~The BOT Battalion~ BOTS On The Run

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hey everyone - here's some pictures I took from the weekend...

Howdy everyone: I went over to the Wide World of Sports to pick up my marathon bib, t-shirts, and stuff. Here's the scene at the Wide World of Sports.

Massage anyone?

I thought this was an odd special. $40 gift card with $125 purchase... who cares?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I arrived at the Start staging area around 4am. It's such a surreal scene, it's early, dark, lots of people sitting around, and an 80's band playing full bore.

Here's the band

They had a DJ playing when the band would take a break. I could hear all this music at the Swan when I walked out the door at 3:45am. It was drifting across the EPCoT parking lot.

Some of my WISH teammates waiting for the start.

Here's what we're running for.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I don't actually have any pictures during the race because I checked my camera at the baggage check.

The race went really well. I ran with Cindy and Matt the whole way. You guys were great. I hope I didn't talk your ears off too much. They were taking it easy for the half. We stayed together the whole race, just chatting, and joking the whole time. The miles clicked away so quickly. We kept saying... I can't believe it's mile 5, 7, 10, 12... they just kept going by. It was the funnest race I've run since, well, since the last time I ran Disney in 2007.

Let's see, some highlights I remember.

I was actually getting pretty cold by the time we started. I left my sweatshirt on for the first 4 miles to warm up. I took it off before getting to the TTC, but I was still pretty cold through the Magic Kingdom. I never really warmed up until I finished the race, and got another shirt to put on.

I fell around mile 2. I stepped off the road, lost my footing, and tumbled head over heels. I just laughed at my clumsiness. I did my best "Chevy Chase" bounce up recovery... "I'm good, I'm OK."

Another highlight was seeing the HUGE, bright full moon setting behind the Grand Floridian. It was a gorgeous site. I wish I had a picture of that.

Seeing all the spectators on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom is always a highlight, as is running through Cinderella's Castle. Running through the Magic Kingdom in general is just so cool. I loved seeing Captain Jack on his Pirate ship backstage. I asked him where the rum stop was...

Other than that, just running with friends was cool. We picked up another WISHer "LilLouisiana Gal" (Clare) after Magic Kingdom, and she stuck with us for a while. Then we finished it up in EPCoT.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Once I finished, I got my camera again from the bag check area... so more, pictures...

People making their way through the finisher's area. Waiting for their official finisher photos.

The 80's band is still playing at the staging area. In all honesty, they were pretty good. They were called the 80's All Stars and were from San Diego.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I then indulged myself a little. Since I was by myself, I didn't have to worry about anyone else's schedule, or if people were tired of waiting in line for me. I saw that you could get a finishers picture with characters. So I did.

I try to live by the "Goof's" mantra of not taking yourself too seriously. So I had to get a picture with Goofy.

Then I figured, why not, I can go ahead and get pictures with all the characters that were out.

Gotta get a picture of Donald, since the half marathon was "his" race.

Saw Donald's main squeeze Daisy.

Did a little dance with Minnie.

Finally saw the Big Cheese himself.

The only character I missed was Pluto. He went in before I could get to him.

Here's a closeup of the medal.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Here's been the only downside of the weekend so far. So I went to leave the marathon staging area, and the lines for the buses were sooooooo long. So I told myself, I know, I'll walk to the entrance of EPCoT and take the theme park bus back to the Swan.

I hike all the way across the parking lot about 15 minutes to the front of EPCoT (where the monorail is) to discover, there is no bus from EPCoT to Swan. Why would you need a bus when you can walk through EPCoT to the Swan. But I didn't have a park ticket, so I couldn't get into EPCoT. So I had to take the bus to Hollywood Studios, and then walk down the path along the canal to the Swan.

I finally got back to my room around 11:00am, and I had to get to the Macaroni Grille at 11:00am to meet everyone. So I don't shower, get out of my running clothes, put shorts and a fresh shirt on and jump in my rental car.

I'm driving past Downtown Disney towards Apopka-Vineland, and all these cars are cutting me off to turn left into Downtown Disney. I finally get an opening, and gas it to get around the traffic. I pass Typhoon Lagoon, and whammo, there's the Sheriff on his motorcycle. Yup, I get pulled over for a speeding ticket. I was going 44 mph in a 35 mph zone, and the speed limit just shifted from 40 mph to 35 mph at Typhoon Lagoon. Great... that put a damper on my runner's high.

I apologize to everyone for being so crabby at the lunch. I should have gotten over the ticket, but I was just steamed. I was mad at myself for getting the ticket, I was mad about having to pay for the ticket, I was just mad...

OK, sorry for the all about me posts. I need to run and get ready for work now. I want to hear more about how the full went for everyone, and how Cindy and Matt did for the Goofy. Sara how was the full for you?

Jodi- I felt like I didn't really see you much all weekend. Sorry I was so crabby at lunch.

Chester- I thought I was rude to you too at lunch. Sorry about that, I know you were joking about interviewing the State Trooper - it is funny now, and I wish I would have. It would have been good for the story. I wasn't in a joking mood then though.

Colleen- Thanks again for organizing the lunch. I enjoyed meeting Jeff. Hope I wasn't too crabby for him.

Mike and Cathy- Good to see you guys again, and catch up.

Howard- I can't wait to hear how the vow renewal went.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

To all those that were rooting for the Chargers over the weekend, I just have to say...

YAY STEELERS!!!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I forgot to say hello to Jen!

Jen, I really enjoyed talking with you and Butch at the Pop Century meet on Friday. You guys are a hoot. What does Butch do? Is he a physician as well? All my best, Dave

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Finally, just in case you haven't seen this BLOG about the half marathon. You might be interested.

http://www.disunplugged.com/2009/01/10/walt-disney-world-half-marathon/#more-1192

 

[lourodrigis]

Lounatic - I had to wait for the porta-potty!! . One was open, but there was, um, scary stuff on the seat !

Jodi - Yes, porta-potties can be pretty scary. Now I see why you lost 2-3 minutes. There's the problem...you gotta bag the porta-potties. When I ran WDW last year I had to make a stop on the way to AK and I headed towards some porta-potties and found the lines way to long. In an effort to save time I ran behind them and found that there were no lines behind the porta-potties and those big blue boxes provided just enough privacy. Saved at least 2 minutes right there.

Dave - Nice pics. Sorry about the speeding ticket. You were barely even speeding. What do you think about an all-PA Super Bowl? Personally I would like to see the Eagles get another crack at the Ravens. We owe them one.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave - Nice pics. Sorry about the speeding ticket. You were barely even speeding. What do you think about an all-PA Super Bowl? Personally I would like to see the Eagles get another crack at the Ravens. We owe them one.

That's what I'm rooting for a Turnpike SuperBowl - Steelers vs. Eagles. I HATE the Ravens, just HATE them, and I really don't want to see them in the SuperBowl again. So was that the Ravens game when McNabb got benched? The one I was watching in Philly?

 

[lourodrigis]

That's what I'm rooting for a Turnpike SuperBowl - Steelers vs. Eagles. I HATE the Ravens, just HATE them, and I really don't want to see them in the SuperBowl again. So was that the Ravens game when McNabb got benched? The one I was watching in Philly?

Yes, that was the low point of the Eagles season. I remember driving home from the marathon and listening to the Eagles radio announcers laughing at how bad they were playing. Just a few days later the Eagles pounded Arizona on Thanksgiving and turned things around. Between you and me the Steelers worry me a bit but I'll take any Super Bowl I can get.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Yes, that was the low point of the Eagles season. I remember driving home from the marathon and listening to the Eagles radio announcers laughing at how bad they were playing. Just a few days later the Eagles pounded Arizona on Thanksgiving and turned things around. Between you and me the Steelers worry me a bit but I'll take any Super Bowl I can get.

Also between you and me, the Eagles would be one team I wouldn't hate the Steelers losing too. Of course, I would be rooting for the Steelers, but I like the Eagles and I really like McNabb (a Syracuse grad).

 

[msblrobs]

Checking in

Lou - Howard really appreciated the call at mile 25 you're way too sweet, BTW Did I mention you were terribly missed yet we were comforted by your assurances that you wouldn't bail in 2010

Dave - I hung with my Bot buddy Colleen until mile 14 and then came upon Steve & Howard at mile 22 and walked it home with them . Really, I couldn't have asked for a better experience Sorry about your ticket and I hope it didn't put too much of a damper on things since it looks like you had an awesome weekend

Jen - Did Butch tell you that Colleen and I introduced ourselves to him in the corral before the race ? Sorry you were suffering for the second half - it sounds a lot like my Philly misery .

Jodi - Glad you had a great race Sorry I didn't see you

Colleen - If you decide 2010 isn't in your future, you at least have to get DH to run it so you can cheer . Glad we didn't scare him off

Chester- Hoping you and Tracy had safe travels home yesterday It was great seeing both of you again

Cindy - Ditto on the above for you and Matt

Howard - Trusting you're still basking in the glow and enjoying WDW

Mike - Safe travels to you and Kathy today

GO STEELERS (sorry Lou)

Feeling fine today except for the ripped up feet but it could be lots worse so I'm counting my blessings I'm going to wait for the feet to heal a bit and then begin the San Diego training next week Have a great week!

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Hi all!

Matt and I got home around 10:30 PM last night but apparently our Internet connection is busted.

What a great weekend! Thanks to all for being a part of it - we missed you Lou!

I loved doing the Goofy!!

For the half - I can actually say that I had fun while running a race for the first time ever - thanks Dave! The miles really did fly by.

For the full - It was, without a doubt, my least miserable full marathon experience. I ran the whole thing (although very slowly at some points) and am very happy with my time.

Gotta get to work - I'll write more later.

 

[jbucci]

Sara: Butch didn't mention it, but I will be sure to ask him. He is really happy with his time-- 4:57 and has already signed us up for Goofy next year

Dave: Butch is a computer geek(no offense meant by this to any computer types)-- he got his PhD from Penn and now does consulting work for a company based out of DC (works with his old college roommate). He is mostly able to telecommute. It was great to see you-- thanks for the socks Sorry to hear about the speeding ticket.

 

[Jodi]

Hey Bots!

Sara - You were @ Disney??? Glad you had such a great race & were able to hook up w/ peeps toward the end of the run. Nice Job!!!

Dave - No need to apologize for being crabby...I wasn't really there long enough to notice . Love the pics & glad you had such a great run. Um, I heard an ugly rumor about you though, this weekend...is it true that you at SIX...6...GUs during the 1/2???

Colleen - You have to show up in '10, as it looks like we won't be able to all hook up anytime before that

Cindy - Glad your full was awesome! What was your time?

Jen - Congrats on finishing your first!!!

Mike - Do you still have your little pants ? LOVED that oufit!!

Lou - Have you signed up yet???

Steve - Are you still alive???

 

[Theta]

Mike - Do you still have your little pants ? LOVED that oufit!!

Yes, they were cute! They were even cuter on the inside, he rolled them down for me and Sara.

Jen, DH and I met Butch again just outside the massage tents. I think he was on a search for ice.

Sara and Cindy, glad you are home safe and sound.

 

[lourodrigis]

Can I get some opinions from you guys? Should I do Goofy or just stick with the marathon in 2010?

Here's my thinking...

• I am pretty sure I can run both races back to back so the actual physical challenge is not what it would have been if I did this last year. However, I would imagine it is a great experience to run both races.
  
• I can't imagine my marathon time would be anything great and it would bug the heck out of me to see a bad time. It's not like they throw an asterisk next to your time online.
  
• I plan to be out there with Nicole and possibly the kids in 2010. I am not sure if they'll want to spend their trip following me all over WDW.

I'm kinda leaning towards this....

• Nicole and the kids run the 5K on Friday and I cheer.
• Enjoy time at WDW on Sat with family and WISH peeps.
• Run the full on Sunday and try to put up a good time (sub 4).

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Cindy - Glad your full was awesome! What was your time?

4:42:5x

Lou - here are my thoughts - I really liked doing the Goofy because of the fact that I didn't worry about my time for either race. The fact that I wasn't constantly checking my watch to see what my pace was made the whole experience much more enjoyable. If you are worried about time, the Goofy is probably not a good idea. (Then again, if you are really worried about time, Disney is not a good marathon to run in the first place).

I really liked that I did Philly as my serious race and this as my fun race. It also allowed me to do my really serious training before the holidays and be much more relaxed about training during the busier holiday time.

If you do do the Goofy, you can set different goals for yourself than having a fast half or fast full. Although I said I wasn't worried about time, I actually did have 2 time related goals: (1) to not have either race be my slowest time at that distance and (2) to finish with a total Goofy time of under 7 hours.

Except for wanting to get to bed early on Friday, running the half wouldn't really take too much out of your park time.

I think the Goofy is worth doing at least once. Now that I've done it, I honestly can't imagine going back and wanting to do only the full and not the Goofy. However, I know many others don't feel the same way.