Where are the Minnie Reports & Photos...

[mkymsehi]

I like that Jeff We will have to create a pact with all Disney Double finishers to hide pics of those special medals for a week

EXCELLENT IDEA Robert, you're good. Even I didn't think of something that sinister and diaboloical. LOL.

 

[suzannews]

HI! I was watching for you since I knew you didn't have the Lime Green. You looked GREAT at the end. I need tips. (I looked like I was dying!)

It was great to meet you and your daughter!

Congrats!

HI! It was so good to meet you also. I will be buying a green shirt with either eye2eye once they get through their growing pains or with the next bulk order I see on here. As for looking great at the end, I don't think I would go that far but thanks! I was kinda surprised when I saw the pics my DH took at the finish line. I was having a pretty good hair day even after 9.3 miles!!

 

[suzannews]

Sure, the runners at the front of the pack are impressive, but the last people- now that's some true determination and courage!

LOVE THAT!!

 

[jmasgat]

So a quick report from me (since I am, Ahem, catching up on my work emails!).

Just back last night frm Minnie--no thanks to Spirit. 2 hours late and no explanation or apology as to why. But enough of that......

I am happy to say that I finished my first race and accomplished most of my goals (yes, I am one of those people who needs the goals for motivation).

First goal was to finish--by any means possible. This I did, and I have my shiny medal to prove it. I even brought it to work for "show and tell". Now I just have to round up the audience to show it and tell it to!

Second goal was to run the whole thing--no walking. This was probably the most important thing to me--even more so than finishing within a given time. I have never been a runner, but secretly have wanted to be. I have tried it and failed it in the past, and this was a personal challenge--my own "Expedition Everest". I am happy to say, I did it. It was about as difficult as I thought it would be, but at no time did I ever say "I need to walk for a while"

As for the time goal--well, I'm happy with my finish. I clocked in at 1:31:29, which was about a 9:50 pace. My splits were all over the place. First mile went out really slow (for fear of going too fast), second mile was fast (for fear of going too slow), the rest closer together. I suppose over time, I can learn how to race. By mile 7 or so, I was tired and wanted to be finished. Too bad Epcot was a blur. My only thoughts at the point were things like : "Those torches better not heat this place up anymore" and "I didn't realize there were some many footbridges and other inclines around here" and "Breathe".

But I was really happy to see the finish line and hopefully the race photo shows that.

Other things I learned:
--Put the race number up higher and get it out of the way of my race belt. (Hope the photogs got my bib)
--Race nerves go away when the starter pistol fires!
--I can tolerate lots of different elecrolyte products (drank some Powerade and ate a few sport beans along with the water)
--Thank goodness for the blister bandages I brought. I had 3 afterwards and these bandaids are godsends.

Meeting all the WISHers was cool. Jen and Noah, Liz, Tracy and Judy and I went to GM Lounge and Test Track. And the WISH meet was nice. I just saw a group photo--there were so many of us!

Yesterday I went to AK with my race shirt and my medal and got my photo taken with Minnie.

So all and all, a success. Now it's time to figure out what to do next!

Oh yeah, my shins felt fine. So now why is my left knee bothering me..........!!!

 

[Caitsmama]

Hi everyone,

Well, i got in about 2am today --

I did my first race - the 5k - and loved it! I finished in 40:07 - not great but didn't account for having to weave in and out of people - and for my first race, i will take it! I love my medal, but am bummed it's not a "Disney" theme medal LOL and i think i am now addicted to the 'bling bling".

It was great to meet some WISH'ers -- all those lime green shirts totally helped my efforts! And what a great thing to have the cheering at the finish line -- it was just amazing!! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!

And apparently i am a glutton for punishment or something b/c i signed up yesterday (before we even left WDW) to do the Princess 1/2!! I am scared out of my mind, but i know i have 10 months of WISH board support ahead of me!!

When i get any pics up, i will post!

 

[mousemgr2]

I wasn't brave enough to take on the 15k, so I was stationed at the Beach Club. I have tons of photos of WISH'rs. I hope to have them loaded to my computer by thursday night.

Congrats to all!!!

Susan

 

[mkymsehi]

Could you all identify yourselves in this picture for the rest of us? I recognize a few from their Avatar photos, but hard to tell the others since it's not a close up group photo.

Gosh, I didn't realize those medals are sooo HEAVY, one WISHer (Susan?) down front can't seem to hold her head up long enough to take a picture.

 

[jmasgat]

I'm at the far right of the top row. Better picture of me with one of my fellow SuperGoofs is on Suzannews picture post (who is 3rd from right on bottom row). It was great to meet everyone.

Maura

 

[joan4mickey]

Wow Jeff, I'll try and ID myself. Facing the photo I am on the second row toward the left side. I have on a white t-shirt with red trim (Minnie Mouse on front, but you cant see her). I have brown (with gray, tried to take care of that before I left) hair. Someone to my right has on a WISH shirt. Lori (don't know screen name) with light blue shirt to my left and next to her Momoftwogirls (Kathy) and to her left Jen117 (think that's right). Behind me in blue shirt may be Craig (SN Calcio) he pasted me during race. That's the best I can do for now.

 

[TnTsParty]

We left Hollywood Studios, and ran to the Boardwalk. I'm always surprised that the little hill by the Swan/Dolphin is more daunting that you expect! We took off down past the Beach Club. Becky took a phone call from her husband without stopping! I'm telling you, the girl was on a mission! We hit the countries and met up with Tricia- hey girl! We ran together for awhile but again, Becky was on a mission, so we drifted apart. Last year I walked the countries and took pictures of almost every one because of the Flower and Garden Festival. This time I barely even looked up (mostly because when I did look up I'd think "are you kidding me? we're just by Japan- will this never end!?")

Hey Jen - it was great running with you and Becky for a little bit around World Showcase. I just couldn't keep up but I managed to come in just a little after you guys (but there were about 150 people that came through in less than 3 minutes!!! That's alot of people in a short amount of time!!) I have some pics of the back of the 2 of you from MGM (still can't call it that other name!!) so it was great to catch up to you at one point in the race.

It was really nice having the WISH shirt on because it felt like I was part of something and everyone's encouragement was AWESOME. I really appreciate those that recognized me and yelled out after I made the u-turn on Osceola Parkway. The encouragement from this group is the best. I am glad to be part of such a great team.

I will be able to post more tomorrow including pictures (from work - shhh don't tell anyone!! LOL)

 

[hoosmi]

Tricia- that's too funny. I have the back of you in some pictures from MGM too that I just posted! (And yes, I can't call it HS yet either...)

You're right, the WISH shirts are great, especially when your energy is fading.

And for the record, I may have sounded too harsh about Becky's pace. She was a great running buddy who kept me going! Maybe someday I'll learn that I cannot combine a normal Disney trip of hitting the parks way too hard with a race. Of course, I haven't mastered that in 4 races so far...

Jen in GA

 

[wtpclc]

Jeff - Susan is in the front row on her knees. I am teh first peron directly behind her, wearing a white shirt adn pink shorts.

OK, will work on a race report.

 

[keenercam]

Jeff -- I am in the second row in a bright pink shirt and a print skirt.

 

[wtpclc]

Some pre-race pix:

Thanks for the sign, or I never would have found those. Lol.

Well, it started out as a plain old race for me. It wasn’t too hot yet but the humidity had me worried. I started with Martha and we pretty much figured we’d run together as long as we could, but if someone felt better than the other, we’d go. My goal was basically a sub-11 pace to be better than last year. I thought I might have been dreaming, as I was so fast last year before my injury hit.

We started out just under 11 and we were both fine with that. I didn’t feel I could give more, but wasn’t struggling to keep up like I was last year. It felt awfully humid, so I was going to be ok with whatever happened. I went ahead a couple times on the downhill. If you haven’t heard, Martha is a machine. She keeps one pace and just goes. Uphill, just doesn’t matter. Just amazing!

So, I pulled away a couple times, but was not feeling confident, so I didn’t really take off and Martha would catch back up. The out and back was great! Last year, I needed it, as I needed people cheering for me. This year, I loved screaming to everyone myself. It was great and really perked me up.

We went up and down to the straight away before you go up to MGM and I was amazed that I was feeling good. I hate that stretch. Then, Debbie went by us and we chatted with her a bit until she cruised on.

About half was through that, Martha told me she was going to slow down a bit. She was not hurting or anything, just listening to her body. So, I went ahead. Suddenly, I started realizing that I wasn’t dreading this stretch and I wasn’t dreading the uphill to MGM. It was the best feeling and I started cruising. I took pix, just because for the first time ever, I had the energy to do so on that stretch!

Just after the uphill and before we got to MGM, there was a woman stretching her arms. I was in such a good mood that I asked if she was going to fly. We laughed. I was really happy too, because I was keeping Debbie in my sights. She went by us with such ease, that I could not believe I caught up a little.

 

[wtpclc]

I just about flew through MGM. My Garmin said 9:30 but I think it got confused.

I was even happier as I was not dreading the little uphills from Street of America to the hat. Then, I realized that I had seen no characters and that was a bummer.

Of course, then I saw Mulan and Mushu just around the next turn. I don’t consider Mulan a princess, but if she was, she would be my favorite! It’s the Tom boy in me.

Mushu did a little dance for me and that just had me going even more. Before I knew it, I was on my way to the boardwalk. I found myself actually seeking out photographers to document that I was actually enjoying this!

Just after going under the bridge, I saw Howard. I made sure he was ok, because Cam would have killed me if I left him and he was not. He said he was and I went on. Now, passing Hoard, although I know he hadn’t been working out, was amazing to me. Just unbelievable.

Then, I started looking forward to seeing Susan and Paula (?) on the boardwalk. That was very fun. Thanks again to them.

Finally, I realized that I was not only keeping Debbie in sight, I was keeping BillF in sight, too. I usually see him for a bit at the beginning, but then he blows me away. That was just unbelievable to me. Last year, I never saw him after about mile 5.

The more I ran, the more I got excited. My pace was great. The countries around WS had never flown by so fast. I found myself talking to some people and encouraging them. I never do that on that stretch. Just awesome.

I saw Jen117’s dh cheering at the end and a few others and that just made it more real. I must admit to holding back a bit at the finish, so I could get a clear pic taken. Yeah, it’s about priorities. Lol. My Garmin pace was awesome and I was just bawling. As soon as I got my medal, I called Scott. Ooops, woke him up, although he denies it. I could not wait to share with him. While my chip times from last year and this year, say I was only about 34 seconds better, I was so much faster training last year, that I am thrilled. Even better, I just felt so good. Even if I had not beaten last year, I would have been happy just to feel good and feel like I was having fun again.

This is why I run! This is why I keep going through stonkers and injuries and nasty Michigan winters with time on the dreadmill! It’s an incredible feeling when you fell you are doing well and giving your all, without wanting to hurt someone. It really does feel like you’re flying with that magic feather! Still, after a year of injuries and setbacks, it’s easy to forget that feeling and forget why you do it. It’s great to have 2 great races in a row and know that I am finally back! Thank you WIShers for helping me through the bad times so I could get back to where I am!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi guys...wow what a weekend it was . I have to say that it was amazing to meet so many Wish team members. It added so much to the overall experience.

Go Red for Women 5K: This was a nice 5K. The course was speedy and it's always nice to run through Epcot! The weather was a bit on the humid side, although IMO it wasn't nearly as bad as marathon morning. My goal for this race was to push the pace and try to PR at this distance. Scott said "leave it all out on the course". And I nearly did...I ran so hard that I felt a little sick at the end . Fortunately that passed within a few minutes and I was able to head over and cheer for those crossing the finish line. The Wish Team was such a major presence at both races...what a GREAT feeling that was! Seeing so many green shirts cheering at the end of the 5K course was such a highlight! I'm very happy with my time of 25:32. It was a big time PR for me by nearly 2 minutes (haven't run a 5K in a few years) so at least I can be confident that I'm getting faster over the shorter distances....wish I could say the same for the longer runs...

Minnie Marathon 15K: Ugh. Where to begin . Just going to point out the good the bad and the ugly...

The Good:
*Was AWESOME to run the rough stretch on fresh legs! As Scott said hopefully it will make it easier during the marathon next year as we remember not feeling that awful "marathon leg ache" hitting the switch back.
*The number of Wishers on the course was so cool. Because the race isn't that huge, and there was such a presence of green shirts and hats....it seemed that wherever I was there was a green shirt nearby.
*Running with Wishers on and off throughout the race. Scott...who stuck with me through a bad race and LOTS of complaining. He's a saint . CynthiaCindy who was smokin' fast in the 5K and had a great race in the 15K...was cool to run with you for a bit in both races. Craig...who hung with us for about a mile before running a FANTASTIC 6 miles to finish! CindyLou who kicked some serious butt out there (way to go girl!!) and left me in the dust around mile 6.5. Dana (was nice to chat with you for a few before you too left me in the dust LOL!). And Angie and Maura who I felt so honored to cross the finish line with along with Scott. It was the highlight of the race (and not just because that meant the race was over ). But truly...finishing with Angie was so perfect...it made that last mile go by so much easier. Thanks Ang!
*Cheering on the Wish team at the finish line. LOVED seeing my girl Stacie and her DH Matt finish. They did an incredible job!!!
*Hanging out with and meeting so many great people...Corinna, Stacy (Caitsmama), CindyLou and her DH, Anne, ScottH, Pat and Liz, Carrie, Cam, Judy, Lily, Teri, Erin and Lynne, Kathy....goodness...SOOOO many names and faces. I can't name them all but it was a pleasure to meet all of you either at the race or during the meet!!!!

The Bad:
*Port-a-potties were tooooo few at the start of the race.
*It's weird,and slightly disheartening, to have so very little crowd support, so few characters, etc.
*I felt like the focus of the weekend was pushing for next year's princess half marathon. Minnie wasn't at the expo for pictures when I was there...but ya' bet that Cinderella was . I just felt like this race was being shoved aside. And that's a shame because it's a great event, a good distance and a great time of year to be at WDW.
*The weather...was a bit humid sure. Of course I expected that, but it impacted me more than I thought it would during the 15K. I have to say to be fair that it was more humid on Saturday morning...but a shorter distance race means it doesn't have as much of an impact. But it's not really a valid excuse for my poor performance.

The Ugly:
*I didn't even come close to my expectations. I like the quote "Some days you slay the dragon. Some days the dragon slays you." On Sunday the dragon totally slayed me. I just blew up on the course. I started off my first mile WAY slower than I had wanted. I really wanted to get a few miles in the bank at a quicker low 9, high 8 mpm. But I started off mid 9's so I knew my original goal of an 8:45 avg was out the window. Reassessing my plan I knew I'd be ok with a 9:30 overall pace so I stuck with that thought and it worked up until mile 6...at which point I completely blew up. I knew it was going to be a tough day the minute I got out of bed and both quads were tight and sore. Around mile 6 they began cramping so I had to throw walk breaks in. Then I simply lost all my energy. Everything felt heavy..my arms felt like lead, my legs felt like cement. I just had nothing left...except 3.2 miles. Surprisingly I think I felt worse than I did on day 2 of Goofy as I got into the World Showcase. It was very very disheartening to finish in 1:32 for this race...particularly since I hoped to finish a good 10 minutes faster. I know that it's all relative...but I ran ALL of my training runs of 8 to 10 miles at a faster pace. I ran my last half marathon at a faster pace. It's just so tough to see the overall lack of improvement in my endurance and speed over the long haul.

Final Thoughts: Well...I was pretty angry with myself but I got over it quickly as dinner and fun awaited that night. Our trip to WDW was magical as always and we had an absolute blast (15k aside). As I've had time to reassess the race itself, I think I need to step back and look closely at what makes me happy in terms of running. Sure...running a "fast race for me" is always a boost. But that doesn't seem to happen often. Instead I find myself disappointed in my performance time and again. I really need to measure my success by the fun I had during the race and not so much by the speed in which I did it. The BEST runs I've ever had were the half during goofy and the Boston 6 Miler we did. Both of those runs we didn't give a hoot about pace and I felt GREAT, felt like I was flying and neither were "fast". I may just be one of those people who can't really push the big distances beyond 10 mpm. That might be how I"m made. And that has to be ok with me at some point or else running will become this miserable thing for me all the time. And it needs to NOT be that way. I need to have fun out there...feel good most of the time...enjoy the benefits without putting this insane pressure on myself. Nobody but me cares how fast I run...nobody. It's time that I really mean it when I say "I want to have fun". I need to look at the Goofy Half and remember how that felt...find that love and enjoyment...carry it with me on the long runs and during the races. If Scott wants to run fast he can always do his own races...I can't keep up with ya' buddy...but I appreciate you sticking with me!!!

Sorry for the ramble LOL! I still feel like I haven't articulated all the ups and downs from the race. I don't know what happened out there...by rights I should have run a 9 mpm. But it wasn't my day for sure.

 

[Caitsmama]

Amy, (((Hugs))), it was so great to meet you -- and i think you totally kicked butt -- i was amazed when i was just entering part of Epcot, and you and Scott ran by me the other way and waved -- you guys did awesome!

I could tell after the 15k that you seemed a bit "off" - and i am sure now that's why, you were probably upset with yourself, but let me just say that for the rest of us slower WISHer's you are a total inspiration -- and part of me felt like i was meeting a celeb. when i got to meet you and Scott - because you guys are just both so inspiring to me.
Not just about your times, but your attitudes.
I tried to get a pic of you guys crossing the 15k finish, but you all came out blurred.. sorry!!

 

[wtpclc]

Amy - You really rocked teh 5K. I think doing a very hard race teh day before, even if it's realatively short for you probably took a lot out of you. Plus, you were battling some injuries not too long ebfoer this weekend. You need to cut yourself soem slack. You said you just had fun with teh half enroute to teh goofy. There's a big differnce btwn that and a PR 5K. I think I am with you on some of your thoughts, though. I felt great Sunday adn that mad eit all fun/ EVen when I did the math in my head and thought maybe I didn't PR, I feel like I did so much better than last year because I wasn't hurting. I need to take note of when I am pushing too mauch to have fun any more. You have a good point about maybe not be cut out for scertain speeds. However, don't let one race get you down.

 

[ScoJo15]

Amy did a great job of the recap so I don't have a heck of a lot more to add...but here we go anyway:

First of all...I'm the one in the green shirt and plaid shorts..furthest dude to the right in the team photo.

Expo - It was cool to not deal with the swarms of people there during marathon weekend and I thought the layout they had was a nice one. Packet pickup was an easy process, and they seemed to have a lot of vendors catered towards women (as they should have). I agree that it was still MINNIE Weekend and it was a bit odd to see photos with Cinderella being offered...I know they were promoting next year...but shouldn't Minnie have been there as well? I felt a little sorry for the speaker they had lined up while we were there...she came out right there in front of everyone and found every single seat in front of her empty, no one was paying any attention to her...so it made things a bit awkward.

5k - How cool was it to walk up to the start line 10 minutes before the race? I'm only used to the Marathon events where you have to be there 2 hours prior...so this was a big plus in my book. It was a bit humid once we got into the World Showcase, but nothing like it was back in January...and it was a neat feeling to run around the thing "backwards"...most events have us running from UK to Mexico and this one was the reverse Amy kicked butt out there and it was a pleasure (as always) to be running along side of her...I knew she wanted to stop for a walk break when a cramp/side stitch attacked her around mile 2, but she fought through it and earned that PR : I do want to note that she finished #67 out of 1632 runners, something to be very proud of!!

15k - It was a pleasure to run with and see so many WISHers out there on the course....and yeah, it was cool to not be feeling like total garbage during that stretch of pavement...I hope it helps to fight the negative vibes about that part of the marathon course come January. It was very disappointing to see zero support provided by Disney (except for that crazy guitar guy...and Mulan)...could they not have just dressed some people up in character costumes and staggered them along the route? You don't have to have a 26.2 mile event to merit providing support to runners. 3, 6 and 9 miles are still challenging distances for athletes of all types. They should put their best foot forward for EVERY racing event as people pay good money for these races, put a lot into travel food and lodging, and expect Disney to put on some of their magic.

WISHers - OMG!! Talk about a team dominating a race weekend...there were lime green shirts and hats EVERYWHERE!! We were definitely a presence to be felt and I guarantee these boards will see a few more hits this week as a result (if you are lurking out there, come join us in on the fun!!). Thanks to everyone who cheered everyone else on!!

Personal Wrap-up - I'm a bit lost for words because I'm still reeling from having to return back home. It was such an amazing time for me. I loved meeting so many of you guys at various stages of the weekend...this truly is a great team to be a part of. It was so nice to be able to get out there and cheer the team on from the sidelines for both races, too. There is nothing like getting support while you are out there running, and to finally be able to give some of that back was a rewarding experience. One of the best sights is seeing a WISH member's face light up as he/she rounds a corner and sees fellow teammates shouting and cheering words of encouragement.

And finally - Amy - I'm super proud of your PR accomplishment and willingness to gut out a tough day for you on Sunday. It was a pleasure to run by your side, as always...and THANK YOU for making the entire trip one filled with good times, laughs and memories that I'll never forget.

 

[nepatsfan73]

Congratulations to all the WISHers who participated at the Minnie Weekend. Thanks also for sharing your reports and photos.

Craig--Congrats on a great run.

Carrie--Do you think your Garmi may have temporarily lost its GPS connection while running through the highrises on Street of America? Congrats on your time and run too -- chasing down the speedy WISHers at the finish.

Amy--Sounds like you need to spend a race with the back of the packers--we're all about fun, finishing and foiling the sweepers. You did well and were coming off injuries and heavy training/work. I don't know about you, but the climate change alone (for me going from New England to the lovely heat and humidity of Florida) affects me.