Race Reports, Kudos and Encouragement for September 27th, 29th and 30th Racers!

[escape]

Stephanie - great job on the marathon! Congrats to your DH as well for his first marathon! Hope your foot heals quickly.

Denny and M'Lisse - Pizza and beer. Can't get any better than that! Congrats to both of you for a great run.

SeeDisney - congrats to your family. I'll bet the kiddie K was fun to watch.

 

[Jen117]

Hey Team - Well, I ran the Running of the Rumps 10K at the Beef A Rama Festival. I ran the 5K last year and PR'ed and again this year I PR'ed in the 10K. The weather was a little chilly and windy, but otherwise very nice for a morning run. The turnout was more than last year, so that was good. The race overall is still one of my favorites.

My goal was to run it in under 1:15, I missed that by 1 minute and was very sad about that. The kids race started at 10:15, and I really wanted to be back for that, but instead I had to finish and then race after the girls for their 1 mile run. At the 5K point for my race, I noticed my pace was right on, in fact I think I would have PR'ed in the 5K if I would have finished that race. Instead I had to do an out and back on a trail for the second 1/2 of the 10K. This wasn't so hot for me. I was a little let down at how snobby the fast runners were that were coming back at me while I was going out. Also, the girl in front of me about 50 feet, turned around early and saved about 10 minutes off her time. That irritated me big time. But as I got closer to the turn around, lots of really nice runners were giving me compliments and saying nice things, so that cheered me up a bit. Also, the 10K is quite small for numbers at this event, so I was certain I was in last place.... but after that turn around I counted 7 (SEVEN) people behind me. That really made me happy.

The final stretch of the race is over an old rail bridge. Coincidentally, the kids race starts at the finish of the 5/10K race. Since I was 1 minute slower than I wanted to be, that meant as I hit that bridge I suddenly had about 100 kids bolting directly at me. That was fun. Luckily I didn't trip over any and I did get hoots and high fives from mine!!!! No finish line pics tho since DH was running with the girls. The results aren't up yet, but my Garmin read 6.3 miles for a 12:11 pace.

So, after I finish I grabbed a drink and then headed back on the trail to find my kids. I wasn't even to the 1/2 point and my little DD6 was running at me. I joined her and called DH on the Cell phone. He told me he didn't have DD4 because she kept running and his knee was screaming at him. Since his knee surgery, he can't run at all. In fact he re injured himself at WDW last month when a guy crashed into him with a scooter. So I let DD6 finish strong and I went to find DD4, who has asthma and doesn't normally run so much. I turned the bend and there was my little pink daughter, running with all her might. The bike medics were tailing her until I got her. We ran in the finish together and both girls got a medal. They did AWESOME!! DH walked it in about 5 minutes later, poor guy!!!

I have to say the bike medics at this race were AWESOME. I saw them so many times during the race and they were so nice. They really deserved a high five!!!

 

[Big Vic]

Susie- WTG! Congrats!

Jen and DDs - WTG! Congrats!

 

[WDWFAN9]

Congrats fellow teammates on an awesome weekend.

DH and I completed the Morton Arboretum Fall Color 5K this morning. They had a better turn out than expected, so the race started about 15 minutes late. There was supposed to be a staggered start - runners, then strollers, then walkers. However no one was holding back the the separate divisions, which made the start very congested. The first mile took about 18 minutes. There just wasn't space to manuever. The course itself was rolling hills, normally a scenic drive through the trees. Well, it's been a while since Jim and I drove the course and I didn't remember exactly how rolling it was! Ouch my shins let me know right away that they are used to flat terrain! It was beautiful though, even if the trees haven't started turning colors yet! We finished with an average pace of 16:08. Not so great, but it was a beautiful morning. The post-race area wasn't well-organized. There was a single table with apples, bananas, and bagels with different cream cheeses available for the 2000 participants. It was taking a long time for people to put the cream cheese on the bagels and the line backed up forever. They also had volunteers standing behind the table so people could only use one side to get the food. Jim and decided to head to the arboretum's visitor center to use the flushing facilities and then we took a walk around a pretty lake. When we got back to the finish area the food lines was shorter so we finally got some fruit and bagels. The goody bag included a Chipotle coupon and the race shirt was a wicking one which is nice. Downer though - no XXLs so DH can't wear his shirt. All in all, it was great! I do think though that the 5K distance is too short for me.....it takes that long to convince my body that moving is a good thing

 

[Duanerice]

WOW! Great reports. Congratulations everyone. I really like reading he reports, makes me feel I was there (without the soreness). Thanks for taking the time to post.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

M'Lisse and Denny, great report and good job! Two hours in traffic? Oh that was so not good.

Stephanie, Great time you had there! You did fantastic! Imagine if the course were flat. You would have been flying! I enjoyed your race report. Definitely a race I am not capable of doing pace is over my ability.

Judy, I know you did awesome!

Seedisney, Congratulations to your husband and daughter on their improved times! Congratulations too that your DS was a racer too. That must be fun to have the family in events together!

Susie, glad to hear you completed your event. That is a lot you accomplished in a weekend. Sorry that “Old Man Steve” didn’t fair as well. I know it was a disappointment. Tell him it’s all down hill from here. Well, he turned 50 didn’t he that why it over the hill time. Really, though—I am impressed that he did all those miles. It sure must have been disappointing for him. I WISH that he gets to feeling better about his accomplishments soon. That is amazing.

Jenn, Congratulations on the event, sounds like you did fine. I’m sorry to hear about DH’s knee. It does sound like the little ones enjoyed the event.

Pat, OMG! Did you ever in your life think you would be saying that a 5k is too short! I loved reading that part. I do understand why you said it and I’m sorry about that part. What a lovely way to enjoy a lovely day.

Way to go WISH Team!

 

[Jen117]

Pat - I totally agree about the 5K. This year when I was running this race, the first 5K flew by and I was like... well, now on to the second half. Last year when I ran just the 5K I was wondering if the race would ever end. Isn't it amazing how far we have come!!!! You can tell the average person that 3 miles is nothing and their jaws will drop!!!! CONGRATS!!!!

 

[Honeibee]

Hey guys, remember I said it was either a PR or the ER? Well, I'm not at the hospital so.....Yes, both Charlie and I PR'd! Whoooo hoooooo!

It couldn't have been a more perfect day for a race. Sunny, a little breeze, and cool. I wore my WISH shirt but for the first time ever, finally took the tags off my "sacred" Half tech shirt and wore that over my WISH shirt before the race. A couple of people looked at it, but no one said anything. They probably didn't believe I could do a Half. Anyway...

When we went to registration, we passed the food tables. OMG such a spread! Bagels, bananas, pizza, oranges, Subway sandwiches, brownies, cookies, muffins, bread, I don't know what all else. I was ready to forget the race and just eat! Hee hee.

I was coming out of the Port-O-Potty and hear my name....and it was Cindy! YAY! Another WISHer! I was so happy to meet her. I can tell you all, she's soooo nice! What a sweet girl! And...and....Holy Moly is she fast! On the course I was just about to head into a switchback and she was coming out already! Whooo hooo!

I mention the Port-O-Potty's for the newbies sake, because if there is one very important thing I have learned here, it's my pre-race ritual. No matter how long or short the race is...."Que. Pee. Repeat."

Speaking of newbies, since this race was the first one I ever did, last year, does this not make me a newbie anymore, since I have been racing now for a year? And, is that the worse possible sentence structure you have ever read in your life?

Well, here's my splits:

1) 10:28
2) 11:51
3) 11:50
4) 9:00 (.19mi)

Garmin time: 35:53:15 (11:14 average)

Official Time: 35:59 (11:36 average)

I came in 52nd in my age group, but I really have no idea how many were in that group. I also came in 516 out of 547.

It was a really fun course, with just a couple of hills. One steep and short and one a rather lengthy incline that was rather deceptive. If you were driving you might not even notice it, but if your running it, it seems to go one for a very very long time.

A couple of funny things happened...

There were three young, early 20-somethings, girls in front of me for most of the race. It seemed liked two of the girls did this often and I got the feeling the third girl got talked into it. She was really struggling. Eventually she told the other two to just go ahead. I asked her once if she was OK and she said yes but it was just hard. So as we got into the last mile I went up next to her and said "Listen, I am twice your age and 50 pounds heavier then you. If I can do this, you can do it." Well, she gave me a big smile and said "OK!" and took off. I never saw her again. I hope she was happy when she finished. She should have been proud of herself.

A few minutes after that, we were almost to the end, and another girl comes up next to me. She says "You're hard to keep up with!". I was like "Who? ME?" She said "Yes, I've been using you as my pacer, I hope you don't mind." I laughed and told her no, heck no, not at all. I was flattered. So then she said "Come on, lets finish this!" and we were whooping and hollering and encouraging everyone around us. People were shouting to us and clapping - geez, I'm getting goosebumps just recalling all this - and we took off (That explains the 9:00 pace at the very end.) It was really great and so much fun. I bet they didn't have that kind of comradery and support at the front of the pack. Take that, you elites!

Charlie met us at the very end and ran us down to the chute. Of course he had been done for ten minutes by then.

After the race he walked back to the car to change his shirt and get the folding chairs we had brought for the awards and raffle. I decided to wait for him in the shade. Big mistake! By the time he was done putzing at the car and walking back, almost all the food was gone. There were a couple slices of pizza and cookies left. Guess I learned my lesson there.

I have to give a big shout out to MS Running Productions. Marty Schiavone does a fabulous job as RD. I sent him an email this morning to thank him for an incredibly well run race. If you ever have a chance to do one of his events in CT, they are really great.

We got a really nice shirt and an amazing goody bag. Bigelow Tea is a very generous sponsor. It was a great day and I can't wait to do it again next year.

 

[SilverE]

Jen: Congratulations to both you and your daughters!

Pat: Great job on the 5K (DH too.)

Judy: Way to go on the PR! And you're a pacer now too . Congrats to Charlie too.

Susie: Great job on the bike! As for Steve, wow! 80 miles is a loooong way. I'm glad your post-event cool-down has provided us with the following lesson :

So, the lesson is this - beer is good for after all runs and bike rides alike!

 

[nucpharm29]

Susie--great job to you and your DH on the Big Dam Bike Ride. My dad did the 50 mile ride--he said they had great cookies in Mayflower! We also enjoy the Flying Saucer from time to time--the only place in Arkansas we've been able to find our Epcot beer of choice--Spaten Optimator

Pat--I'm with you on the 5K being too short! Who'd ever though we'd be saying that! Great job!

Judy--What a great race, and a great experience as well! Thanks for the report!

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning WISHers.....I am back from Toronto! I have to say, it was an experience. A marathon done, check off of life list!

Toronto was beautiful. The race was well organized, the weather was a bit hot. It was also the hardest thing I have ever did. (and I took pictures during the run to remember how hard it was!!!!! a little reminder.....)

I finished......thank God! It took a longggggg time, but it got done.

I saw Hockeychic and took her picture.

I hurt really bad.......really bad......for a long time.......ugh.

Beth

 

[Honeibee]

Beth, I know you're hurting right now, but trust me, that will go away. But just think about what you did! A MARATHON! OMG how exciting! You must be thrilled! OK maybe you will be as soon as everything doesn't hurt so bad.

I am so proud of you. Congratulations!!


"The pain is temporary. The pride is forever."

 

[nucpharm29]

Beth--Great job!!! Sorry about the pain--but that will go away and all you'll have are the great memories of that day! WTG!!!

 

[Pungodingy]

My race started at 9 am. I was up in plenty of time, ate, checked in, got my goodie bag (lots of good goodies in this one). Wait, back up, on the way to check in, we drove the course. I know the area, but just wanted to see it again. Lots of hills, but none seemed too bad. (note: hills do not look as big in the car as they do on foot) It was an out and back course. We lined up just before 9. They started the 10K and the marathon at the same time, same place, 10K on the right, marathon on the left. I heard a bunch of the marathoners saying it was a tough course until mile 11, then it got easier. Figured they meant after the 10K turnaround. Ha. Gun goes off, and so do we, that’s always a great feeling for me. I started off running, feeling good, great day, sunny but cool with a breeze. Course was fairly flat for the first mile or so, lots of people out cheering. At about 1.5 miles, I see the first runners headed back at me, my jaw dropped, I couldn’t believe how fast they were! Up a hill, down a hill, this is how the whole 10K was. Met a runner who seemed to really be struggling, asked if he was ok or needed help, he told me he had a life debilitating disease (didn’t say what) but wanted to do the marathon. He was a huge inspiration, ‘cause you could see he was having a hard time and in pain, but he kept on going. He passed me. (note: I believe he called it quits around mile 7, 4 hours in, and called it a 10k instead) First water stop, top of a hill, much needed, at about 2 miles. The Veteran’s were handing out water. They were in full uniform, looked great, and were so supportive. Leveled out briefly, then a bigger hill, but manageable. I was walking at this point, still haven’t been able to run the hills (but, I used to not be able to walk ‘em either, so there is progress). Got to the top, and then down again. This part of the course was a bit hairy for me, a fire truck came screaming thru, and the people pulling over pulled over right in front of me. Seeing that car headed straight for me, no matter how slow they were going, was a bit disconcerting. Also during this part, we were by the lake and the wind coming off it was harsh, my eyes were watering like crazy, and I really had to fight against the wind. At least it was downhill! Hit the turn around, 2nd water stop, passed on this one, then back up the hill. I had slowed down a bit at this point, so had to kick it back into gear when I got to the top and headed back down again. At this point, I think I ran the longest distance I have run to date, I’m sure the decline helped, but I felt like I could just keep going and going. My legs felt good, my breathing stayed regular, my heart did not go into overdrive, it was such a great feeling! Then the road went up again. Oh well. 3rd water stop was manned by the Schools, all different ages there, hollering “water” and “Gatorade”, it was hard passing some of them ‘cause they ALL wanted you to take their cup. Got to the top of the hill, and they were setting up a new water station for the marathoners. Got a kick out of seeing that I was at “Mile 25”. Ok, it was Mile 5 for the 10kers, but still…didn’t think I would ever see that sign! So, in my head, I know I don’t have too far to go, and I still feel really good. Passed a pizza place, and boy did it smell good, I realized I was starting to feel hungry. As I rounded the next corner, a biker passes me, raises his arm (like he’s gonna turn) and gives me a thumbs up. Behind him were about 40 more bikes, and they ALL gave me thumbs up as they passed, it was really great to see, and made me grin like a fool! One more small hill, and I’m in the cones headed for the clock. My DD met me and pushed me to run it in, so, I did!! I heard people calling my name (didn’t expect that) and lots of people at the end clapped when I crossed the line, again, what a rush! Turns out that some friends had come to the craft fair that was held at the finish line, saw my family, found out I was racing, and stayed to see me in. Such support! Had a ton of Gatorade and water, wasn’t impressed with the food, and got in line for a free massage (short, but nice!) Stayed for the awards, first place male broke the last record (1993), then headed home. Great race!! Also, not only was it my longest race so far, it was a personal best for me (1:38)!

 

[Creativebeth]

Okay, now maybe I can give a race report......I just got up from a 3 hour nap, and I feel much better. Advil on board and working!

We arrived in Toronto on Friday night after a nice layover in Niagra. We checked out the falls (and the casino! ) and had dinner. Beautiful weather, but I figured out that I should have packed more long sleeved shirts! ((((But it was hot when we left??? )

Toronto is beautiful. The kids and dh went for a little walk after checking in to the hotel, but I stayed back. Still in the middle of taper madness, and I was a bit grumpy!

Saturday I picked up my race packet and walked around the Expo. I got to chat with John Binghman, who was very encouraging to me. Also a good person to talk to my dh and explain taper madness a little better than I could. Could have kissed him for that, he even made me sound somewhat normal!

Saturday was alot of walking, shopping and site seeing. The kids loved Toronto also, and want me to go back next year! ((But they also have a 1/2 marathon, so maybe!)) We also went to see the Chinese Lantern display at the Ontario Place. It was awesome!

Sunday started cooler, so I wore long sleeves....mistake! It got really hot! The start was sort of disorganized and I was lined up with the 'wrong' people. People who were fast and looking for a PR! Not my penquin people. But I met up with them soon!

The course was very flat, the water stations were plentiful. I hydrated well before the race and drank very well during the whole race. I am used to 1/2 strength gatorade, but I was drinking it full st in the first 1/2 of the race and it upset my stomach. After the 1/2 I started mixing a cup of water with a cup of Gatorade and it went better after that. I saw my family at the 1/2 way which was a big uplift for me! They had a fresh bottle of 1/2 st Gatorade for me and some food. I couldn't eat then, but I was happy they thought of it. I was sort of worried I would miss them in the crowd, but they were standing alone so it was easy to find them.

I did get a glimpse of a bright green wish shirt along the way. Kim (Hockeychic) probably thought I was some kind of nut, screaming her name across the median strip! She heard me and I told her who I was, and took her picture! (((I still have a few pictures left, then I will develop them Kim!)) She looked fresh, and was doing well!

I felt good and hit the 20mile (32K) mark in good time (4:30), but from that point on I had to do alot of walking. But during something like a marathon, time stopped meaning much to me. Much more important to finish, upright, and feeling ok!

I met a bunch of Penquins along the way, and we were all pretty social. I love the back of the packers! It was a nice group.

My family met me again at the 500meter mark and escorted me to the finish. I was somewhat running the last 2K (whatever I could do) So I finished the race on my own two running feet! They announced my name as I crossed the line, but there weren't many people left. But they cheered for me, and I started to cry. The medics raced over to me thinking I was in trouble, but I was fine, just overwhelmed. I stopped crying right away, since I didn't want them hauling me away!

It didn't matter at all to me that they were packing everything up when I got there, because I made it in 6:24:39 and the cut off was 7:00!!! I was just grateful to be done with medal in hand. ((((I wore the medal the rest of the weekend too, and I never do that!))))

Thanks for the cheering section......I appreciate all the good wishes!

Beth

 

[monte]

Well as most of you know I was disappointed with my first full marathon. The required time was 7 hours and I finished in 7.19, so I missed out on receiving a medal, my marathon meal and my free beer (I haven't had a drink since 1989, but boy I sure could have used a cold one after that!). lol.

I did this marathon in order to see where I am on my training, what I need to improve on and where my weakness is. I found that the fanny pack that I was wearing would not support my water bottles, so I ended up using them as dumbbells as I walked. I got a huge blister, on the ball of my right foot, that actually went inbetween my toes! Yucko! Needless to say by mile marker 19 I was dying!

You know what gave me inspiration to continue? I saw an overweight man...I mean a man close to 400 pds. wearing the marathon shirt and hat, walking towards the turnaround point as I was approaching mm20 and he smiled and said, "hi, way to go!" I almost cried. He had a big smile on his face and looked so happy that he was out there walking. I cursed myself for wanting to quit, said a prayer that the nice man would finish the marathon and I continued on towards the finish line, mammoth blister and all.

So, now I know...I have alot of training to do before going to WDW and hopefully with the help of the TNT coaches and the support that I get here, I will come w/in the 7 hour time frame that Disney has. I'm so glad I did this full instead of waiting til WDW. Whew!

 

[Cindylou]

Stephanie: Congratulations on a great Marathon time on what sounds like a tough course.

Denny: Glad you enjoyed the race and post race celebration. Sorry about the traffic.

SeeDisney: Congrats to your family.

Susie: Congratulations on your bike ride. Sorry DH was so disappointed, but 80 miles is very impressive.

Jen: Great job on your race. Glad the girls did well too.

Pat: Congrats to you and your DH.

Judy: Again, congrats to you and Charlie on your PRs.

Beth: Congratulations on being a marathoner.

Angie: Congrats on your PR.

Monte: I'm sorry you were disappointed in your race, but what a great lesson on what you are capable of doing even when it gets rough out there.

Kim: Congrats on your race.

My brief race report: I ran the Bigelow 5K with my husband's cousin. She had led me to believe she was a slow runner who wanted company on the run so I agreed to run with her despite having a 15 mile LR planned for the next day. The gun went off and so did she. I really had to work to keep up with her. We went through the first mile at around 8:00, yikes!! After 2 1/4 miles she had to stop with a side cramp, but urged me to keep going. Since at that point I was running under 8 mpm I decided to see if I could finish at that pace. My Garmin time was 24:35 or 7:55/mi, official time was 24:55. I was please with my time - not a PR, but the fastest I've run in the last 7 years. I got in line for the fabulous food then sat with Judy and Charlie for the awards and raffle. We didn't win anything, but it was a great day. I will definitely do this race again next year if I can. The Goody Bag alone made it worth the 2 1/2 hr drive to get there.

Cindy

 

[padisneyfan]

What great racing reports from everyone. The WISH group really rocked this weekend.

Denny--Congratulations on your 10K

SeeDisney--Good job by your DH, DD, DS

Stephanie-- Congratulations on your marathon.

Susie---Happy Belated Birthday to your DH. Good job to both of you on your bike tour.

Jen---Good job on your 10K and congratulations to your DD

Pat---Good job on your 5K

July---Way to go on a new PR.

Angie---Good job on your 10K.

Cindy--Good job on your 5K

Monte--- Very impressive that you hung in their to finish the marathon. Sorry you didn't get a medal but mostly importantly is that you completed all those miles.

Kim---Congratulations on your first half.

Beth---I am so proud of you. You hung in there and completed the marathon. Your pictures look great. Way to go.

I hope I got everyone.

Nancy

 

[Honeibee]

Greetings racing team -

No training as Wed is rest day for me. I have six miles on tap for Saturday and I am really looking forward to it. It will give me some kind of indication of how ready I am for 13K. Plus I'm not feeling so hot today, so I'm glad its a "do nothing" day.

Monte - That is some story. I hope I can be inspirational to someone since I too am overweight but always have a big ol' smile when I'm competing. Mostly because I am having so much fun and I just can not believe I am actually doing this! And Monte, go get yourself that beer. You deserve it!

Cindy - Glad you had a good time. Charlie told me he saw you on the course but then lost you. You're speedier then you realize, there, missy! Yeah, that is some awesome goody bag! I'm still munching on the snacks we got!

Sunny - Thinking of you today.

Cam - Thinking of you too since I know you are on your way to the doctor. Hope he has a solution for you back pain.

Vic - You are much too quiet...

 

[Optimator]

We also enjoy the Flying Saucer from time to time--the only place in Arkansas we've been able to find our Epcot beer of choice--Spaten Optimator

Hey!! Now we're talking! Gotta love the Optimator!