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Tricia
and I are thrilled that new ladies continue to join us here each week.
If you link early, please make sure you come back later in the week.
You may just find a new friend for life!
True to my word, I did a HoLottaNothing this week. I even left my indoor Christmas decorations up. Who wants to crawl around in the attic before a big race? Not me. We (my kids, truth be told) did take down the outdoor stuff after the never ending rain finally ended. I spent the week worrying about my achy lower back and hip and decided to err on the side of caution. Other than two short and easy runs, I was a purposeful slug. I went for bodywork on Monday and Carla the therapist gave me a good going over. I felt much better...like a new old woman...for a little while anyway.
We decided to make a late arrival at Disney World. I didn't want to spend any time in the parks until after the race. After last year's expo fiasco, I remembered the crowds would be light on Saturday afternoon and that's when I wanted to go. However, with the half marathon getting cancelled due to weather, the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex was a sheer MADHOUSE. The halfers were directed back to the expo on Saturday to take care of business. It was the worst traffic jam you can imagine. I survived. And, I remembered my driver's license this year
On this trip, we opted to stay at a hotel we had not tried before. It was not on the monorail system, which added a little stress to race morning. That 3 am alarm (make that 2 am central time!) came soon enough. PoPo sweetly went with me so I could wear a heavy coat to stay warm. (He was then stuck at the race start for over two hours! Oops). We got on the bus and arrived at Epcot in plenty of time. The temperature was around 36 degrees, but the wind was nothing short of brutal. After what seemed like a frigid eternity, I started the loonnngggg trek over to the corral area. I certainly was missing Tricia as we were shoulder to shoulder amid the throng of people last year.
I hopped into my corral and waited for our fireworks sendoff. I think it's spectacular that every corral gets the same pomp and circumstance. Finally -- it was go time! This is where I'll save the remaining details for the race recap. Spoiler alert: I finished. Like always, I enjoyed every freakin' step. Oh, and I set a new PR by 13 minutes.
And that's a wrap!
*************************************************************************
Disney (Part One)
True to my word, I did a HoLottaNothing this week. I even left my indoor Christmas decorations up. Who wants to crawl around in the attic before a big race? Not me. We (my kids, truth be told) did take down the outdoor stuff after the never ending rain finally ended. I spent the week worrying about my achy lower back and hip and decided to err on the side of caution. Other than two short and easy runs, I was a purposeful slug. I went for bodywork on Monday and Carla the therapist gave me a good going over. I felt much better...like a new old woman...for a little while anyway.
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| Our rainy arrival |
We decided to make a late arrival at Disney World. I didn't want to spend any time in the parks until after the race. After last year's expo fiasco, I remembered the crowds would be light on Saturday afternoon and that's when I wanted to go. However, with the half marathon getting cancelled due to weather, the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex was a sheer MADHOUSE. The halfers were directed back to the expo on Saturday to take care of business. It was the worst traffic jam you can imagine. I survived. And, I remembered my driver's license this year
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| Tell me, is there someone right behind me? |
On this trip, we opted to stay at a hotel we had not tried before. It was not on the monorail system, which added a little stress to race morning. That 3 am alarm (make that 2 am central time!) came soon enough. PoPo sweetly went with me so I could wear a heavy coat to stay warm. (He was then stuck at the race start for over two hours! Oops). We got on the bus and arrived at Epcot in plenty of time. The temperature was around 36 degrees, but the wind was nothing short of brutal. After what seemed like a frigid eternity, I started the loonnngggg trek over to the corral area. I certainly was missing Tricia as we were shoulder to shoulder amid the throng of people last year.
I hopped into my corral and waited for our fireworks sendoff. I think it's spectacular that every corral gets the same pomp and circumstance. Finally -- it was go time! This is where I'll save the remaining details for the race recap. Spoiler alert: I finished. Like always, I enjoyed every freakin' step. Oh, and I set a new PR by 13 minutes.
And that's a wrap!
Have you visited Disney World? If so, what's you favorite thing to experience?
Yay for the PR! I have that same skirt that you are wearing. Lots of good juju in that skirt! I am so proud of you, I am busting. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks, friend. I really like this skirt. I'm not sure they make it exactly like this any more. The newer ones seem different. Longer maybe?
DeleteI'm so excited for your PR! Congrats! I saw some of my running friends post that the half was canceled and immediately thought of you and wondered if the full would go on as planned. I'm so glad it did!
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks for the linkup!
Thank you! I was shocked to hear about the half. But, very impressed by all the people we saw running it anyway on Saturday when we arrived.
DeleteCongrats on your new PR! That's fantastic! I've stayed on the monorail line, too (last year, at the Polynesian) and then for Wine & Dine, we stayed at a different resort where we had to take busses. I like the monorail better, but I didn't find either option too stressful (although, I thought the busses would be before I experienced them).
ReplyDeleteThanks very much! I like using the monorail line best, but I've never had any problem with the buses. It just takes longer to get to Epcot -- and I think I'm so excited and ready to be there!!
DeleteI was worried about your race when I heard that the half marathon was cancelled - so glad you got to run it! Congratulations on the race; can't wait to hear all of the details. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was glad our race when on as planned. My heart went out to the halfers!
DeleteCongrats on the PR!! Can't wait to read all about the race.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much! I was hoping...
DeleteOh I thought this race was cancelled! So exciting that you have already set a new PR in January
ReplyDeleteThank you! They cancelled Saturday's half due to severe weather. Sunday's full went on as planned.
DeleteYay congrats! I seriously can't wait to read all about your race!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! As you know, Disney is magical!
DeleteWow, a 13 minute PR is amazing! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm pleased with my progress. Now, I want another one! LOL
DeleteCongrats on that PR! Well earned, thoroughly deserved, and simply amazing!! Now...the rest of the story...(?) ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, my friend. It's been tough to get to this place. I look forward now to seeing what else is in store.
DeleteCongrats on your PR! I did the Goofy Challenge a few years ago and took my time with the races to enjoy them and I did. But I do remember being tired towards the end of the marathon and I just wanted to finish. It wasn't cold but I remember it being hot and humid. Big change for this Chicago gal that gets cold in January.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Cold is definitely not the norm for this race. It probably helped with the PR. I could have done without the wind, though.
DeleteCongrats on another finish AND a big fat PR! You had that one coming! Those conditions sound exactly like what I ran NYCM in. 36 degrees and 35 mph wind gusting to 60mph. It was ridiculous! Can't wait to hear more!
ReplyDeleteThanks, my friend. The wind was a bit of a challenge, more so waiting so long before the race started in a wide open parking lot. Nothing like your NYCM.
DeleteCongratulations on your PR! I'm so glad that the race ended up being "on" after the half marathon was cancelled yesterday! Can't wait to hear the run-down of how your race tactically went!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was surprised to hear about the half cancellation and relieved my race was still a go!
DeleteA 13 minute PR is HUGE! Congrats! Sounds like the weather down south was not meant for racing this weekend for lots of folks. I know Disney had issues & I heard the Blues Marathon in Mississippi did too.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to race!
Thanks! I was so impressed to see how many half marathoners ran their race anyway. They were out running everywhere when we arrived Saturday.
DeleteAwesome job on your PR! So sweet of PoPo to drive you - even though he got stuck in traffic.
ReplyDeleteThank you! We took Disney transport to the race start which then did not return him to the hotel for another two hours. Apparently, it was because of the closed roads. Live and learn!
DeleteWay to go on your PR! I'm glad to hear the weather didn't get your race canceled too.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Me too! I would have been devastated.
DeleteI can't remember the last time i was at Disney- I was definitely just a kid. And congrats on that GREAT PR!!!13 min?! Day-amn girl!!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that! It's never easy but I'm glad things came together on this day.
DeleteCongratulations on your PR! I went to Disney for Princess weekend last year and remember we spent 4 hours at the expo. I witnessed grown women breaking the wine glasses. It was a madhouse for sure! I enjoyed running the Princess Half so much. My favorite ride there is Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. I sure did have the blues missing out on the Dopey Challenge. I just ran out of time to train for it. Maybe another year! Glad you had a great race despite freezing temps and wind!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love that ride too. We were able to ride it 3 times in a row when we went back to AK a few days later. The crowds are light there in the early mornings.
DeleteThat's my kind of cliff-hanger! I look forward to the details that get us to the happy ending!
ReplyDeleteLOL. It was truly a happy ending this time. No falls!
Delete13 minutes. Wow. You're amazing, Holly!
ReplyDeleteLast time I was at Disney Epcot wasn't completely finished . . .
Thanks, Judy! We certainly enjoyed Epcot this trip. I could live in Mexico. The food and drinks...so yummy.
DeleteCongrats!! So happy for you! Enjoy Epcot. It's so much fun there esp the food!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I know -- I'm afraid I enjoyed Epcot a little too much.
DeleteAwesome! Congrats on your PR! So cool they do fireworks to start! Someday I will do that race.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Every corral gets the same pumped up energy, music, fireworks, etc. I think that is incredible.
DeleteThat wind was brutal! I'm so glad you had the race you wanted ed and had fun. Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Congrats to you too! The wind was brutal before the race. Once it started, I only noticed it pushing against me a few times. I think I was just zoned out though.
DeleteYou are amazing! I am so glad Sunday was a much better run day! Cold, yes- windy, yes but that is better than rain! Congrats on that shiny PR and hugs to PoPo for being such a good sport! Disney traffic is NO joke! Can't wait to hear more about the race!
ReplyDeleteThanks, my friend. What we didn't realize is they would not run transport back to the hotels immediately. The roads were closed. DUH. He had to stand around in that cold wind an extra two hours after standing there with me about an hour. MAJOR PROPS.
DeleteCongrats on the PR!! Can't wait to read your race recap!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much! It came together to be a great day.
Deletecongrats! Can't wait to read the full report!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was a magical day for me.
DeleteCongrats on the PR! Yesterday's weather wasn't runner friendly, especially with the long wait in the corral before the start of the race. Way to go! I can't wait to read your full recap!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathryn. I did appreciate the cold temperature. I run so much easier in that. But the wind? I could have done without.
DeleteDang! A 13 minute PR WITH THAT WIND!? Awesomeness!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I wasn't aware of the wind after I got started. Zombied out.
DeleteWhat a cliffhanger!!! I'm so excited that you PR'd, I can't wait to read the full recap! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janelle. Everything came together for me this time.
DeleteCongratulations on your new PR! Can't wait to read the recap, and I'm really glad you got to run because I saw where the half was cancelled and the weather was rough at Disney!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy. The severe weather moved out on Saturday and left us with a cold and windy day. I'll take that over hot and humid anytime!
DeleteGreat job on the PR! I felt so bad for the half marathoners, but that radar shot was almost frightening. I hope you were able to stay warm for the race.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was fine during the race. It's the standing around forever beforehand that really got to me.
DeleteCongratulation on your new PR!! That is amazing!! You are amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ana! And you are too kind!
Deleteah! a cliff hanger!!!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS on a HUGE PR,lady! I am a baby when it comes to running in the wind so you are superwoman in my book!!!
I cant wait for the recap!
I appreciate the kind words. I know the wind was still there, but honestly didn't notice it much after I got started. LOL. Zoned out!
DeleteWoohoo a 13 minute PR?! You really rocked it, that is awesome :) I can't wait to read all about it!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I was pleased everything came together this time.
DeleteCongrats on that PR! That's awesome. And I keep hearing it's hard to PR at Disney races but you didn't let that stop you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chaitali. The course is definitely long and there is some weaving you have to do -- but it never disappoints.
DeleteYay!! Congrats on your new PR! I can't wait to read about your experience! I still have yet to do a Disney race. Hoping to do one with Sherry at some point! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon. Yes, definitely do a Disney race with Sherry. Your families would love it too!
DeleteSo happy you got a new PR and that the weather was decent, despite the wind (no more cancellations!). I haven't been to Disney since high school (school trip), but I loved it. I'm supposed to go to the Harry Potter park in March, but not sure we'll be able to sneak in any Disney time. I keep wondering if the Disney races are worth the money, but I like the idea of fireworks and character stops.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The race itself I don't find that expensive, especially when compared to other "big" races. You will spend some money if you do the parks and stay in their high end resorts! But at that point, it's a vacation and not a race? (I can justify anything. LOL)
DeleteHoly Moly!! 13 min PR that is amazing!! Way to go!!
ReplyDeleteI felt so badly for the half marathoners...that must have been awful for them ;(
I am glad you had a good race!
Thanks! My heart went out to the half marathoners. I was very inspired to see so many of them running anyway when we arrived on Saturday.
DeleteSo thrilled for you! I knew this would be a great marathon for you. Congrats! Can't wait for the details! (Also, I had no idea it was ever frigid in Florida!)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer. I've run a couple of Disney half marathons in the upper 40s at the start. The was the coldest by far.
DeleteCongratulations on your PR, can't wait for the race recap.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'll ever make a Disney race (although they have now started them in Paris which is a little closer to me!) but I do like the idea of fireworks to start the race.
Thanks, Nicola! I would assume they are under the same direction. It would probably be a fantastic experience.
DeleteSince 1994, I have lived within 3 hours of WDW, so I have been quite often, even being an annual pass holder at times. It's super convenient, especially with a little one.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on another great marathon! I can't wait to read your race report, and I know it will be awesome! A 13 minute PR is an awesome thing.
I did the WDW Marathon two years ago and it was absolutely insane. It wasn't my best race, but that's ok. It was an "experience" LOL!
Thanks! Living in the south, we've visited Disney a number of times ourselves over the years. The kids loved it. It never disappoints.
DeleteCongrats on a huge PR! Can't wait to read the rest. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel. It just came together for me on this particular day.
DeleteThat's one of the things I love about you, you do love every step of every race. I am so happy you PR'd, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You never cease to amaze me!!!
ReplyDeleteI did this marathon back in 2005 before they fixed it and didn't combine the full, half and 10k and have them all start at once, I swore back then I'd never do a Disney race again (It was so crowded you had to run elbows out back then just to survive). But then each time I see posts like yours and the great times, and positive things about it I tell myself, maybe I should have never said never!
Great job my friend, love the cliff hanger, looking forward to hearing more of the details during the race!!!
Thank you so much! If I don't enjoy it, I shouldn't be doing it. LOL. I'm glad they worked all of the kinks over the years. You have to go into it knowing it will be crowded and with a little bit of patience.
DeleteCongrats on your finish!!
ReplyDeleteHowever, this half marathoner did not go settle up with Disney on Saturday!! The last thing I wanted to do was wait in line...unless if was for a ride at one of the parks!!!
Jodi
Thanks! I'm with you. I'd rather have spent my day having fun in the parks!
DeleteCongrats on your PR, Holly!!! You look wonderful in your pictures and I can't wait for the recap :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy! It turned out to be a magical day.
DeleteThanks, my friend. We both called it an early night before the race. He popped out of bed before I did, raring to go. LOL. WDW 2018...Is it calling our name already?
ReplyDelete