Race Reports for 5/3, 5, 6 and Encouragement/Kudos!

[Goofyin08forErica]

Thanks Cindy. This was the hardest course I had ever done, but felt like the easiest!

Erica

 

[padisneyfan]

Good job WISHers on your races this week. I enjoyed the pictures from both the Minnie and Flying Pig. From all the race reports it seems everyone had a good time this weekend.


Nancy

 

[RedDragon]

I'll start with the punchline. My goal was 10:30 per mile for the Minnie and I had an average of 10:28 per mile! Sooooo, I DID IT!!!!! I MET MY GOAL!!!!

The whole weekend was everything I hoped it would be and then some. I arrived late Friday night to a wonderful reception by my Minnie friends. We stayed up way too late but what fun it was talking and laughing. The next morning we headed to Olivia's for breakfast. Then Carrie and I picked up our race packets and spent time at the expo and had our pictures taken together.

We then had tea at the Grand Floridian (scrumptious) and met the other WISHers at Earl of Sandwich. It was so great meeting so many of you I've seen on the boards.

Sunday morning the alarm was set for 4:00 am. So of course I woke up at 3:00 am. Got dressed and watched as Cam put together her running fanny pack. I have to say that I don't run with one of those so it was such a foreign concept to think about it. Let alone watch it. The funny thing was, as Cam read out and ticked off each item, another person in our group would say "Oh yeah, I need that too!"

I hope you've seen the pictures posted by ultramickeymouse, aka Robert--huge thanks for posting them so fast!!!

Got to the start a little after 5:00 am. Hence plenty of time to stretch and hit the portopotties. Got into the chute at 5: 55 am.

I did rather like the fireworks at the start. Sure, it wasn't marathon or half marathon day start, but it was fireworks. AND they started ON TIME!!! I hate it when it starts late.

The first 5K was boring, scenery-wise. But flipping around and seeing the other WISHers was great. I got to wave at a lot of people. Carrie knew the route and let me know when the 2 overpasses were coming up. That was very helpful. She also used her Garmin (I don't use one) so we knew our pace. But since the boring part and 2 big overpasses were in the first 5K, I knew I'd be OK. I can do anything in the first 5K of a race.

Carrie and I stayed together through 5 miles. I felt bad leaving her but by then we were running at different paces and needed to split up. By this time I was on familiar ground thanks to running the RFTT so I knew what to expect. By the time I reached Epcot, I was making up time and although I had hoped to pay attention to the flowers and topiaries in Epcot, it didn't happen. I never saw the Pooh and Tigger topiaries. I do remember seeing Beauty and the Beast topiary, tho.

I don't have my splits, but I came in at 97:28 for 10:28 per mile! Bill came in shortly after that and Carrie came in just after that. Carrie and I posed for our picture at the finish line and then we went to cheer in everyone.

I was great to see everyone crossing the finish line. To see them achieve their goals. To see all the smiles on everyone's face. Everyone was a winner at that race. Despite what that female DJ said (see below), a race of any kind is a great achievement. Everyone should be very proud of their accomplishment.

Random thoughts:
This expo, although not what the marathon weekend expo is, was waaaaaay better than the RFTT several years ago.

Tell Disney to NEVER ALLOW THAT FEMALE DJ EVER AGAIN. This is what she said about the line up. "If you are speedy and run between 5 and 9 minute miles, you want to be in the pink corral. If you run between 9 and 12 minute miles, you want to be in the green corral. If you will be going at a leisurely pace, you want the purple corral." Leisurely pace? 15 min per mile is a leisurely pace? Isn't she supposed to be encouraging people not belittling their efforts? BTW, this wasn't the only stupid thing she said.

Carry a sponge: Carrie and Scott put together sponges to carry on your wrist. I was skeptical but all I can say is BRILLIANT! Douse it with water at the water stops and squeeze it over your head or neck. Use it to wipe the sweat off your head. Absolutely brilliant!

Next up Leadville Heavy Half Marathon. I have to think of a way to choke off oxygen while I train!

Thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement. It really meant a lot. I LOVE you guys!

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Martha-- I am SO proud of you!! You tore up that course! Yesterday afternoon I checked the Minnie results of the WISH people who's last names I know, when I looked you up and saw your time; I was like this: . GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cindylou]

Congratulations Martha on beating your time goal. Way to go!!!

Cindy

 

[Optimator]

Wow!! Everyone did so well! I'm so happy to hear everyone thoroughly enjoyed their own individual pain and suffering.

It's also great to hear about the support and sense of community everyone felt by meeting/seeing/running with other WISHers.

It kind of makes you proud, doesn't it?

 

[hockeygirl]

Wow, I have to catch up with all the race reports!!! I have been so busy the last few days and haven't had a chance to catch up, but i have been thinking about you guys and couldn't wait to read how everyone did this weekend!!

Matt--Wow! 26th in the 5k! Sorry to hear the chip fell off and didn't register! That stinks! Sounds like an interesting trip to the start of the 15k...I would have panicked and never run...WTG for running and I think that is awesome that you finished with your DW!!!

Kelley--Congrats! Sounds like you had great race!!

Diane--Great job on your race!!

Steve--WTG for breaking 2 hours!! That is awesome! That is so great, especially with such a hilly course.

Mel-Great job on your race! I think it is so cool that your DD ran the race also!! That is so cool.

Christy--Great job on the race! Hope the ankle is feeling ok.

Jen--Nice job on the race! Sorry to hear DH got sick, but glad to hear he is feeling better!

Dave-Congrats on breaking 2 hours in the Pig!! Love the photos!!

blueroses--great job on the Minnie! Not bad for not training since February!!

Denny--Awesome photos!! Looks like you guys had a blast!! And a great time especially with all those hills!

Angie--Awesome pics from your graduation!! Congratulations!!
Great job on the race too! Awesome pace! Love the photos!

Bill-interesting observations from the Minnie!

Stephanie--Great job at the Minnie! You were so close to your goal, you should be proud of yourself!!

Wendy-Great job at the Pig!

Erica-Great job at the Pig! Yikes, a 15 min bathroom break..what the heck were those people ahead of you doing, did they forget they were in a race!

Martha-AWESOME!! Great job for beating your goal pace!!!

Keep those reports coming! We still haven't heard from some people!!!

 

[Lexxiefern]

I don't have time right now to post my minnie 5k and 15k reports, but I wanted to say great job to everyone who raced this past weekend!! I have really enjoyed reading everyone's reports and all the pictures! I also really enjoyed all the WISH team members I was able to meet this weekend


Becky

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone!
I posted the first 2 days of my trip report for the Minnie:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1447255
I have no idea how to make the link look right, so hopefully this will work.

 

[Kristi1357]

I think everyone talked about the race and covered all the bases already.
So, here are some pics!

Mom & Me before the 5k

The WISH group at DTD

WISH group pre-15k

Mom & me pre-15k

Mulan, Me, Mom & Wendy

Rhonda & Cam Finshing

Rhonda & Cam Finishing Part 2

Pat Finshing

Pat Finishing Part 2

Anne Finishing

Anne Finishing Part 2

Me & Mom Post 15k

I had a fabulous time, just like I did last year.
I am so going again next year! Who is with me?

 

[Kristi1357]

Carry a sponge: Carrie and Scott put together sponges to carry on your wrist. I was skeptical but all I can say is BRILLIANT! Douse it with water at the water stops and squeeze it over your head or neck. Use it to wipe the sweat off your head. Absolutely brilliant!

YES!!!

Carrie - I am dead-serious - you must make these & market them! They are absolutely brilliant! I keep telling Chad about the sponges and I even was talking to Brian at work who does marathons, tris, etc. He thought it was a great idea too.

 

[keenercam]

I started a new thread with the first two days of my Minnie weekend trip report. You can find it here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1447255

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Mike/Optimator- I never congratulated you for completing your first full marathon. Wow, 3:40 is an amazing time for your first marathon. That would be a Boston Qualifying time for me. Congratulations. We're all very proud of you.

Martha- Congratulations for making your time goal for Minnie. Wow, 10:28 mpm pace is awesome. You've come so far.

Erica- It was great to see you and Dave again at dinner, and even better to see you on the course at the Pig. You gotta love the WISH shirts. Congratulations on a great race. Maybe I'll see you at that 10th Annual Pig.

Kristi- Great pictures! How much fun to run with your Mom.

 

[disnutt]

Erica- Amazing! Great time even w/ the potty break!

Martha Make sure you contact someone about that DJ! That must not be allowed to continue. I'm sure she has no idea what it takes to run at any pace.

Kristi-Love the pictures!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Ok, here is my 5k report. This was my first race EVER!! At 6am my cell rings and my friend who was supposed to do it with me had her DH call to cancel I was a little bummed, but tried not to let it put a damper on my first run. I had planned to walk it with my friend, but decided to jog it since she wasn't coming. Got to DTD and signed my DD up for the kids races. Before I knew it it was time to line up for the 5k. I got in line somewhere in the middle and before I knew what was happening, I was off!

Everyone just started jogging, it was fairly congested. Unfortunately, I did not really get to look around at my surroundings, as I was bobbing and weaving through runners. Before I knew it I was at the first water station, then mile 1 at under 11 min! I tried to look around at the pretty scenery of SSR and the golf course for mile 2. Partway through my 2nd mile I hear them announce the winner crossing finish line! Wow, those people are fast! I hit mile 2 at 21 min. Wow, this is better than I have done in training!

Mile 3 I decide I need to slow down since I am doing the 15k the next day. I definately don't want to wear myself out. So I do a combo walk/jog the last mile. When I see the finish line, I burst into a dead sprint across the finish line! My chip time was 33:49, clock time 34:16 and I placed 296 overall. This was way better than I thought I would do I got my medal and watched the other runners come through the finish. Then we waited for the kids races and watched my cute little DD run as fast as her legs would let her.

So my first race was alot of fun! My DH was not expecting me that fast, so he wasn't ready with the camera and only got my backside crossing the finish line. It is still a good picture though and will definately make it into the scrapbook.

Thanks for reading! I will get my 15k report up soon.

Becky

 

[disnutt]

Becky- Congratulations on the 5K PR! You wouldn't have done that if your friend had come along so that was the silver lining!

 

[wtpclc]

Forgive me for not singling out everyone. At some point, I need to get to work. This real world thing really stinks, though.

Christa - So glad that you ran so fabulously and the IT band was not too bad!!!

Kat - Way to go!!! I WISH you could have been with one of the big groups, but please don't let it overshadow your accomplishment!!!!!!

Lisa - Way to go!!!!

Mike - FYI - 26.2 miles is a heck of a long way to go!!! Sunny has a logo on her cafe press site that says, "20 miles is a long way to run. 26.2 is a life changing experience." Congratulations on changing your life!!!

Kristi -Scott says Chad can have the job. He loves doing these things, but he's kind of a one-hit wonder. After the first time, he gets bored with it.

Denny - Hope you don't mind that I shared your number with Anne. I knew she'd have a much more exciting good luck call!

Becky - COngrats on your first race!!!!

It was very cool thinking of everyone running this weekend. I WISH we all could have been in the same place, but it was fun to think about who was where.

To all the Wishers that I met this weekend: It was so great to meet you! Let me assure you that WISH meets get better every time as you get to know people better and better!

I'll try to do a trip report, but Cam's sums is up well. It was an unbelievable fairy tale weekend! Now, on to the race:

Thank goodness Cam had her lists. I don't know what happened to me Sunday morning, but I must have left my brain elsewhere this weekend. I washed my fanny pack, but forgot to put the clips for the water bottles back on. SO, from Saturday night to Sunday morning, I whined about having to put the bottles in my pack. With all my whining about my bottles, you would have thought that I would have remembered to fill them before the final reading of Cam's list. I was just not there in mind.

OK, so off to the start. After my practice drive with Martha Saturday :innocent:, I had no problem finding AK Sunday morning. We found a WISH spot and somehow others WISHers had no problem finding us.

Got to say congrats to Angie. Unfortunately, by the time I finished stretching, KimMickey was gone. I really wanted to meet you!!!!

It was great hanging with the WISHers. Then it was time to mosey to the start. Everyone was right about the one DJ. SHE HAS TO GO!!!!! The other specific comment was that she was at the marathon and was surprised to find “that it was not just fit people who run the marathon." That and the leisurely pace comment made me want to drag her butt out on the pavement with me!!!! I dare anyone to show me an "unfit" person who can do a half or full marathon!!!

OK, Minnie showed up and that was cool. It all seemed so small compared to marathon. It was slightly cooler than I expected at race time, but VERY humid. We had the countdown and the fireworks went off.

Remembered to start my Garmin as we crossed the line. However, I went to turn on the backlight a little later and turned it off. Took a while to find itself again....
Did you know that the AK parking lot is about a half mile long and a half mile wide? A mile mostly in a parking lot is a long way. We passed a bunch of WISHers, though and that was cool. Before the race, Martha and I agreed that we would not go faster than a 10:15. We did get to 10:10s at a couple points and I reigned Martha in.

We did the 2 over passes at about 10:20s. :O Wow, it's nice to do those when you're not dead. However, that may have been a bit much for me.

The best part of the race for me was the out and back. :O Can you believe it???? We saw a ton of WISHers on that stretch and it was really cool! Huge kudos to cheerleader Matt! We had not even met him yet, but his cheers from across the way were great!!!!

Then we went up the ramp. That was tough and my leg started to hurt in the upper thigh. I was thrilled that it had stayed pain free for so long, but knew that it typically does not get better from there. The heat started to get me too and I just started to lose it. I'm thinking that my missed runs over the last month and the heat just took there toll. Martha really is a machine. SO, when we were approaching the 5 mile mark and I was not keeping our 10:30 pace any more, I made her leave. She was looking too strong and had worked too hard for me to hold her back. She took some convincing, but thankfully she went on and got her PR!!!! Big apologies to Martha for challenging her to a 10:30 and having her do it, while I could not. I'd like to think that I would have been ok without my booty/nerve issues and maybe if it had been cooler.

Anyway, I was on my own. This was new for me, but I did ok. I did some calcs in my head and realized that I could do a 10:52 and still get my 10:30 ave. However, that was not in the cards either.

The lack of spectators, made it tough. There were only a few princesses in MGM even. Not a lot of entertainment.

However, after I left MGM, I decided that I was just going to enjoy the course.

There were hot air balloons (at least 7) and that was very cool. One was even a smiley face!

As for the boardwalk being crowded, well, it was spread out for me and seemed empty with out spectators. There was the cutest little girl waving and smiling as we crossed towards the Swolphin, though. here daddy was telling her to keep waving. Kudos to her for making me smile and to her dad for encouraging that. It means so much to have people making you smile on the course.

I crossed into Epcot and took a few pics. It was nice to have energy to lift my camera for a change! Then, I started to see topiaries!

It suddenly dawned on me that I was in Epcot for F&G!!!!

Woo hoo!!!!! The camera stated going and next thing I knew I was doing a 10:30 again. Didn’t last for long, though. I had a great time taking pics and seeing all the beautiful flowers, that was amazing! Next things I knew, I was past the ball. But wait. Where’s the choir??? OMG, they weren't there.

Finally, I could see the finish. Boy did it look empty. (Note to self, a race that's about 1/7th the number of runners, does not draw as big of a crowd.) BUT, I saw Mickey & Minnie!!!!!!!! I was all by myself for the finish and the way they were staggered, it looked like I could high five them both!!!! So, I hit Mickey, turn to Minnie and she's blowing kisses at me!!!!! TO coin a phrase from Denny, How cool is that? High fived Minnie and then met up with Martha and Bill. I had passed him on and off up until just after mile 5. I think we were driving him nuts.

We got some food and drinks and made our way back to the finish to cheer. The big glob of lime was sooo cool!!! I think the announcers even mentioned our crew. I loved watching the WISHers as we started to cheer! I also loved staying to the end for the DLFer.

Her smile speaks volumes. Had we been thinking, she should have gotten a special invite to WISH team. I know it took more courage for her to get out there than any elite, even at that leisurely pace.

Best highlight of the weekend? Monday morning while packing, I got a text from dh asking, "Have you started to plan next year yet?" Yay!!! I went into this thinking it would be a once in a lifetime trip adn really lived it up. Thinking about going again next year is awesome!!!!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Loved the report Carrie! Sorry I did not stay for the WISH meet after the race, but I could not find my family and when I finally did, I really wanted a shower! I look forward to the next race hopefully having a real WISH shirt on!

Speaking of that, anyone have any idea when the next WISH shirt order will go in? I would love to have one for RFTT.

Becky

 

[Cindylou]

Great report Carrie. Thanks for all the pictures. Sorry your injury and the heat took their toll, but you still finished. That says a lot.

Cindy

 

[wtpclc]

I should add that I not only finished, I ran the whole way w/o even stopping for the water stations. Plus, my leg really is much better!

There is typically a summer/fall shirt order. Still debating if I'll have the time to do it myself or if I'll need help. I know there are a couple of peole I can call on to help me. It'll probably need to happen July/August to get them in September in time to train in them before the October races. RFTT is early October, right?