Post-Marathon Brainstorming

[jbucci]

I appreciated the food but the support that it represented was priceless. I just have to relate this little story to say how wonderful WISH is...

One of my coworkers(Dan) is a "serious marathoner"-- Boston several times, super fast guy-- he encouraged me in my running endeavors and has been nothing but positive helping me and watching my progress over the year. When I got back from the marathon I spent a fair bit of time on the WISH boards smiling at peoples' stories. I told many tales of the fun weekend I had. I was jealous of Dan's speed, but happy with my own experience. In the middle of reading some posts, Dan turned to me and said he was actually jealous of me. I had no idea what he was talking about-- jealous of my 6 hour race?? He explained he was jealous because I was having so much fun with my races-- even though he has run close to 30 marathons he said he never had as much fun as I seem to be having and was amazed I had such supportive friends and teammates. Way to go WISHers and thanks

 

[deekaypee]

I just have to agree with what everyone else has said about the level of support WISHers offered on the full (and I'm sure the half) course. More than the Twizzlers, pretzels, oranges, washcloths--loved all of that--it was the faces and the cheering. Even on a hot day, it gave me warm fuzzies (and in a good way).

I'm in agreement, then, with Pat's DH: doing the 5K, 1/2 and volunteering at the full should be called the "Happy!" I'm in for the Goofy or Dopey next year, but I'm thinking maybe I should drop back to the 1/2 every other year so I can volunteer for the full.....

So, as I think things over....
I really like the locations that are set up now, from the turnaround to Epcot, with maybe some tweaking as more experienced WISHers see fit. For me, those are the "miles of desperation" and they were made much easier by knowing I'd see you.

I'd say your instincts are spot on:

• I'd guess that we probably don't need the Gu. I do think people carry their own if they use it.
• I like bananas, but boy did that orange slice revitalize! Mmm-mmm. I think we can eliminate bananas since Disney distributes them.
• I'd worry about the distribution issue with frozen grapes, although I personally love them.
• In addition to being easy to digest, Twizzlers are just plain fun. As are pretzels. Fig Newtons would work, too. I've never tried PB crackers, but I eat almost anything on the course (joys of being slow).
• Water/gatorade are good, too. I know I was hydrated, so it was probably a mental thing. But then again, that's the game at that point of the course.
• Cold cloths/Ice are my favorite items. I'm a med stop ice-pack gal, so anything that cools me off is worth gold. It's my #1 request.
• No, I take that back. You don't need anything but your sweet selves. I lived for your shouts of encouragement and smiles.

I'd also like to volunteer in any capacity that I can. I plan to doing the Goofy/Dopey 2010, but DOOD and I usually come down early and rent a car. We could pick things up, help prepare things in advance, contribute to the WISH petty-cash fund.... I just wanna give back in whatever way I can!

 

[dsnyfan21]

I love all the ideas and I think for the half haveing MATT at the overpass was AWESOME!! It was great seeing him there right before traversing over 3 hills/overpasses before entering EPCOT. DOn't think we would need anything else, unless it's a real HOT race and then maybe someone near or after the POLY with ice and cool clothes. Wasn't needed this year, but could see a need in the future.

LOVED volunteering for the full and would do it again when I can. The shift wasn't too bad. At Water stop mile 11 we had to be in the TTC parking lot across from the Poly around5am. We checked in and then got out "meal" in a box which included a muffin, granola bar, apple, water and a butterfiner. We got very nice WDW Marathon weekend pullover windbreakers!! Loaded on buses and headed out to the area backstage. While on the bus we were given instructions as to what was expected of us. While setting up I decided the WISHers should be at the LAST table!! Poor Bryan got pulled away by the leader to pour Powerade. It was neat to see all the leaders come through and cheer them on!! We were done by 9:10am and heading back to the bus. Back in the Parkin lot by 9:35. Was able to go back over to the Poly to get my stuff out of the room and catch a bus over to AK to cheer some more people near the back of the pack.

I can't wait to do, see and experience it all again!

Tracy

 

[bubba73]

Bubba, I was wondering where the heck you were at the mile #11 watershop. I saw you in Tracy's pictures, but only saw the three of them at the end of the table. Even though I missed you, thanks buddy. You ready to do a full, or Goofy with me?

Great meeting all the WISH team at POP Century. We need to get another meet up going either after the half, or full, or both.

Like Tracy said, I was pulled away because the Powerade table was very short handed and was really behind on getting set up. I don't feel like I did a lot to get them caught up but I tried. (I was at the first table on the right hand side.) Watching the leaders come by was incredible. To have that kind of endurance, stamina, whatever it is called to be able to go that fast for that long, I am too old and slow to ever be able to do that. But then, when it finally started to slow down, I was able to see a guy who looked like he had just recently had his knee scoped or something. He had the wrist crutches in both hands walking along to the best of his ability. I don't know if he finished or not but that did bring a tear to my eye. (sorry. just an old softy)

 

[jmasgat]

Hey Brian Hope your drive back went okay! I went to Epcot after we were done at stop 11 (nothing like a beer from UK to perk one up!) and did some cheering. I saw the guy on crutches, and he was still motoring along, so I expect he did finish. Pretty amazing that a person could/would do a marathon that way. Makes me think that even I could do one!

Maura

 

[suzannews]

Now that I have my first 1/2 under my belt, I will know what to expect next year and hope to be able to move the next morning so I can cheer everyone on for the full!!

All of the Wishers I saw out on the course for the 1/2 were great, I passed a few, a few passed me but it didn't matter. We were all in it together! I had lots of comments on my shirt from non Wishers. One lady kept repeating it out loud as she passed me!! After I pulled something in my leg and slowed down to a crawl just before the Epcot overpass, a lady behind me said, no dead last finishers today!! Then I saw Matt!!! He doesn't know me and I don't know him but he cheered me on anyways yelling Go Wisher!!

Love the Fig Newton idea, maybe that can be my contribution next year, they are not very expensive at WalMart!!

 

[windwalker]

Anne, Suzie and the rest of the WISH support group were wonderful. It was awesome to see how WISH and DR were cheering for each other. I decided that for the marathons I'm staying with the last DR and WISH athlete to help them over the rough spots. This was my best marathon memory ever and I already have volunteer help to support our heroes next year.

I loved the snacks and since Lynn was over heating those cold cloths were a God send.

Grateful Panda

 

[Villains_Rock]

Dave - I had been cheering DR peeps on and got TON of DR pics on Saturdays race while we were spectating. I'm a DR lurker after you had suggested I go there to read race reports some time ago. Anywho..when I get a few to come up for air I'll send them your way so you can post them...PM me!

 

[windwalker]

Dave - I had been cheering DR peeps on and got TON of DR pics on Saturdays race while we were spectating. I'm a DR lurker after you had suggested I go there to read race reports some time ago. Anywho..when I get a few to come up for air I'll send them your way so you can post them...PM me!

Yes Robert provides an easy to access place to archive photos and reports for the Disney events. Tons of pics of WISHers and now also the orange invasion. It helps when you are feeling like doing anything but training to go back and look at the pics to recharge your desire.

Missing Mickey already Panda

 

[funwalker]

For the half... that's a lot tougher since so much of it is highway road. Maybe someone could take Matt's spot and yell from the overpass at Mile 10 again. That was an awesome spot!

Thanks Matt! I was the one you had to yell at twice - I just could believe someone was cheering me on! It was awesome...


Got a Special Hug from Carrie & a big smile from Scott at a water stop...

A wave from Rita, Dave & Erica - along the way.

 

[mkymsehi]

I hope we could get someone not running or walking, have a cooler with sodas, water, and beer at "W" tent at the finish line. I'm sure we'd all chip in for that!

 

[dsnyfan21]

I hope we could get someone not running or walking, have a cooler with sodas, water, and beer at "W" tent at the finish line. I'm sure we'd all chip in for that!

hmmmmmm, I volunteer Liz.
Her and Patrick have an RV. Maybe they could set it up in the parking lot near the start/finish area. We would have some A/C or heat if we needed it and a potty and drinks for afterward!!

What do ya think Liz??

Tracy

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

I was one of the lucky Wishers running the full that received the orange slice and washcloth on the out and back portion. I can't express how much that meant to me Thank you so much! I would like to contribute to petty cash for this next year too!!!!!

 

[syko]

Thanks for all the great ideas! Keep 'em comin'.

DH has said something with a little protein would be nice. What do y'all think of peanut butter crackers or those cheese crackers? That would give salt, protein and carbs.

Please be carfull with peanut butter, some people are highly allergic to peanut. I think the cheese crackers are a safer bet.

 

[twoWDWfools]

Tracy - thanks for volunteering me! You don't check in for a couple days and see what happens.

Would have no problem with that idea except I'll be doing the full and am closer to being one of the last 1000 people across the finish so not sure how much help I'd be. Of course, could leave Tracy with the keys and she could man the station....