The Darling Family Takes on Marathon Weekend: Jan at the Boardwalk Villas

[dismagiclover]

Having someone recognize you from the DIS must have been an awesome way to start your birthday.

The character pictures turned out so cute

Hopefully the marathon went well for everyone!!

It was a great start to my birthday! You'll have to wait a bit to see how the kids' races turned out. They all finished, but some were in better shape than others.

How fun that you were recognized! I bet that gave you a little boost to start your bday.

That's a great pic of you all with the Chef Mickey statue.

Aw, a sweet birthday cupcake!

I can't wait to hear about the kids race!!! So get right on your next update!

Off topic, but I'm glad your foot isn't broken (saw it on the Duck thread). Hopefully you'll be back to normal soon. I like the family picture with the statue too. A bit of a splurge, but it was my birthday I'm working on the next update, but it is just the Expo. So you'll have to wait even longer for the kids' race. Don't worry though. They all finished.

What a great start to your birthday! Nothing like cupcake for breakfast.

The cupcake was pretty good, but I gave most of it to the kids. I was trying hard to eat healthy. Remember I was preocuupied with that 26.2

Sounds like a great birthday morning! Aren't Disney birthdays the best?

My DH's not big on birthdays so I have run away to Disney for the past 4 years. This year I have to wait a few days past my birthday to go but it will be a trip worth waiting for. Maybe DH will do something this year because it is a BIG one.

I love Disney birthdays! My birthday falls right around marathon weekend so I'm hoping to get lots of Disney birthdays. I have a BIG one coming up next year. I hope your DH comes through (but if not you'll still be in Disney World a few days later.)

 

[TnTsParty]

How exciting to have your Bday at Disney - I did that one year and it was GREAT. So cool someone recognized you from a previous trip report. Anxiously waiting to hear more!!

 

[dismagiclover]

How exciting to have your Bday at Disney - I did that one year and it was GREAT. So cool someone recognized you from a previous trip report. Anxiously waiting to hear more!!

The birthday thing really was fun. The highlight actually came at dinner time (which I'll get to eventually.)

 

[dismagiclover]

So we left Chef Mickey’s and headed over to the Contemporary’s convention center to catch a bus over to the Wide World of Sports. They were running special buses for Marathon weekend. The bus was standing room only and the traffic was horrendus, but we eventually made it. Once we arrived I made the kids pose because it was their race day.

These next pictures of Wide World of Sports I borrowed from Carissa. Thanks.

We headed into the building to pick up our race bibs. We headed to where the kids’ packets were supposed to be, but they had moved them out by the track. So we headed down to the floor to pick up the packets for DH and I.

Getting our packets was quick and easy. I wanted to look at the Disney merchandise. I picked up a couple of things.

I hoped buying this wouldn't jinx me.

Here is the back.

Had to get this cutie.

And I picked up a pin.

Then we headed next door to the Expo where we had to pick up our goody bags and race shirts.

As you can probably tell, this place was crowded. We picked up our bags which included these beautys. This is mine.

This is DH's

DH didn’t like the crowds and wanted to get the heck out of Dodge. I wanted to get a Ifitness belt for the race. So DH took the kids and they headed out to the track to pick up the kids’ packets. Meanwhile I bought myself a belt for the marathon.

This worked out perfect. It has two pockets so I kept my phone in one and my camera in the other. There was also a spot for my room card. I also managed to fit a couple of gels and an MP3 player. I’m so glad I had it. Anyway after this I headed out to find DH and the kids. They were sitting in the stadium examining the kids’ bags.

Here is the kids' race shirt.

We pinned their bibs on and I made them do a pre race photo shoot.

Then Wendy and John decided to warm up.

Michael warmed up by sprinting as fast as he could around the field. I tried to point out to him that might not be the most effective warm up, but he did it anyway. Race time was approaching. How would it go?

 

[carissanboys]

When I was on Magical Express heading to Pop on Friday morning (around 10:30), the traffic going to the WWS was crazy! I was afraid it would be worse when headed over later, but it was much better by then.

I love the kids' shirts!! So cute! I think I'd rather have gotten one like that. I didn't realize ours would be so big and I got a large. Not sure how much I'll end up wearing it.

Can't wait to hear how their race went!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Great update! For some reason I didn't realize that kids could participate. How fun for all of you then! I love the race shirts but this one is really nice:

Love the cute pic of your kids in front of the race sign too. At first I had no idea what an ifitness belt was! I thought maybe you put weights in it but WHY would you do that if you're running 26 miles! Then I read further and saw that it held your cell phone and stuff. That makes more sense!

Looks like they were ready to get started, so cute:

Can't wait to hear how the race went. I'm exhausted just thinking about 26 miles!

 

[ttigger81]

Great trip report so far I love that the whole family was getting involved with marathon weekend! I can't wait to read more about how everyone's race goes!

BTW...I have to admit I read your Jan. 10 report on the 1/2 marathon (I know lurker...this time I knew I had to comment) and at the time I was training for my first 1/2 marathon but not at Disney. It was because of your report that I realized that I need to investigate running at Disney (two of my loves...running AND Disney)...so I am in training right now for the Princess 1/2! Thanks

 

[Angies1274]

Great updates!!

The BWV looks so pretty!! Love the teacup lamp!!

That's so cool that you were recognized!! Great pictures at Chef Mickey's. Yum! A cupcake for breakfast!! (Happy Belated Birthday!!)

Love the race shirts!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!!!

 

[Dsnygrl1205]

I was just looking at the ifitness belts online the other day and have been debating getting one. They looked kind of small on the website but if it held your camera and phone plus some gels it seems like it's big enough. Did you have any issues with comfort or it bouncing when you ran?

 

[lovesdumbo]

Love all the shirts but your I did it full marathon one is really cool! Love the pin too. Your ifitness bag looks great. Can't wait to hear how the kids' race went-they look so cute!

 

[dopeysgirl]

love reading this! and can i say how i love how you named your children after peterpan characters and your name is darling! COOLEST THING EVER!

i am a fellow marylander, and a fellow first time marthoner! we stayed at saratoga jan6-10. only my friend and i raced (but hubbies and kids tagged along!) i bought the same shirt and mickey doll! and i was just happy to finish cause it was TOUGH! cant wait to read more!

 

[dismagiclover]

When I was on Magical Express heading to Pop on Friday morning (around 10:30), the traffic going to the WWS was crazy! I was afraid it would be worse when headed over later, but it was much better by then.

I love the kids' shirts!! So cute! I think I'd rather have gotten one like that. I didn't realize ours would be so big and I got a large. Not sure how much I'll end up wearing it.

Can't wait to hear how their race went!

Around 10:30 is probably around the time we were heading to WWS, so we were in that traffic craziness. I bet it was because of the kid races. I'm glad it cleared up for you. The race shirts are pretty big. I knew that from past experience so I got a Medium. I bet the large does drown you. I usually only wear mine for running. I wish they gave us short sleeve tech shirts. I'd get way more use out of it. Usually if I'm wearing a long sleeve shirt when I run it's because it is cold so I have to wear something warmer.

Great update! For some reason I didn't realize that kids could participate. How fun for all of you then! I love the race shirts but this one is really nice:

Love the cute pic of your kids in front of the race sign too. At first I had no idea what an ifitness belt was! I thought maybe you put weights in it but WHY would you do that if you're running 26 miles! Then I read further and saw that it held your cell phone and stuff. That makes more sense!

Looks like they were ready to get started, so cute:

Can't wait to hear how the race went. I'm exhausted just thinking about 26 miles!

I like my I Did It shirt best too! I was nervous to buy it before the race because I hadn't done it yet and if I didn't finish for some reason that shirt would never get worn. But I didn't want to risk it not being there after the race. Don't worry you'll hear more about the race than you ever wanted to know. I like to drag these things out And I'm exhausted thinking about running that 26 miles too!

Great trip report so far I love that the whole family was getting involved with marathon weekend! I can't wait to read more about how everyone's race goes!

BTW...I have to admit I read your Jan. 10 report on the 1/2 marathon (I know lurker...this time I knew I had to comment) and at the time I was training for my first 1/2 marathon but not at Disney. It was because of your report that I realized that I need to investigate running at Disney (two of my loves...running AND Disney)...so I am in training right now for the Princess 1/2! Thanks

I'm glad you decided to come out of lurkdom! It is more fun this way! How exciting that you are running the Princess! You will love it! But beware. Disney running can get addictive and it's an expensive habit Hope your training is going well and I'll look forward to hearing about the race.

Great updates!!

The BWV looks so pretty!! Love the teacup lamp!!

That's so cool that you were recognized!! Great pictures at Chef Mickey's. Yum! A cupcake for breakfast!! (Happy Belated Birthday!!)

Love the race shirts!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!!!

The BWV are beautiful. But I haven't been to a Disney resort that isn't beautiful. I gave my kids most of the cupcake since I was trying to healthy eat, but it was fun just to get it. It was a great birthday!

I was just looking at the ifitness belts online the other day and have been debating getting one. They looked kind of small on the website but if it held your camera and phone plus some gels it seems like it's big enough. Did you have any issues with comfort or it bouncing when you ran?

As I mentioned the ifitness belt worked great for me. I did get the one with 2 pouches because I had so much stuff I wanted to take. It all fit though. They stretch out. (You'll be able to tell how they stretch when you see the pictures of me wearing it during the race.) It was really comfortable and didn't bounce at all. I wore it on my right hip, but I know lots of people like to wear it in the small of their back. It did slide a bit, but I think that is because I'm a little hippy. Liznboys has one and hers doesn't slide at all. (Maybe she will pipe up about it.) Anyway I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Love all the shirts but your I did it full marathon one is really cool! Love the pin too. Your ifitness bag looks great. Can't wait to hear how the kids' race went-they look so cute!

That is my favorite shirt too. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for the next update.

love reading this! and can i say how i love how you named your children after peterpan characters and your name is darling! COOLEST THING EVER!

i am a fellow marylander, and a fellow first time marthoner! we stayed at saratoga jan6-10. only my friend and i raced (but hubbies and kids tagged along!) i bought the same shirt and mickey doll! and i was just happy to finish cause it was TOUGH! cant wait to read more!

Congratulations on your marathon. It was a great race wasn't it? And you have great taste in merchandise. Must be because you're from MD.

 

[RunningGirl]

Love the expo! Hate the crowds! Did you try Michael's warm up method before the marathon?

 

[2Tiggers]

I'm in! A little late, I know. So excited to read the rest!

I have enjoyed all of your TR! My favorite is the one at the Beach Club! I would love to stay there or the YC someday.

Do you like the BWI better than the BC/YC? It might not be a fair question considering BWI is a villa but if it was a regular room what would you say? I know that you seemed to have like AKL as well. Just curious.

Keep them coming. . .

 

[DisneyRed95]

Joining In!

Congrats on finishing the marathon! Your birthday wish came true!

 

[monorail girl]

Hi! Congrats on your marathon and Happy belated Birthday I just found your trip report. My computer has a virus so I'm not on as much now. I am the woman you saw on the walkway towards the Contemporary. I was so surprised myself to recognize you and your family. I was with my 3 kids, hubby and sister. My sister and I actually ran the 1/2 marathon on Sat and finished it My hubby and sister thought I was nuts when i told them how I recognized you. They just shook their heads at me because I am always refering to what I learn on the DIS I was just tickled to be mentioned in your report, that before I even finished reading it I called my DH and read the paragragh to him. He thought it was really cool. I then of course called my sister and shared with her. My family all thinks I'm crazy because of my Mouse addiction I am even sad now because we probably will not get back their till sunmmer of 2012. Although it is only next year it seemms a long way off. Well I think I have babbled enough for today. Thanks so much for remembering our small conversation that day and again Congrats on your marathon that is awesome

 

[kcandbella]

The kids are so cute getting ready for their run. I can't wait to see how it went!

 

[cdotla]

Just found your latest report, and I am so excited to read it. I am already all caught up thanks to your helpful links!

Happy belated birthday, and congrats a thousand times on finishing your race!!!

Dying to hear all about the full and hear your impressions from start to finish. Interested in whether you were running with anyone this time. I take it there was no Liz this trip.

How great that you were also staying at your DVC home for the 1st time. Can't wait to hear all about the trip.

 

[NMW]

Subscribing

 

[mickeystoontown]

My goodness there were a lot of folks there! The kids look so cute in the pre-race pictures.