Whew, what a long drive...
My race report in a nutshell...
Had a great time and a great race.
As with all races I learned something. With this race I reached a new level. I ran and had more fun than I ever thought possible. When I had the medal placed around my neck I realized it meant nothing to me. My medal for the day was hearing everyone elses stories. I can't explain it any better than that. Heres to all of you, the ones that made my day. This includes all of you who came in spirit.
We caught the bus at 3:30 AM. The temps were in the 40's so I wore a long sleeved tee and carried a plastic poncho. Brrrrrr, temps dropped to 31 before the start. (BTW, official recorded low for Orlando for the date) I was so tight by start time I wasn't sure I was going to be able to run. But with a few words from Mickey I was off and run I did. I had a great time playing leapfrog with everyone. Scott, thanks for pointing out I did get to run a piece in the world showcase ;-) Deepak - thanks for the offer of the shirt ;-) The mile through the Magic Kingdom I dedicated in memory of Robins lost baby. I thought of her often and it seemed fitting that I ran into my son there. We had so much fun high fiving all the charecters and talking to each other. We actually slowed for this mile and just enjoyed the day. Robin, I know someday you too will enjoy this type of thing with one of your own children, but Sunday, my son and I enjoyed the day with you little angel.
It was an uneventful race for me. I didn't tell you guys, but I had the worst case of flu I've ever had just days before the race. I had lost so much hair from the high fever and dehydration that my son became alarmed. I think it weekened me a bit, but I refused to allow it to get between me and my run. Bottom line, I finished with a 3:07:52. Not the 3:00 finish I had dreamed of but a clear 12 minute PR. I'm thrilled. Jerry finished in 3:11:04 (I told you he walked as fast as I run!) David finished in 3:16:26, and headed for the medical tent - something about a CD player banging a body part that was bouncing about freely. hehehe, me thinks he will re-think what he wears on long runs in the future ;-) We all had a great time and loved the company we ran with. I had the time of my life and the Sunday evening get together was the icing on the cake.
Some observations I made this year...
I was surprised the pasta dinner was not as nice as the year before
The start fireworks and hoopla was bland compared with 2000
The music and charecters were not as plentiful as the year before
The crowds were larger
None of this was a problem once I realized Jerry and David had nothing to compare it to and had the times of their lives. They proudly wore their Donalds and loved talking to everyone.
Lisa was quite taken by Julia - I say, birds of a feather, flock together (Julia, I adore my daughter and love watching her antics as I did yours. Your just plain fun!)
