Where are the Minnie Reports & Photos...

[wtpclc]

Bill - It actually got funky before streets of AMerica, which is weird. Usually the tunnel gets it, but this was before that too.

Scott- I had teh benefit of returning hoem to my dh, but am still bemoaning teh fact that I won't see many WISHers until SanANtonio or maybe even marathon.

 

[jmasgat]

Carrie

I appreciated you yelling out to me on the out and back. It made me smile to know someone actually saw me running! I remember one of my first posts on this board and I commented about how I can't imagine doing anything but running/focusing during a race--meaning, no shout outs, no jokes, no talking to the course volunteers. But it turns out, I was joking and singing and chatting with the occasional runner for most of the race (unitil Epcot--then it was all I could do to focus on me!)

So thanks again. I appreciated the shout-out.

Maura

 

[ms.mightyduck]

Sorry I'm so late--we got in at midnight on Monday (thanks, Spirit! Maura, we were sitting there long after you left!). Yesterday I had to go to work (!).

So here's a brief recap, and I'll be more detailed (with photos) when I do my TR.

Expo: My first race expo EVER! As we approached the Milk House, I started to panic and hyperventilate. DH assured me that there was PLENTY of air (we were outside, after all), and told me to relax. We ran into KarenEast and DH John and a few others (sorry I don't remember everyone!).

We were there Friday afternoon, and Cinderella wasn't there. The Princess thing made me feel like the Minnie wasn't being celebrated before it even began. I replaced the sunglasses I bought--and lost at home--for the race. I also found a vendor selling Gu, which I had trained with and then couldn't find any more of. DH picked up a variety--he's never had them before--but I stuck with the Vanilla that I like. I tried on a running skirt but the fabric bunched up on my butt. Since I wanted the skirt so everyone didn't notice my business, I didn't think a pile of fabric on my butt was a good way to keep people from looking. I passed on those.

Mini-Minnie Meet: Maura had graciously invited some of us to scope out the TT GM lounge. We had a good time chatting and watching the crowds lining up for Test Track. Then we used her supercool front of the line pass to ride together, but there was no photo at the end. Tracey, her mom Judy, and DH and I grabbed wet burritos (is that right?) and sat at world showcase chatting before DH and I ran to catch the Arlo Guthrie show (raised by flower children, what can I say?) and hung around for Illuminations. We skipped out on the EMH because we knew we had to be up early for the 5K.

5K: In my rush to get ready, I couldn't find my inhaler. We had to hurry the .3 miles from our room at Pop to where TwoWDWFools, Liz, and her DH Pat were waiting to whisk us away to the start. Pat helped me out with the chip--I looked at it and panicked that I only had one red thingie and I was afraid I wouldn't get a second chance if I screwed it up. DH put on his and we headed out.

It was easy to find WISHers in all the green! We used the portapotties (I could hear my mother's voice: DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING!). Soon we were in corrals with other WISHers and we were on our way. I panicked a little bit, but I shuffled along and then tried to keep up with Liz. DH was running all over getting photos of us from all angles until the camera stopped focusing. he took Liz's camera and made sure we had PLENTY of shots to remember the experience. We were moving a little bit slower than the 15 minute mile pace, but we had fun. We ran at the end, but without my inhaler, I started to feel tight.

DH assured me that he KNEW we had it in us to go faster. After the race, Liz asked where DH and I were headed--I said we were headed to Captain Cook's for tonga toast. She and Pat had ressies for Kona, so they dropped us at Pop and came back for us after everyone was cleaned up. We had a great breakfast, made it through DHS for Muppets and Star Tours, and everyone needed a nap.

Mini-Meet: DH and I made it from Pop to Downtown Disney to POR for the meet where we discovered LOTS of new WISH friends! We chatted inside for a bit, then Anne [NOTE: Anne not only remembers everyone's name, but what they wear] ushered us all out for the photos.

Walt's Warriors demonstrated proficiency at a gang-sign style "W" with their fingers. I couldn't figure out how to make an "H" back. We talked with a lot of friends (hi, outonarun!) and finally headed out to DHS. We wanted roasted chicken from Flatbread grill, but it was closed so we filled up at the Hollywood and Vine dinner buffet. EXCELLENT! Lots of healthy choices. We filled up on lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbs. I know the big, healthy dinner helped us feel great the next morning!

15K: A cab brought us to AK and as we passed the cones, I started to panic again. We hopped out just in time for the group photo (we're squatting in the front left-hand corner of the photo) and I ate my luna bar and banana. Pat watched me Gu myself. After a nearly-risque discussion of the hazards of prematurely gu-ing, we moved to the corrals. I think they are the same ones they use for the marathon. They had one 13:01-15:00 section and the "Walkers" was behind it. Hardly anyone lined up behind the walkers. I joked to Tracey that the "Walkers" sign should just say "Sweepers," since the 15 minute pace was the minimum. Pat looked for Liz, but she was stuck in line at the portapots. We counted down with Minnie and then we were off, with Stacie and Liz getting to us just in time! As we shuffled down the parking lot, we saw all the people who had been stuck in potties at the start winding their way through.

The first mile my shins were burning, but I pushed on to keep up with Liz and Stacey. We went out at about a 14:30 pace or so, but there weren't many people behind us. We saw Superdebbie (who does not wear a cape, btw) [full disclosure: I don't wear a tiara when I race like I did in my posted and WISH guide photo, much to Pat's disappointment]. Tracey went out ahead and DH started pushing us to catch up but we told him that Tracey is superfast and we needed to just let her go. My shins felt fine after the first mile, but the walk from AK to WWoS, to be blunt, sucks. They advertised "entertainments" along the route, but two speakers didn't really feel like entertainment to me.

I am sorry to all the WISHers who I said sucked when we could see them in front of the studios while we were still on our way to WWoS. I also suggested that there was no human way to get there that fast (and by suggested, I mean I said, "Cheaters! They must have cut across the highway! I'm walking as fast as I can and I am only this far!"). We had a good laugh at ourselves for being back of the packers. DH ran back and forth taking a lot of photos and even went all the way back to the potties to check on another racer's sister who hadn't made it back (we later learned that they let them cut across the highway avoiding the out-and-back). The race started picking up for me as I saw the WISHers headed the other way. I pumped my arms in the air and cheered for the WISH team. I even saw Tracey! She's my hero, walking so fast alone! I had assured Stacie and Liz that I bet some of the miles wouldn't be as far as the first couple, and I was right.

I agonized over the "twirly parts" that I had heard about. Finally when we did the ramp and I called out to Liz, "Is this the twirly part?!" she said yes. It wasn't as bad as I had built it up to be in my mind. By the time we got into the Studios backstage, I knew I could finish. We were cheering ourselves on and encouraging others. DH took a squillion photos through the studios (some of which are pretty funny) and then announced that the batteries were dead. He had told us six times during the 5K that he had extra batteries in his pocket. Now, he had forgotten them. He snapped a quick photo of Syko's husband, Ben, with the baby asleep in her carrier as he made it out in front of the studios. Then DH took off and we watched him fly past us to the Beach Club for replacement batteries. I caught up with Liz and Stacie and made it up the bridge by the Boardwalk and Swan. I made a point of running down the otherside, figuring DH would be waiting to take my photo. I took off past Liz with my arms up yelling, "I look so fast downhill!" But he wasn't there. No photos. Drat. When we got to the Beach Club, he was standing there cheering us on like a spectator. He was still waiting for a Beach Club employee to come back with the batteries (he couldn't leave the course). It was great to have WISHers there cheering us on! As we headed around the bend toward France, DH pulls up behind me and takes my hand. I thought he was being sweet because he missed me. Liz yelled at me as I ran past, "I don't run uphill!" "You would if you were holding his hand!" I yelled back, and DH yanked me up the bridge. We bounced around when we saw photographers, and DH has lots of photos of me with my arms up yelling.

By the time we made it all the way around the World Showcase, they were playing U2's "Beautiful Day," which I train to, so I was dancing (!) and jumping around again. DH didn't get the shot, though, I don't think. Someone told us we were almost there, and Liz said it was true as we recalled Panda saying that people always say you're almost there and that you look great.

Soon we were at the finish--WISHers cheering us on! DH ran back to make sure Liz and Stacie were going to make it and then we crossed the finish line hand in hand. WOOHOO! I did it!

I had no idea I would be so sore the next morning! We had a great time, though, and caught up with friends at Jellyrolls.

We did realize we don't have a WISH song for Jellyrolls, which is now on my to do list.

Can't wait to see you all again!

I'm hooked!

(For the record, I think I like this training week the best: no workouts, basking in the sparkle of the bling!)

 

[Calcio]

Amy

Please don't be too hard on yourself. The bear ate you Sunday, but more often you eat the bear. At least you dressed for the hunt.

Your excellent effort on Saturday took a lot out of your legs. For someone like you who is quick, those short races are an opportunity to open it up, and you cannot resist, but the next day you feel it. Look at it as you raced a good 9 miler this weekend, but it was across 2 days.

For the first time ever in my Disney running, I did virtually nothing the day before. I had grand plans to get up early and be at Expedition Everest when it opened for a couple of nice rides, and then back to the hotel. Friday night I was out late and tired, so I reminded myself, "I came here to run." I woke up late and had breakfast outside, sitting in the shade and looking out on the lake. I moved slowly all day, spent some time at the pool, and more time laying down and trying to nap. This sure worked out well, so I'll try to do the same thing next January before the half.

Scott

It was a delight to run with someone who is "wicked fast" on Sunday. I had a great time with you and Amy during our mile together. I expect some great results from you this year.

Maura

You did great out there. I enjoyed my brief time with you. And yes, like you in those last 3 miles I was just trying to hold on.

Best
Craig

 

[dsnyfan21]

Jeff: I am on the back row second from end on the right side. Maura is on the end, Ms. Mightduck's husband noah is next to me and Ms.mightyduck is next to him.

Jen: Hey - wet burrito is correct. I just want to say a big "thanks" for giving me a shout out at the turn around. It was a great boost!! Do you remember the announcer at the beginning of the race when all of us crossed the start line (we were definately in the "sweep" pace group - haha) he said, "I see the WISH foundation group is here." I thought that was kinda funny. I guess that will happen from time to time.

 

[getnthinr]

So, the theme of this weekend matched the theme of my life recently -- doing the best I can to keep up with all that's going on!

For the past couple of years, my daughters and I have gone to WDW the second weekend in May to do the Danskin Tri, an event we dearly love. I did the inaugural Minnie though, and was so disappointed in the medal (with its almost imperceptable Minnie on it) so I told my girls I was skipping the tri this year to do the Minnie and get the cool Minnie-head medal. They were miffed because swimming (not running) is their strong suit, but opted to go along just for fun in the parks (and to celebrate their 16th B-day). My 9-yr-old son had begged me to do more races with him after our fun experience at a 1-mile event in Myrtle Beach, so I registered him for the 5K. We'd done a few training walks together and I was pretty confident he could keep the pace and still have fun, so Friday midday I picked them all up at school and we began the long drive to Florida from NC.

Pirates & Princesses Party: Our first stop was the P&P Party. We'd done the very first one a couple of years ago because it coincided with a school-break trip and the kids were very excited to don pirate costumes and return to enjoy the fun there. DS and I rode rides and collected pirate booty (candy and beads), while my DDs spent all night on the open-air dance floor, grooving to the DJ and line-dancing to booming High School Musical and Hannah Montana tunes. Even after a school day and the long drive, we managed to shut the park down about 1AM. By the time we returned to the room, it was nearly 2AM and I knew we'd need to be up and driving to the race site by 5 or so. I tried to talk my son out of racing on so little sleep, but he would have none of it. So we collapsed into bed with alarms and wake up call set for 4:30. (I stayed up a bit after they were asleep to play birthday fairy and decorate our room's window with gel flower stickers and a Hannah Montana Happy Birthday banner. I love to surprise them.)

5K day: As expected, I could barely pry my son from bed. He slept in the car while I picked up our packets, then sat in my lap barely awake as we waited in the parking lot for the race to start. I apologize to those of you he met before the sun rose, because he was not his usual animated self. Surprisingly, though, as soon as daylight broke, he seemed to wake up and as we lined up with other WISHers in the 5K corrals, he began to grin in anticipation. I was so pleased with him during the entire race -- he never complained or asked "How much further?" (something his sisters frequently did at his age) and chatted about everything he saw: the hot air balloons, the familiar sites in EPCOT, fellow competitors. He really made the race a lot of fun for me. When the finish line came into sight, he shot ahead of me and has a great finish line photo facing the photographer with two thumbs up and a huge grin on his face. We got some wonderful post-race photos with Daisy, Pocohantas, and Clarisa the chipmunk at the finish line -- and he was very happy with his "honking big medal." Thanks to all you WISHers who cheered him on! And special thanks to Dianne (SP?) who took photos of my son and I racing together.

Birthday doings: After the 5K, we met his sisters at Hollywood Studios to ride some rides and eat at Sci Fi Drive In. DS and I then headed for the expo where I picked up my packet for the Minnie and we got our photo made with Cindy and Charming. After a brief nap, we headed to Park Fare for dinner with Cindy, Charming, and the wicked step sisters and step mom. My twin daughters recently turned 16, so after our meal, their special birthday desserts arrived.

I'd learned about being able to pre-order the slipper desserts on another thread on the Disboards, and the girls were suitably impressed. (Sadly, they did not offer to share! ) They even got a birthday crown. After supper, the kids took off for the parks while I headed back to pack up the room and get ready for race day.

Minnie 15K day: Another early morning. This time all the girls were up at 4:30 -- mom preparing for the race and the girls loading the car. The plan was to meet post-race at Cape May for a farewell dinner with Minnie before driving back to NC. After all my typical paranoid mom reminders and my teens' expected eye-rolling responses, I headed off to the race. I was glad to be able to see several WISHers at the start. Our family's schedule had meant I'd missed the meet at POR, so this was my only chance to visit with my WISH family. I was already settled into the corral when someone told me Lynne had very kindly brought my new limeade visors to the race for me (Thanks again, Lynne!) I picked them up, strung them on my belt, and we were off.

I met a lot of WISHers on the course -- and got to chat briefly (at different times) with "Kathy, Kathy, Kathy" (I told her I'd never remember her name!) and jeanneg's DH John -- both left me in the dust , but as I always say, I can't do well without training -- and this year has been a flurry of family and work demands with very few miles put in. I was just so happy to be able to get out and enjoy the experience, finishing ahead of the sweeps and the shortcuts -- my only goals. I saw WISHers at Boardwalk -- Why can I never remember ANYONE's name!?!?!?! (Anne, I admire you so much -- how can you keep everyone's name in your head?!?!) I got two good photos on the course -- one with Mulan, one with Alice's card Queen (Queen of Hearts?).

My average pace was 14:09, so I was an official finisher. Good enough for this day! The coolest part of the race was seeing all the WISHers lined up along the last part of the course -- I mean, whichever way I looked, there was a lime green shirt and someone screaming for me at the finish! It was awesome!!!!! Thanks so much! After the race, I skipped the post-race character photo ops and missed the WISH finisher photo because I was afraid I was not going to make it to Cape May in time for our goodbye buffet.

Bye Bye Birthday Buffet: I'd scheduled the girls final birthday surprise at Cape May's buffet (a breakfast with Minnie, Chip, and Goofy). The characters and cast members here really went all out for them -- singing and presenting each of them with their tiny castle-topped cakes and a plate of the most delicious chocolate-covered strawberries I'd ever had -- another special order from a Disboard tip. (This time they shared! )

DS and I also got to get our photos made with Minnie and Goofy and our medals.

It was sad to see it all come to a close, but it was time to head back home. Still haven't caught up on my sleep!

All in all, it was another great weekend and I look forward to Disneyland with the WISH contingent in September!

 

[corinnak]

Wendy,
I saw you finish on Sunday and I have to say - great job! And I your cheshire hat! Those desserts looked just incredible. Are you going to post those tips or is that WAY too off topic? Congratulations on your very successful weekend!

 

[getnthinr]

Wendy,
I saw you finish on Sunday and I have to say - great job! And I your cheshire hat! Those desserts looked just incredible. Are you going to post those tips or is that WAY too off topic? Congratulations on your very successful weekend!

You are just too kind! I had a ball on race day. Hopefully I'll be in a lot better shape for Goofy.

The tips (who to call, what desserts can be ordered where, costs, photos, etc.) can all be found on this Disboard thread:

Official Birthday/Anniversary Cake thread

Not the sort of thing I'd do every trip, but for a 16th or 21st birthday, maybe. The girls said they felt it made for some great memories and I plan to put all their trip photos together in a hardcover book for them from Snapfish or Shutterfly or something similar.

 

[RedDragon]

Hi everyone,
I'm very late posting my race report but others have said it so much better than I have/would.

Carrie did so very well this year and I just wish that Scott had been there to share it with her. We did stay together for about 2 miles then she went ahead of me by about 10 yards. I kept her in my sights and every so often I would catch up to her. We ran mostly together for half the distance then I did want to slow down. She took off and ran very well. My studmuffin was there to celebrate with her at the finish line. He wasn't sure if she was crying b/c she was upset or happy! She was calling Scott to tell him how happy she was so Craig finally understood.

I ran pain free!! This is very big. At the marathon I had awful IT band issues starting at mile 14. To run the last 9.3 miles of the marathon route pain-free is a very big thing for me. I also, for the first time, just ran to have fun. When I saw Mulan and, especially, Mushu at MGM studios, I so wanted to stop and get my picture taken but I didn't have a camera so I just gave them the thumbs up and kept going. Whenever I saw a photographer I tried to ham is up and several pictures show me doing just that.

I had an absolutely marvelous time this year!! So maybe my time wasn't as fast as last year, but I felt so good that it was worth it. I'm just sorry they are replacing it with something called "The Princess" weekend. Aren't we trying to break those stereotypes rather than contribute to them?

Have a great evening everyone!!!

 

[corinnak]

Not the sort of thing I'd do every trip, but for a 16th or 21st birthday, maybe. The girls said they felt it made for some great memories and I plan to put all their trip photos together in a hardcover book for them from Snapfish or Shutterfly or something similar.

Thanks for the link, Wendy! My DS turns 10 on Thanksgiving this year and he has admired some of these desserts before, so it would be a nice surprise for him, I think.

Red Dragon - I liked reading about how much you enjoyed the 15K this year. It was my first, but I also had a similar approach of going in to enjoy and finish, in that order.

 

[mkymsehi]

... so everyone didn't notice my business...

You might want to consider the Eye2Eye race shirts, apparently they cover you down almost to your knees!

 

[TnTsParty]

Thanks for the link, Wendy! My DS turns 10 on Thanksgiving this year and he has admired some of these desserts before, so it would be a nice surprise for him, I think.
.

to your son that is my bday too!!