Race Reports, Kudos and Encouragement for October 6th and 7th

[Calcio]

Hello all, here is the abridged version:

I ran the BAA Half Marathon today, finishing in 2:00:35. The first 10 were pretty easy and took 90:35. The last 3.1 were pretty horrible, I was totally blown and really struggled to get in. In my dreams I hoped to go sub-2 today, but apparently dreams to not come true on October 7 in Boston. I have to be pleased, however, as I honestly don't think I left anything out on the course, and the last half marathon I ran was the first leg of Goofy in January of 2006, and that took 2:05:26.

Today's half also had by far the fastest winners I've ever seen. The course was a looping out and back, and when I was at mile 4 the male leaders were coming back at mile 8. The male winner ran 1:02:20 and the female winner ran 1:13:26. Let's see here, I spilled my guts training and on the course, and I was beaten by 58:15 over 13 miles. If I could only find 4.5 minutes per mile I would be competitive!

Thanks Martha, I would love to "so totally rock dude," just like Squirt.

Craig

 

[escape]

Steve - WTG! on your half. Awesome times! Hope your calf gets better soon.

Craig - Well, let's see. You skimmed almost 5 minutes off your previous speedy time. That's A-MAZ-ING! No small feat in my book! Plus, you'll have many more opportunities to get that sub 2:00. WTG!

 

[nucpharm29]

Steve and Craig--WTG on your 1/2s today! You guys smoked some awesome times today!

Wendy--Congrats on the race! Ugh, on the poison ivy, hope it clears soon!

 

[angietuck2]

HELLO EVERYONE

I just wanted to let you guys know that our WISH er's were out in FULL FORCE today at RFTT and they were awesome

I posted some pics that I got on the weekly thread - Oct 7 come take a look!!

angie

 

[nicolita3]

Well I finished the RFTT today, this was my first race or even 10k. I didnt get to train much since school has been so hectic, so I think I did pretty good given the circumstances. It was a great race so many people cheering! I had gone with 3 other friends and when we started two of them kind of took off and left me and one of my other friends behind. The whole time we were walking/running we were so nervous that the bus was going to pick us up since we heard that they are so strict about the times so we tried to go as fast as we could! It was so cool seeing MGM and Epcot when no one else is there, there were some guests going to breakfast and they cheered us on it was really nice! Towards the end I got nervous thinking that I wasnt going to finish or that my DH (who was waiting at the finish line) would think that I had been picked up by the bus. But when I rounded that very last corner and you can see everyone standing there at the end oh my! It was definitly exciting! I was walking towards the end and everyone started cheering me and encouraging me to run the last part so I sprinted till the very end! There was actually a really nice diser who ran with me at the last stretch of the finish line, I didnt catch his name though. I finished at 1:46:02 I was very happy that, I know I was towards the end but I am still happy that I got my first medal! After we went to AK thinking we would stay until closing, well that didnt happen we were all so tired we left by 3:30 but we had lots of fun!

 

[klh-or]

My daughter and I walked the 10k Mayor's Walk, which is the last 6.2 miles of today's Portland Marathon. This was my first 10k in a very long time, and for the most part, I'm feeling good! Sure was nice when a runner would pass and say something like "good job, ladies" or "lookin' good!" Good grief, this was me at a 20 minute mile pace, and these people were whizzin' past me, yet they took a second to support ME.

So, I've got a lot of work to do between now and January 12. Tomorrow I officially start the "14 week countdown training" for the 1/2. I've got to double my distance, double my time - 30 minutes to not get swept.

Looking at those marathon walkers and runners I thought, hmmmmm, I'd sure love one of those Portland Marathon medals some day!! However, today I am very proud of my ribbon for the 10k!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Garmin report 3:20 for a 15:07 pace covering 13.25--I forgot to turn off Garmin until I removed my chip that we had to tie through our shoe laces--took forever.

I finished the Towpath half marathon today. Whew! Throwback to this past January—quite warm and humid today. It was offered that the walkers start off an hour earlier than the main race and I decided to take advantage of the early start. I figured I could walk and at least finish without causing too much damage today.

I really enjoyed that the race was staggered. It was different for me in that usually being back of the pack, I was for a time able to see what the front of the pack looked like from inside as the front of the pack came whizzing past. I don’t know if the usual front of the pack participants appreciated those of us early starters, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The half and full had different start locations and the full took their first half going completely opposite from the half. Both events finished in the same location. By the time the halfers were turned around heading toward the finish line of the mostly out and back course the full was coming toward us. This provided for an opportunity to see most of the participants in both events. I struggled to finish and the encouragement offered by both the full coming toward me and the halfers passing me was much appreciated.

There was plenty of water and Gator Ade offered as well as a station offering fruit and station had Gu. At the end we got medals, more water and Gator Ade then fruit apples/bananas/oranges and Arby’s roast beef sandwich. There were massages being offered and hot tubs available (no thank you). The massage line was long so I passed. For purchase there was a smoothie bar, but they ran out of stuff and were waiting for provisions. So I just had to go to get that $2 glass of beer. Shuttle bus to our parking area went smoothly although hot—no AC and sweaty bodies. At least we were all in the same state.

The course in mostly on a crushed stone trail and had a couple of congested spots as both directions were in use for a time. It was a flat course and some were trying to qualify for Boston in this heat. I’m told this is a good event for a Boston qualifier. I am glad I participated.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Steve, Ya done good!

Craig, good job! Fantastic pace.

Wendy, I'm thinking you did great! Sorry about that poison ivy. Ugh.

klh-or, Good job to have the event to work from. You will get better as you go along.

nicolita3, Congrats on your first race! You're hooked now!

 

[escape]

nicolita3 - Way to Go!!!! Congrats on your first medal for your first race. It's a good feeling, isn't it?!!

klh-or - congrats on your 10K walk. When I started on my half-marathon training last October, I could not do a 16-min pace. It took me a while and I finally did it after some intense training (intense for me, that is! ). You'll get faster!

Angie - great pictures! Sounds like your DH and friend did very well in the race. I'm sure it was kind of fun being a spectator for once.

Lily - I can't imagine doing a half in this kind of heat. I so hope we have cooler weather for the marathon weekend in January. I don't think I can complete a marathon under these conditions. But hey! You did it and survived just nicely! Good going!

 

[getnthinr]

Thanks, folks! Sounds like my root/rock/ravine adventure was a cake walk compared to the other races this weekend -- especially Chicago! It was a mid-70s (low) to mid-80s (high) day, and I was allowed to start an hour early, so it wasn't too bad. Like everyone, I'm anxiously awaiting other WISHers reports.

 

[thndrmatt]

There was actually a really nice diser who ran with me at the last stretch of the finish line, I didnt catch his name though.

Did he look like that? Must have been me.

I post lengthy race reports all the time so I'll let some of the other runners have a go at it. Short version ran the whole thing with DW, and on a pretty brutal weather day (dripping already after .5 miles) she kept a real good even pace and finished strong.

Managed to run into various other WISHers at different times, including cheering some on through holes in fences and such, tried to use up some of my excess energy!

 

[Honeibee]

I am so proud of my fellow WISHer's right now! You guys ALL did fab-u-lous!!

 

[getnthinr]

Congrats to Steve, Craig, klh-or -- and all our RFTT folks as well!

Lily -- I looked longingly at the Towpath Marathon. (My kids were hoping I'd do it so we'd be close enough to go to Cedar Point!) Gas prices took over, though, and I put my miles in a bit closer to home. Congratulations!!!

 

[nicolita3]

Did he look like that? Must have been me.

I post lengthy race reports all the time so I'll let some of the other runners have a go at it. Short version ran the whole thing with DW, and on a pretty brutal weather day (dripping already after .5 miles) she kept a real good even pace and finished strong.

Managed to run into various other WISHers at different times, including cheering some on through holes in fences and such, tried to use up some of my excess energy!

It probably was you I was towards the very end of the race, I was just sort of power walking but oh my gosh all the cheering really got me hyped and I heard my friends that were a head of me start shouting that I should start running and oh my gosh! I ran harder than I had ever ran before! It was unreal! My DH told me afterwards how proud he was, it made me feel so good especially since a lot of people I knew told me I couldnt since I am pooh sized.

 

[Villains_Rock]

I just got back to Ohio. It's kinda bittersweet knowing that my first Disney race is over. I saw quite a few WISH shirts, unfortunately I didn't have one ordered in time. I'm shy so I didn't say hello or anything to any of you, although I'm kicking myself now for not. I actually paced one WISH member for quite a bit of the race. Petite brunette? Not sure who it was, but she took off during the last two miles and I'm sure finished with a much better time than me. I also saw a woman with a braid near my pack and a dark haired guy as well. I had on a light orange tank on and black capris...I also have a chest tattoo and a tattoo on my right shoulder. Doubt you guys noticed me. I finished the race at 1:04:11 net time...not as good as my practice time. BUT I'm not used to the FL humidity...and wow, does that make a huge difference!! Anyhow...congrats to all of you that ran this weekend!

I also want to pray for the Chicago marathon...it's just horrible.

 

[windwalker]

I just got back to Ohio. It's kinda bittersweet knowing that my first Disney race is over. I saw quite a few WISH shirts, unfortunately I didn't have one ordered in time. I'm shy so I didn't say hello or anything to any of you, although I'm kicking myself now for not. I actually paced one WISH member for quite a bit of the race. Petite brunette? Not sure who it was, but she took off during the last two miles and I'm sure finished with a much better time than me. I also saw a woman with a braid near my pack and a dark haired guy as well. I had on a light orange tank on and black capris...I also have a chest tattoo and a tattoo on my right shoulder. Doubt you guys noticed me. I finished the race at 1:04:11 net time...not as good as my practice time. BUT I'm not used to the FL humidity...and wow, does that make a huge difference!! Anyhow...congrats to all of you that ran this weekend!

Please don't be shy, this is a wonderful group. We went to a meet in January and even though no one knew us we were made to feel welcome and part of the team. I'm sure if they had known how nutty I was they would have run me off with sticks.

Dave

 

[keenercam]

Congratulations to all our WISH teammates! Each and every one of you ROCKS for getting out there! I am so happy for every one of you that got to a start line this weekend and even happier that you all made it to the finish!

Matt -- It does not surprise me at all to know that any excess energy you might have had you shared with all the other race participants, cheering them on to the finish. I am so glad you and Cheryl enjoyed your race!

Villains Rock -- I hope you'll never be too shy to approach your WISH teammates again. You'll find that the support is just boundless and priceless and your experience will be thousands of times more fun for sharing it with this group! So, will we be seeing you at ToT? Or for Marathon weekend 2008?

 

[Villains_Rock]

Villains Rock -- I hope you'll never be too shy to approach your WISH teammates again. You'll find that the support is just boundless and priceless and your experience will be thousands of times more fun for sharing it with this group! So, will we be seeing you at ToT? Or for Marathon weekend 2008?

Probably not...I can't afford all the travel on my single income. I'm definitely going to plan on coming to next years TOT though!!! Thank you both for being so kind. I really should have said hello...I know it's silly to be so shy when I know you guys are so nice!!

 

[padisneyfan]

Congratulation to everyone who raced this weekend.

Nancy

 

[wfloyd]

I guess I should post something especially since Matt isn't doing anything and I can't copy him.

To start off, Lynnda was the one who was supposed to be running this race. However her foot doctor told her this was too early and shouldn't do it. Me not wanting to waste money or a medal decided to be her pinch runner.

First her report, since it was actually her who got the time and everything. Some highly inconsiderate DH woke me up around 5:00 telling me he was leaving. I didn't really acknowledge it since the bed was sooooooo comfy and the covers were perfect. About 7:30, Timmy woke me up so it was time to go take care of everything. Around 10:00 the poor DH came back in to find us watching TV with our feet propped up enjoying the nice AC. I found out that my time was 1:09:30. That was by far the easiest race I have done and not a bad time for me either.

Now for my report. Woke up way too early in the morning for the race. Unfortunately the marathon will be 2 hours earlier. Said bye to DW, who seemed to grumble about something and left. Made it to Epcot fairly easily and got on the bus for WWoS.

Not many people were there but I have seen what traffic can be like and I wanted to eliminate one source of stress. I did feel the humidity early on and figured that it was going to be a hot day. One wisher came up and said hi then went off looking around again. Stacey came up and we talked a while until Becky, Karen and John and one other Wisher (I am bad with names). Heather also came up at some point. We started to move to the start area and then were compressed to make more room. After the national anthem and some fireworks, the race finally started.

I figured since it was hot and I didn't want to skew the time too badly for Lynnda, I would see if I could run the first 1.25 miles without a break, walk 0.25 then run 0.5 then do the rest depending on how I felt at the time and enjoy myself through the parks. I actually did this so I consider it a success.

It was humid out and for some reason I thought the water seemed hotter this year as well. I thought it was a little worse than Minnie this year but pretty close. I finished with a time of 1:09:30 and followed the crowds around to get the medal and drinks.

The food samplings were better this year, I thought. There was a strawberry and mango fruit salad, beef empanadas, and kiwi and custard roll. I cheered a couple of people on and felt it was time to get back to the room in case some little boys weren't cooperating.

Villians Rock - Most of us don't bite, I won't comment on Dave though . Feel free to come up and start talking at the marathon.

Bill