Race Reports/Encouragement/Kudos - 5 - 7 September

[Tiger Lily 03]

First trip to DL for me. I did better than I expected based on my 3 stonker LRs just previous to the event. I was not impressed with the organization for packet pick-up/expo. It was like they were doing this event for the first time. Long lines seemed too long. Maybe West Coast should talk to FL organizers. The lines were not clearly marked and that seemed the case for most.

The weather day was at least cooler than it had been the previous week. Cloud cover helped for most of the event to keep the sweltering sun off things and there was even a breeze from time to time. The course was mostly fun for me. We got to go through the parks and then Anaheim Stadium. There were some "down" spots, but I think that is to be expected. Just as I got to the gel station and was reaching for a packet another gal scooped it just as I almost had it in hand. It was the LAST packet. I said something about just my luck. She walked a few paces and was feeling badly b/c she took it from me. She offered it back. It was a nice gesture. I told her to use it since I really did not need one. I brought my own, I just had to stop and dig it out b/c it was burried. That was the only time I stopped. I have learned to carry at least one packet and a container of water. Disney events have taught me well.

Pat and Anne walked me in the last few miles. I was fading and they had lots of gas left in their tanks. If it weren't for them I may have been very close to cut-off time. Instead, I had about 8 minutes to spare. My time was 3:22:26.

All in all I think the event was fun. I enjoyd talking with folks along the way. We had a good representation of WISH friends and that always makes it fun. I didn't tank. It was a good day.

 

[wtpclc]

Cheryl - Great job! You had an awesoem time!!!

Maura - Saw you going up and knocked. You waved at the next bus, so I'm pretending you heard me. Sorry, before 7 am on a bus my scream-teaming skills aren't their best. Glad you had fun. We commented on them making you wear cotton shirts. At least it wasn't too hot yet.

Diane - You coudl do it. My MIL even walked it this year. BTW, you don't have to go to the island tto get fudge. (My subtle was of saying i have some. Chocolate Turtle. Yum!)

 

[jmasgat]

Carrie I looked at every bus to see if I could see you! The run was fun, and the cotton T-shirt was fine. Weather was perfect.

Diane You could do it! It was not scary going across the bridge. Especially when you got to soak in the incredible views. And no fudge for me, although they did have one shop that I saw in St Ignace.

Maura

 

[mkymsehi]

Just arrived home.

Race report and photos forthcoming.

 

[hoosmi]

Hey WISHERS!

I just got in from a long weekend at Disney!! We planned a quick trip, and then I found a women's only sprint triathlon for the same weekend. I signed up with about five weeks to train- hadn't swum in years (and never really well), and hadn't been on a bike in forever. Oh, and don't own a bike. I managed to overlook the problems I was facing with two-thirds of the race and signed up anyway. It's the Trek Womens Triathlon- 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 5k run.

I did a lot of swimming at the Y and started taking spin classes. I was going to use my daughter's bike, but luckily our experienced triathletes steered me away from that idea (nice bike, but a wee bit small!) I rented a hybrid bike instead and tried not to worry about the fact that I wouldn't get a chance to really ride it until the race.

So, we go to Disney on Friday. We do MK Saturday morning. I go to the Expo to get my stuff. There are some seriously intimidating people around me. I'm waiting in line to get my rental bike, and the bike guys are fixing tires/gears/etc on these fancy bikes. I start talking to some of the women around me (to keep from having a complete freak-out!) and they're all really cool. I feel better. I get my bike, and feel even better. It's a Trek 7100- that meant nothing to me, but basically it's shaped like a lighter weight mountain bike with medium tires. It's faster than Emma's bike, but doesn't have drop down handlebars like the cool kids. I putt around, and go put it in my transition area (basically put it on a rack).

The Expo is fun- I got some free moisturizer type stuff and bought one of those Bondi Bands for my hair. I listened to the organizer, Sally Edwards- she was really funny. She made everyone stand up and shout "I am a strong swimmer" while pantomining doing the freestyle, then "I am a strong biker" while pretending to bike, and then the same for the run. Then we had to yell "Yahoo!" while doing a finish line pose. She recommended some goggles that they were selling- being so easy to manipulate, I immediately bought a pair....

Then, off to Epcot with the family- until dark. I end the night spending an hour or so packing and re-packing my stuff. This tri thing is so high maintenance! Did I mention my PF is flaring up from too much walking lugging around my 25 pound baby?? Nice to continue my Disney tradition of starting a race exhausted and limping!

THE RACE, finally...

After much drama with Coke machines, I score a Diet Coke and hop on the bus with some other racers. It's about 6:20- my wave was starting at 7:17. I'm so grateful it's not 3 a.m! We head to the transition area. I put my towel down and line up my running shoes and socks, race belt, helmet, and sunglasses. That's basically it. Weird. I put my water bottle in my bike cage. I then face the horror of taking off my t-shirt and facing the world in a lot of lycra. I pop down a quick gel (with my Diet Coke chaser- I'm sure I was getting some looks!) I tuck my swim cap in my shirt like the other cool triathletes (peer pressure!), take my goggles, and head towards the water. (And return to leave my flip flops- d'Oh!)

I get body marked. I'm officially feeling pretty tough now, with my markings and my skin tight clothes! We head down to the beach. I'm in the sixth wave. I watch the earlier racers. Sally Edwards is there to give everyone a high five. Each wave gets it's own word- when we line up, we find out our word is "Gorgeous." Cracks me up. I get my high five, and off I go.

I wade along- the bottom of the lake is sand with a few weeds. The water is nice and warm- I'm incredibly surprised to find that being in a lake doesn't scare me. Maybe the 12 year old in me who swam in lakes at camp came out?! Everyone tells you to start in the back and to the side if you aren't comfortable. I've swum a ton at the Y over the five weeks, but I decided to be conservative and stay far back. Big mistake. Yes, I wasn't trampled, which was good; but, there were so many people in front of me doing crazy things. Within 100 yards people were not just doing backstroke, but doing it so that they cut directly in front of you (as in sideways!) It was an absolute madhouse. You would get past one person, and then there'd be another doing something bizarre in front of you (probably in reaction to someone in front of them!) Then, if that wasn't frustrating enough, my very fine goggles with the great peripheral vision started leaking. I was really mad at myself for wearing something brand new- how could I be so stupid!! Then I decided I'd better just laugh about it...

Finally, the swim came to an end. On the bright side, I wasn't tired- I'd barely been treading water for long sections watching the chaos! I hopped out and ran over the mat- I'm hoping that picture isn't too horrible, but expecting the worst. I ran all the way to transition- most people were walking, which gave me some confidence since I felt fine.

I did the clothing change and grabbed one swig of water. It took awhile to get out of the transition area- finally we were moving, but slowly in a big crowd. OK, I'm ready for the bike, people!

We take off- the route is somewhere outside the parks- we have to go between traffic cones. I'm hanging to the right while people on fancy bikes are passing me. When the road opens up more, I get up the nerve and start passing people. You yell "On your left!" and blow by. Passing is really fun. Getting passed, not so fun. The overpasses kind of stunk, but not as much as running them! The worst part- you had to turn around at the base of one of the overpasses, and then haul it up!

I was really, really jealous of the people on the "road bikes" with the skinny tires, drop down handlebars, and clip pedals. I decided not to be annoyed with them passing me- I focused on not being passed by people on bikes like mine who were wearing running shoes instead of biking shoes. I kept up a fairly steady pace until the last mile (I think- why are there no mile markers on the bike part?!) The last mile was on sidewalks and windy paths through the Fort Wilderness resort. I got passed a couple of times on the sidewalk- scary! I got stuck behind a slower woman when we reached the spectators- her family was cheering for her. I decided there was no way I was passing her while they were yelling "Go Mom!"

I hopped off the bike with no trouble, and ran it to the transition area. I was sort of perplexed in the second transition- I took off my helmet, put on my visor and race belt, and grabbed a sip of water. That was all I had to do- I kind of wanted to procrastinate a bit!

I'm realizing as I start running that I'm going into this dehydrated. I was way too scared to drink water on my bike, so I'd basically had maybe 2 ounces of water this whole time. Oh well. I'm also sad that I don't have my iPod. On the bright side, I'm not moving that fast, but I don't feel bad. It's a really boring hot, humid course with two out and backs, but I'm so happy to be on the ground on my own feet. And now, because I'm a much better runner than a swimmer or biker, I'm passing people. That's working for me. I see the finish- I get a high five from Sally, and the next thing I know, I have a medal. (It's not the greatest looking medal- a little subtle for me, but I'm all about giant Disney characters...)

I grab some free SportBeans for the kids and turn in my bike. Back for a shower, and then a full day at Epcot. Anytime anyone says anything about being hot or tired, I immediately say something like "yeah, I can see where you're getting a little tired... you didn't by any chance do a TRIATHLON this morning, did you?!" This cracks me up. I also suffered from a bad case of "race thinking"- at one point I freaked out thinking I'd lost my 3 year old. My husband pointed out that he was actually sitting in the stroller... that I was pushing.

Post-race at Epcot:

Anyway, it was great fun. I learned a lot and really enjoyed the training. I will definitely keep up the swimming and spin classes. I'm going swimming later today with Emma- it's been fun having something we can do together. And I want a bike to ride with the kids- so I'll probably get an entry-level roadbike just in case another tri just happens to pop up...

My 3 year old was fascinated by the body-markings. He could use some work with his photography skills:

Completely irrelevant picture:

By the way, I saw the new Race for the Taste medal and took a picture of it. I don't know if it's on the site or not, but if people want me to post it, I will.

Jen in GA

 

[syko]

Grear race reports everyone
I love reading and seeing the photos from your adventures.

 

[DianeL]

Lily!!! I didn't realize it was your 1st DL!!! I can't wait to see the photos, wonder if they caught the 3 of you together towards the end. That would be very cool!

Jeff!!! I'm sure you had a blast as usual! Was Mooshu with you?

Jen!!! Loved the Tri report!!! Excellent job!!!!!

Maura and Carrie.... it's also the open sections of the bridge. the grates that scare me!

Carrie! Turtle Fudge? I'll be over shortly! LOL My fave is Turtle Fudge from the one hotel that is on Main St. Can never remember the name of the place but they sell it in blocks rather than the thin slabs like everyone else.

Jennifer (wellesleyprincess) OMG! 1st in age group and 4th overall??? You are a Speedy Princess! Excellent job!!!

 

[wtpclc]

Way to go Jen! Taht is so awesome! HAve you washed your ink off yet? lol, makes me feel tough too! BTW, maybe it's because I'm too far back to see it, but I've never seen people goind sideways in front of me like that. Sounds liek it might be due to being kind of a beginners race. Glad you had fun adn are ready for more. Careful, they're addicting. BTW, whoever said runnig was a free sport was most likely a triathlete.

 

[wtpclc]

Diane - Stay in the left lane. DOn't walk on the grates. Problem solved. Join me in May?

 

[DianeL]

Lily!!! I just looked up Anne's (remembered her last name LOL) and I LOVE the photos of you ladies together!! The one with the ToT behind you, all are under what looks like giant leaves from Bugs Life? Very perfectly centered! Excellent photos!!!!!


back to work!!!

 

[DianeL]

Diane - Stay in the left lane. DOn't walk on the grates. Problem solved. Join me in May?

We'll talk AFTER Goofy. That's if I am still 'around' I might still be in Celebration Hsp

 

[mousemgr2]

A short pre-race program was highlighted by a talk by Bobby Crim. Anyone from Michigan and some beyond will recgnize that name in running circles for the Crim races in Flint. He's 78 and said he has done over 900 races and is aiming for 1000.

We had to run in the T-shirt we got (cotton), but since it was a short race it wasn't bad.

Race started around 6:45, so it was just beginning to get light. I debated taking a camera with me to try and catch sunrise on the bridge, but decided not to and just enjoy the ride.

Hi Maura,

From one Michigander to another, thanks for the report on this event. It sounds like you had a good time. This event is on my 'to do' list (as a walker).

I'm not too wild about the wearing their t-shirt though. I am usually very hot and have a difficult time with cotton shirts. I just got back from DL. This was the first time I took a camera out on the course and I definately would do it again.

Thanks for the post and the picture! It has peaked my interest.

Susan

 

[mkymsehi]

Aloha Jeff's 2009 Disneyland Half Marathon Race Report:

I arrived on Thursday, and commenced with meeting up with fellow runners and walkers who were invading Disneyland. Dinner in Downtown Disney with John and Janie, and then grocery shopping for the room snacks.

Friday I had airport pickups for Marcia (Mushu), Michelle (Miabanda), and Karen (our friend who races without ever training). We headed to the expo in the afternoon, and was greeted by friends from all around the country, Jason, Mary Jo, AnnMarie, Gina, Jay, Paul (the rest of you all know who you are, way too many names to mention here). Every time we meet it’s a family reunion, seeming like it was just the other day since we last saw each other. Good times.

Following the expo, several of us went to the Hideaway bar to “carb-load.” At the Friday night WISH meet, we had about 30 people show up to talk story, and take group photos. Saturday I attended a dinner with a few friends, and really enjoyed the camaraderie. The Saturday WISH meet’s turn out was smaller, since people were either dining or going to bed early.

We woke up at 4:25 am, dressed, and headed out the door. Weather was much cooler than in the days leading up to race day. It was a good sign.

We arrived at the family reunion area, and saw some of the gang at the tent, but others had long departed for the corrals. After some photos, and wishing everyone a good race, we headed to corral A. Goofy drove up the red Monorail, and counted down the race. Mickey & Minnie were at the start line cheering on everyone. When the flames started the race, we were off and, well you know, “RUNNING” !

Jay Yanek turned out to be the rabbit of the group, and Jason Stevens and I lost him within seconds. Jason and I ran with the intent of sub two hour, but while having fun and taking pictures. Somewhere in our midst was Paul (Pacdomer), as I saw smoke rising off the pavement ahead of me.

We kept a good pace, but I had to yell several times to the spectators on the roadway, “We can’t hear you” or “Make some noise.” That got the crowd going, and pumped up the runners that surrounded us. Several friends and their family members yelled our names and took pictures, always a boost.

We entered Disneyland, and pit stopped for a few photos. An ample amount of characters and floats were out. Missing was the run down Main Street. A few narrow spots made the pace slow, but it was to be expected. Soon we were backstage on the new route, seeing new parts of the maintenance areas, including the garbage dump and horse stables. Reminicent of the sewage treatment plant in Orlando.

Exiting to the streets of Anaheim found us running amongst the high school and college pep bands, cheerleaders, Hula dancers, Mexican musicians and dancers, and more. The sun decided to sleep in a bit longer than in years past. There was a morning layer of ocean “mist” and a hint of breeze.

My funniest sight was a guy passing me around mile 8. SHOELESS! SHIRTLESS! Just the slap, slap, slap of skin on the asphalt. I yelled out “that’s one way to save money on socks and shoes.” Everyone within earshot had a good laugh. Asides from him, there were several people decked out in Disney character costumes.

Arriving at Angels stadium, the parking lot was a ghost town. I didn’t give it much thought, but as we neared the right field tunnel, you could hear the roar. Exiting the tunnel, you could now feel the roar as the lower stadium was filled with cheering Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. A great pick me up, except all the high fives were missing. Thumbs ups were substituted. Rounding the warning track, we spotted ourselves on the big screen.

Leaving the parking lot was mile 10, so Jason barked out to pick up the pace, and try to keep up. We started passing people, and were soon back in California Adventure, and had the Paradise Pier and Disneyland Hotels within our view. It was a little strange not running the gauntlet through Downtown Disney. This meant less spectators along that last half mile or so of the course.

I had to dig deep, as I was experiencing a major cramp in the toes of my right foot. Well, I focused and just pressed forward. Hearing the roar of the crowd is always fun. Even better when friends are shouting out one’s name as we trek by. Having Jason steps ahead of me barking orders to hurry up was pretty funny. If you ever want to PR, run with someone faster than you.

Before I knew it, we were crossing the finish line were the Fab 5 were cheering. High fives with Jason, and a new PR of 1:57:20. Collected our DL half medal, and then on to the Coast to Coast medal.

After downing a quick Poweraid, we walked back out to Harbor Blvd. to scream team the others still out on the course. We jumped back in when we saw our friends who were feeling the heat, and the pain of 12 miles. So we jogged and walked several people up to the finisher’s chute. I then would double back around the bend to spot the next person or group coming, and would keep their minds occupied with encouragement.

After several repeat trips, no others were coming my way, so back to the family reunion to meet up with the teams. Many hugs, congratulations, and photos. Everyone sans one, collected their bling.

Much more to tell you, but it’s really just about all the fun we had running into one another at the parks, riding rides, dining together, beverage consumption, and wishing everyone safe travels home.

I returned home Tuesday evening, and now reality has set back in. Waiting for January to roll around to do it all over again. See you all then WISHers, ROTEars, and Disney Deads.

Ahui hou,
Jeff Da Runner　

 

[wfloyd]

Great reports everyone.

So for those who were at Disneyland, what was the big secret about the corral placement/seeding this year?

Bill

 

[wtpclc]

I'm not too wild about the wearing their t-shirt though. I am usually very hot and have a difficult time with cotton shirts. I just got back from DL. This was the first time I took a camera out on the course and I definately would do it again.

Susan - As a walker, you where whatever you want. In order to run on Labor Day, you have to do a qualifying race adn then you enter a lottory. TO walk, you just show up and stick with the masses.

 

[wtpclc]

Jeff - Huge congrats on the PR!!!

 

[DianeL]

Jeff CONGRATS on that PR! Your right on it is like a family reunion, I was thinking of the coming January and had a similar thought earlier this week. Sounds like you all had a blast as usual! Woohoo!!! The crowd IN the stadium sounds wonderful! In 2006 it was just the trip thru the stadium which for me was exciting but in 2008 all those troops cheering along the course was simply amazing. I am so glad to hear they were able to come back this year for you all. I bet they gave many a runner a lift in spirit.

I am in awe of the fact you still had energy and power left in your legs to get back out there and offer support. That is just awesome! I love it when you guys (memories of Matt hanging off a certain bridge) can do that! Even sitting here reading your adventure just gives one a feelings

Can't wait for January!!!!

 

[jeanneg]

Congrats to everyone who raced this weekend at Disneyland and elsewhere!

Great report Jeff! I was one of the people Jeff helped walk in and I can attest to the fact that he was a godsend! When you race alone as I do, it's always nice to have someone to chat with and break up the monotomy....especially during that last mile when you just want it to be over. It's funny, but when I met up with Jeff, I didn't realize he had already crossed the finish line and PR'd because he wasn't wearing his medals. I thought he was just holding back, the way Matt did during the full. Now I understand why he knew exactly where all the photographers were and why he wasn't interested in getting his photo taken!
So Jeff, I'm thinking that maybe next time you do this (because you're soooo fast) you can run to a convenience store first and meet me back on the course with that BEER!
A little earlier in the course, I met up with Robert and we went through Angel Stadium together, which was one of the high points of the entire race. The lower stands were filled with scout troops and spectators and we must have crossed some sort of a chip pad because there was an announcer calling out which states had just entered the house. Robert used to have his highschool games at that stadium so he was happy to be back and I was lucky to get the inside scoop.
All in all, it was a great race although they need to do some serious tweaking with how the expo was organized.

 

[mkymsehi]

Jen Bucci you are in the official race video!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCaGG8EpWZ0

 

[Duanerice]

Great reports all. I would have loved to have been there.

Jeff, way to go on the PR. Pictures and all. Hmmm something to shoot for in January! That was nice going back for others too.

Thanks everyone for letting me get a taste of the race.

enjoy,
Duane