Hi guys!
YES! We were the first to the starting corrals. (No awards for this??)
Since we were staying at Port Orleans we thought we would try to walk to
the start. This would allow us to sleep in until 4AM!! We had checked
the route out the day before. It was a ten minute walk. We left at
4:50AM. The police were everywhere and wouldn't let us take the short
route. They sent us way around to the back of the start. We got to the
corrals by 5:15. First to the start. The last time any of us were
first all day. Oh did I say that Fred tripped on the road in the dark
landed on his shoulder and hands. Good start.
While freezing in the corrals we danced to the music with the
volunteers. Fred went to use the john and on his way back was told he
couldn't be there. They tried to send him to the stagging area. We
protested and all stayed in the corrals. It was nearly a half hour after
we got to the start that others showed up. Gradually a large number of
racewalkers showed up at the front of the second "Red" Corral. Sheila
Sosnowski & Fred had agreed to push each other throughout the race.
Sheila started fast and kept it fast for 5-6 miles. When she needed to
stop Fred continued on with Eileen Druckenmiller stepping in as the
rabbit for the next 5 miles. Eileen didn't let up until Fred needed a
slower mile through the Magic Kingdom. With a second wind Fred pushed
it to the finish. Our times were not what we wanted but it was a fun
race and like last year a great experience. We enjoyed meeting many of
you at Dixie Landings on Friday.
Kathy & Anns report: Kathy and Ann (Armel) began training for Disney
six months ago. Ann had never done a half marathon. Kathy did Disney
last year. Ann and Kathy stuck very carefully to their training
schedule until the last 6 weeks when injuries and cold New Hampshire
weather started to mess up their plans. Kathy had developed an ankle
and knee problem in the last month and Ann was constantly dealing with
foot blisters and a serious toe problem. On race day they both overcame
these to have a fun race.
It took Ann & Kathy nearly 7 minutes to get to the start. Mickey and
the fireworks got them very excited about getting started. They hung
together for eight miles. At eight miles Kathy told Ann to take off.
Kathy knew Ann could go faster and she knew if she stayed with her she
would reinjure her ankle. Ann proceeded to drop a minute a mile for the
last five miles. Kathy maintained a steady pace. Ann came across the
line very excited about completing her first half marathon. Kathy was
very emotional but kept it under control until the guy with the medal
said: "this is for you you earned it". Then the tears flowed. When
Fred saw her he thought she was injured...not just happy for having
finished.
We went back to the hotel got showered and head back to Epcot. At Epcot
we sent video messages back home. Went to dinner at Le Cellar
(Canadian) had steaks and went to the Tapestry of Nations parade....for
the third time this year.
It was great to see all the Deads taking prizes at the awards ceremony.
Thinking about doing it next year...maybe even the full marathon. Just
need a little encouragement. Fred Anderson, Kathy Anderson & Ann Armel
all of Campton NH "The New Hampshire Half Marathon Disney Deads
Racewalking contingent".
