Running, running as fast as I can, do you think I’ll make it? – A Jan 2014 PTR - New!

[tankgirl427]

I used to write PTRs and TRs for every trip I took but, that all stopped last fall. After running the 1st TOT 10 miler, I came home to find that someone I considered a trusted friend was talking about me rather than talking to me about the race we ran. That friendship failed and I abandoned everything DIS and running as it was too painful to relive. I was really disappointed in the TOT 10 miler not in me because I had trained, but because of what I was reading about who I “was” and being put down for how I trained, being made to feel less of a “runner” because to me running at Disney is about the experience & finishing, not about a time…it made me rather unmotivated to train. Luckily, I found there are many more me’s as a Disney Runner, leading me a great friend who got me excited for training for Princess and we had a great first half marathon experience together. We also traveled to Disneyland during Labor Day to complete our Coast to Coast goal where I not only ran, but completed the Dumbo Double Dare. We still support each other in every race we do, but we haven’t been doing the same ones recently. At Disneyland I made another new friend. We’ve kept in contact since the Disneyland Half and even got together for a weekend. I’m looking forward to January and our next run together. I’m only doing the half while she’s going Goofy.

So a little about me; I’m 35, live outside of Boston, and work for a construction company. People at work ask me why I haven’t moved to Disney and start a job there yet with all the trips I take. I had an annual pass for one year (last year) and swore to my boyfriend that I wouldn’t go on as many trips afterwards. I took 4 trips with that pass, this year I only took 3 trips to Disney World and 1 trip to Disneyland. See way less. I live with my boyfriend who put himself on a Disney ban, no trips for him until 2018 (he’s not a commando park goer), and our two cats, Jessie and Elise (they are sisters and tuxedo cats).

In Walt's apartment in Disneyland.


So I know why I’m traveling, but I don’t have a flight picked out, ADRs planned, or room completely decided on but that is the joys of a PTR, putting it down on paper and having DIS friends help you make your decision.

 

[tankgirl427]

Princess Half Photo Recap
Decisions, decisions
Travel Decisions Made!
Halloween Decorations
Where to Stay?
Thanksgiving
Life Updates
Disney Plans

 

[momabaarjo]

Yay...I get to be first! Only fitting since you encourage me, I will encourage you!

 

[blessedmom4]

Remember me? I wondered whatever happened to you, I am happy you are back. I commend you for running and doing it on your terms.

We are going to Florida in January also, thanks to a wonderful friend I met right here on the DIS.

I can't run, but I will root you on!

 

[tankgirl427]

Yay...I get to be first! Only fitting since you encourage me, I will encourage you!

Thanks for joining Tammie, I can't wait to hear more about your TOT trip!

Remember me? I wondered whatever happened to you, I am happy you are back. I commend you for running and doing it on your terms.

We are going to Florida in January also, thanks to a wonderful friend I met right here on the DIS.

I can't run, but I will root you on!

Hi Judy! Of course I remember you! Meeting your family although quickly was a highlight of that trip for me. I'll have to go and read your PTR and see if we'll be there at the same time again. How funny would it be if we randomly bumped into each other again?

 

[tankgirl427]

While I get a post together about my plans for the Half in January, I thought I'd share some photos from the Princess Half.

The day before:


At the Race Retreat with a Friend:


Starting off with a bang:


Down Main Street:


Random Proposal Guys by the Wedding Chapel:


Finished at the Race Retreat:

 

[blessedmom4]

Hi Judy! Of course I remember you! Meeting your family although quickly was a highlight of that trip for me. I'll have to go and read your PTR and see if we'll be there at the same time again. How funny would it be if we randomly bumped into each other again?

I thought you would Betsy but I wasn't sure. It has been a while. We loved seeing you at Epcot that day it was such a surprise...my only regret was I didn't get the obligatory pic to prove it happened. Everybody here remembers you as well. It WOULD be funny if we bumped in to each other, although to be honest, we probably will be at the parks only 1 or 2 days, I am not sure just how many of our tickets still have days on them...I would LOVE to go as much as you and have an AP. Good for you!

I love the pics of you in your running tutu and tiara, so cute. That is a LOT of folks running down main street and the proposal guys cracked me up. Who KNEW!?! Your medal is huge and it sounds like you really earned it. Good for you! I am in awe of anyone who can run!

 

[tankgirl427]

I thought you would Betsy but I wasn't sure. It has been a while. We loved seeing you at Epcot that day it was such a surprise...my only regret was I didn't get the obligatory pic to prove it happened. Everybody here remembers you as well. It WOULD be funny if we bumped in to each other, although to be honest, we probably will be at the parks only 1 or 2 days, I am not sure just how many of our tickets still have days on them...I would LOVE to go as much as you and have an AP. Good for you!

I love the pics of you in your running tutu and tiara, so cute. That is a LOT of folks running down main street and the proposal guys cracked me up. Who KNEW!?! Your medal is huge and it sounds like you really earned it. Good for you! I am in awe of anyone who can run!

Well I'm not sure what days I'll be there or what I'm doing any of my days so its possible we could meet again, I'll have to keep my eyes on your PTR. It was a cool medal but wait until you see what I got in Disneyland! It makes the Princess medal look small; but not insignificant. Its sort of nice sharing this past year in photo recaps with you. As I'm pretty sure its just you and Tammie that are participating here.

 

[tankgirl427]

This trip started to come together at the Boston Marathon Expo in April I signed up for the Disneyworld Half Marathon, that’s on Saturday, so I’ll have to be down in Florida at the latest by Friday to pick up my bib and get ready. I haven’t figured out when to fly in or out, but I’m looking at several airports and airlines that fly non-stop to figure out exactly what I want to do. The friend I made at Disneyland is down from the 9th to the 15th and I’d like our days to match up as much as possible. There are two offers that go into next year that I’m considering booking, there is a room only discount, which isn’t’ a big deal since I have tickets already, and the Play, Stay, and Dine offer.

As far as ADRs, I’m coming in late in the game, but there is only one meal I know I have to have. This meal became a favorite during last fall’s trip; it was the last meal of the trip that my cousin and I took. It was a memorable meal and after that I’ve been back to celebrate PHM and my birthday. I make sure to ask for a particular waiter every time and we’ve become friends over time. It doesn’t hurt that the food is fabulous. Where is this marvelous place? None other than the Yachtsman Steakhouse!

In considering resorts, Pop has been my go to for trips, as its value minded. My friend is staying at POFQ, I need to check if there are rooms available with either deal there. If not maybe I’ll also look into POR as it’s just a short walk between the two and it would be nice to spend more time with her, as she lives in another state.

 

[blessedmom4]

Betsy, we will just wait and see how our paths might cross, we don't even have our place to stay yet.

Well, if it is just going to be you Tammie and I, I better say Hi to Tammie! It is early in the PTR phase, you might surprise yourself and have some more folks pop in and say hello.

The Yachtsman Steakhouse sounds like a YUMMY place to dine, that is something to look forward to. I will NOT tell Lisa, she LOVES meat and steak is her favorite, She will be asking me if she could go.

 

[MrsZ]

I'm here I'm here!!!

I'm so sorry that happened to you after the TOT10M! It's no fun when the DIS becomes a not so nice place. I've seen it happen alot on the wedding boards and I too took time away after I saw some mean things going on. But I'm glad you're back! Not everyone is mean like that and I"m super glad you found fellow Disney runners to get friendly with!

I LOVE YS!!!! DH and I ate there on our last trip and fell in love with it! I think we will be going there again next trip

 

[momabaarjo]

Still around! I am going to get to Yachtsman one day...maybe after phm2015...a celebration meal?!?

 

[momabaarjo]

Any updates on the where yet?

 

[blessedmom4]

I told you more than Tammie and I would show up!
​

 

[momabaarjo]

http://www.glitter-graphics.com

I told you more than Tammie and I would show up!

If anyone knows what a kind and FORGiVING person you are it's me! All you had to do was talk to you and not about you!

I did not deserve your kindness...or you always checking in on my training and supporting me like you did the entire time not just the last couple of months ...I was awful behind your back...sucked into that cauldron...errr kettle!

You helped me pick up the pieces in August! I am so glad my staying connected with you reminded me there are 2 sides to each story with the truth having to be sorted out...

Most of all...I am glad you were a true friend when I wasnt being one! We have both learned not to let happiness be taken away by others...

 

[blessedmom4]

If anyone knows what a kind and FORGiVING person you are it's me! All you had to do was talk to you and not about you!

I did not deserve your kindness...or you always checking in on my training and supporting me like you did the entire time not just the last couple of months ...I was awful behind your back...sucked into that cauldron...errr kettle!

You helped me pick up the pieces in August! I am so glad my staying connected with you reminded me there are 2 sides to each story with the truth having to be sorted out...

Most of all...I am glad you were a true friend when I wasnt being one! We have both learned not to let happiness be taken away by others...

That is incredibly powerful Tammie! It is much easier sometimes to just to believe what is said, it can be hard to live with integrity and not get sucked in. I have seen it here on the DIS before (as well as other places). I hope you don't mind me commenting on a subject that doesn't involve me nor do I know what has happened. I just want to say it takes a mature person to say what you did. I TRULY hope this comes across in the way I want it to, I only mean to send admiration to you.

 

[momabaarjo]

That is incredibly powerful Tammie! It is much easier sometimes to just to believe what is said, it can be hard to live with integrity and not get sucked in. I have seen it here on the DIS before (as well as other places). I hope you don't mind me commenting on a subject that doesn't involve me nor do I know what has happened. I just want to say it takes a mature person to say what you did. I TRULY hope this comes across in the way I want it to, I only mean to send admiration to you.

I don't deserve your admiration, but Betsy deserves it for being forgiving! I learned a lot about myself the last few months. I can be honest with people about how I feel instead of bottling my feelings up then exploding when it gets too much (if they are true friends they can accept my feelings and together we can work through it...of they aren't real friends then they shut the door), I can admit my wrong doings and again if they are true friends they forgive, I can try to mend bridges when I am hurt instead of blowing the bridge up...

None of this makes the hurt or pain go away when countless times you say your sorry and try to fix things...only to be rejected! I am thankful Betsy could forgive me...and support me beyond anything I could have ever imagined!

 

[blessedmom4]

I don't deserve your admiration, but Betsy deserves it for being forgiving! I learned a lot about myself the last few months. I can be honest with people about how I feel instead of bottling my feelings up then exploding when it gets too much (if they are true friends they can accept my feelings and together we can work through it...of they aren't real friends then they shut the door), I can admit my wrong doings and again if they are true friends they forgive, I can try to mend bridges when I am hurt instead of blowing the bridge up...

None of this makes the hurt or pain go away when countless times you say your sorry and try to fix things...only to be rejected! I am thankful Betsy could forgive me...and support me beyond anything I could have ever imagined!

Again, I don't know what happened; however, it sounds as if Betsy has been a wonderful friend and I am not at all surprised. True friends can be honest with each other, not talk about each other and truly CAN forgive. What a blessing.

 

[tankgirl427]

Betsy, we will just wait and see how our paths might cross, we don't even have our place to stay yet.

Well, if it is just going to be you Tammie and I, I better say Hi to Tammie! It is early in the PTR phase, you might surprise yourself and have some more folks pop in and say hello.

The Yachtsman Steakhouse sounds like a YUMMY place to dine, that is something to look forward to. I will NOT tell Lisa, she LOVES meat and steak is her favorite, She will be asking me if she could go.

I am a huge steak fan and it's so good. There is a glass opening where they have a butcher on staff cutting up steaks and you can see them aging, its really neat!

I'm here I'm here!!!

I'm so sorry that happened to you after the TOT10M! It's no fun when the DIS becomes a not so nice place. I've seen it happen alot on the wedding boards and I too took time away after I saw some mean things going on. But I'm glad you're back! Not everyone is mean like that and I"m super glad you found fellow Disney runners to get friendly with!

I LOVE YS!!!! DH and I ate there on our last trip and fell in love with it! I think we will be going there again next trip

Hi Mrs Z! If you go ask for David! I can't wait to hear the rest of your plans for your trip.

Still around! I am going to get to Yachtsman one day...maybe after phm2015...a celebration meal?!?

YES! YES! YES! Its a great place for that.

Any updates on the where yet?

I have been looking, but I can't find a room discount for POFQ and I'm not really happy with how much they want for a room at POR. I'll have to figure out that Play, Stay, and Dine deal.

I told you more than Tammie and I would show up!
​

I hope you had a happy Halloween!

If anyone knows what a kind and FORGiVING person you are it's me! All you had to do was talk to you and not about you!

I did not deserve your kindness...or you always checking in on my training and supporting me like you did the entire time not just the last couple of months ...I was awful behind your back...sucked into that cauldron...errr kettle!

You helped me pick up the pieces in August! I am so glad my staying connected with you reminded me there are 2 sides to each story with the truth having to be sorted out...

Most of all...I am glad you were a true friend when I wasnt being one! We have both learned not to let happiness be taken away by others...

That is incredibly powerful Tammie! It is much easier sometimes to just to believe what is said, it can be hard to live with integrity and not get sucked in. I have seen it here on the DIS before (as well as other places). I hope you don't mind me commenting on a subject that doesn't involve me nor do I know what has happened. I just want to say it takes a mature person to say what you did. I TRULY hope this comes across in the way I want it to, I only mean to send admiration to you.

I don't deserve your admiration, but Betsy deserves it for being forgiving! I learned a lot about myself the last few months. I can be honest with people about how I feel instead of bottling my feelings up then exploding when it gets too much (if they are true friends they can accept my feelings and together we can work through it...of they aren't real friends then they shut the door), I can admit my wrong doings and again if they are true friends they forgive, I can try to mend bridges when I am hurt instead of blowing the bridge up...

None of this makes the hurt or pain go away when countless times you say your sorry and try to fix things...only to be rejected! I am thankful Betsy could forgive me...and support me beyond anything I could have ever imagined!

Again, I don't know what happened; however, it sounds as if Betsy has been a wonderful friend and I am not at all surprised. True friends can be honest with each other, not talk about each other and truly CAN forgive. What a blessing.

Man I get busy at work, I pop in to see what's going on and got quite the laugh seeing both of you posting back and forth. Another DIS connection at work. Hopefully things will settle down this weekend and I can post another update about my plans!

Plus I love decked out the house in Disney decorations for Halloween so I have some photos to share from that too!

 

[tankgirl427]

Backstory: During September I was going to go to Disney under the free dining package and stay at POR. Unfortunately, I also got selected to have federal jury duty service during this time period. I had chosen that weekend; because Southwest was having a deal with fares being 35% Wanna Get Away fares, so coming back on one of the days listed was only $65! I postponed the package to November of 2014 to get something booked I can do W&D Half and cancelled the SW flight so I have a credit. After looking at the flights I decided to use my travel credit to fly down on Wednesday, January 8th and fly back on Tuesday, January 14th. I picked a later non-stop flight on Wednesday so I can work half a day at work if the weather is okay and not have to use a vacation day.

So my flight is booked and after applying the travel credits, which in my mind is done and paid for, I only had to pay an additional $40 for my flight!

Now to decide whether to get a room only or use the package that I postponed and move it up into January.