people migrated from the bus stop to the staging area. It was not a short walk, but in a way it was nice because it gave me a chance to further wake up.

I remember striking up a conversation with another solo runner. I can't remember what was said, but I think it had to do with how large the herd of people was.

As we approached the staging area, the migrating herd turned into a large crowd. Photographers from marathonfoto were jumping in front of groups of people to take their pictures. There were announcers talking to the crowd as we were all trying to get into the staging area. You know... the typical "who here is doing their first half marathon" and the crowd yells "woooo" "who here is celebrating their birthday" and the crowd yells "wooo" and so forth.

Finally we were in the staging area.


I found a spot to settle into and broke out my bagel and peanut butter. While I ate, I watch the crowd as the dj/announcer tried to get people revved up. I also did a bit of stretching.

Bagel eaten, water bottle drank. I was fueled and hydrated. Then I noticed the corrals were being called. I heard corral E and F being called to move to their position...then G. And I realized I missed the call of my corral.

So with a very full bladder I hustled to try and get up in the migration so that I could get to my corral. My thought was that (like the ToT race) there would be a porta potty to use once I got there.

I managed to wiggle my way up through the mass amount of people heading to the corral... thus taking the second "endurance walk" (why are these walks so long?) This walk takes about 20 minutes.

I found my corral easy enough and entered. I scanned the perimeter and did NOT see the much needed porta poty!

I knew based on the time guidelines for my coral that I should try to be near the front because I was bound to be faster than many in my corral (except the guys... the guys were not allowed in A or B...so the FASTEST of them would be in C) So I made my way up along the side to near the front. I found and open spot and began waiting. Soon I felt pain. Multiple sites of pain. Burning pain... stinging pain. Yes, I was standing in a fire ant nest. They were in my shoes and socks and yes... biting me. I moved quickly away from the spot and continued to slap and brush off these pesky little critters while the points on me in which they had had their morning nibble continued to sting and swell.

Now with spots that burned (that even were on my wrists since some of them were very intent on letting me know they would not be so easily brushed away) and a very full bladder I worried that this did not bode well for the day.

OMG I'd have been in the bushes. If there were any. UGH! Both sound painful and hideous.

One by one though people found that open spot. The first guy to hit that spot I pointed out the ants. It only took a second of standing there and he too was doing the same "ants in my pants dance". He told me he wondered what I was doing before. Just thought it was some strange type of stretching. yes... that would make more sense than getting bite by angry ants.

It was funny how the crowd around me grew and we all would warn people. Some immediately moved away while others looked at us like we were trying to trick them and stood their ground... briefly.

that's pretty funny

Some of you may remember my dilemma regarding my corral placement. The time I submitted was from a race in October. I was running at a better place by the time the phm came. I had been in contact with rundisney and the rep who placed me in C, kinda was a bit of a jerk. My time from october had technically been good enough to project a finish of less than 2:30. That time would have bumped me into B. However, the rep told me that he didn't personally think I could finish in that amount of time. I am not sure if they look at other rundisney events.. the fact this was my first half... age.. what... but he put me was a finish of 2:30 (the cut of for B was 2:29) Begrudingly I came to the conclusion that running in C was only going to put me starting/finishing only a little bit later (since the corrals leave about 7 minutes apart) Well, I should have listened to my gut on it. Running in C was a bit of an exercise in frustration.

As C ran over the start it almost came to a dead stop. Walkers... already??? Now, I am not at all opposed to a walk run method. I also can appreciate the need to stop and walk. At the start? I kinda don't get.

It took a long time (I want to say a mile) to have the crowd thin out enough that I would run at my pace. Even though there was this frustration, I was having an awesome time and was so excited!

I attempted some stops for pictures along the way, but between lines being long and my camera not working right I gave up. As I passed under the tolls for MK, I made my last stop... and tried and tried to get my camera to work. Not wanting to waste more time I decided then and there I would not be stopping for more photo ops.

Sounds like a frustrating start and a huge bummer on the camera. How long are the lines? I always wonder about that, how much the photo lines impact your time, I would imagine it could be a lot!

As we ran in front of the contemporary we ran up our first "hill" This caused a lot of congestion as people slowed...walked.. almost crawled up it. I heard that someone who was frustrated by this jumped the cones (one side of the road was still open to cars) and got hit by a car. I can remember it was an awkward area... the road.. the median, the crowds and the cones all made for a mini obstacle course.

Someone got hit? That's awful! I can see where the congestion would be frustrating though especially if you were moving at a decent clip.

Then it was time to run through MK. We entered via a service road that popped us out near Tony's. We turned and run up main street! This was one of my favorite moments. Crowds were lined up cheering us on. It was still a bit dark out and it was marvelous! We turned and ran through tommorowland. I began to really think of my need for a restroom. I had read that once in MK there were plenty of real restrooms on the course that one could use. Only... in running the course it did not seem so easy to find them.

We wrapped around and the castle was next! Trumpets played and my excitement grew. I exited the castle and had to make a choice. Stop in front to get my picture taken by marathonfoto (and pee my pants) Or run to the nearest restroom.

Well, the urge was so great at that point that I may have had a bit of an accident....so I knew that if just considering my option caused that... I COULD NOT STOP

marathonfoto did get a video of me running through the castle... a brief second... so at least I got to see that.

I continued on through frontierland scanning for someplace to complete my needed task. We exited MK at the end of fronteirland..turned and at the end of that service path was GLORIOUS porta potties!

Now this is certainly gross but I will share... I think/know that I was not the only one that encountered this. I think most runners...female runners, know the hard reality of our poor post pregnancy bladders. Given it was hot I had been dumping water over my head. Given it was hot and humid I was sweating a lot. Given my full bladder...well... you know. So when I finally after 5 miles of running made my way into the stall... it was truly hard to tell what moisture was from what... and the flood gates opened!! Whatever the reason I was so.. wet from head to toe... my bladder certainly had enough contents to keep me in that stall for a while. OH... and let me just say... compression pants on top of compression panites... not such a good idea to try and quickly get off when the alarm has sounded and the gates KNOW they are about to open.
Nor are they particularly easy to get back on once they are off....

OH my, the whole thing sounds painful on so many levels!!!! Bummer about the photo but I think you had your priorities in order! Yes, I think we all get the realities of the post pregnancy bladder.

The sun was coming up by this time and I continued to run. The on course entertainment was outstanding. If you have never done a rundisney event, YOU SHOULD. The crowd energy even while running is amazing... and seeing characters along the course...and entertainers. It is just an experience not to be missed.

I lost a lot of time in the porta potty... but I still was doing well. I ran all of the race until about mile 12. Mile 12 is where we get some more hills. Hills in the way of onramps, which may not seem like much...but after 12 miles believe me... they are much!!! I managed to run the first one but the second or third caused me to walk a bit. However, Epcot was visible in the distance so I pushed on.

Hill at the end...UGH!

As we entered (I want to say it was near where the buses pickup/drop off) the cheering section grew. There were many people there with funny and encouraging signs. I scanned the crowd because the plan was that Steve and Zoe would be at the finish. I knew I was near the finish!

As we entered Epcot and ran around the ball I was a bit aggravated. I had runkeeper on during the race and it noted that I had reached 13 miles. 13 miles?? Where is the finish? This was my thought as I reached 13.1... 13.2....13.3...13.4 And then... THEN I saw the finish. I gave my last OOOMPH of energy I had and sprinted across. I was a tad disappointed to not hear my name called as I crossed. I guess there were too many people crossing at the same time. I finished and looked around. Steve was no where in site.

That had to be SOOO frustrating when your timer is telling you you are done and no finish line! Aww...I'm sad you didn't get a pic at the end and..that Steve was a bit of a putz. Yes, after running 13. whatever miles he should come find you! I am glad you proved the jerk at rundisney wrong Great time!!!