Congratulations to all that finished the half and full marathon,
This was my first race of any kind in my life. I walked and Jogged (just a
little) the half marathon in chip time of 3:33...just made it. Didn't rank
very well, so I won't go into that, but of course most people run, not walk.
My training really paid off. I felt very strong and had very little pain
during the course, except for my neuroma acting up around mile 10. I tried
to walk through it but it felt like someone was stabbing me in the foot, so I
stopped, loosened my laces which helped a little, then stopped again for a
few minutes and it went away enough that I didn't have to think about it. I
found myself ahead of the 16 minute mile most of the course, but I found
another Team Diabetes walk/jogger to hang with and I chose to hang back with
her during the times she was slower than me and I know she did the same for
me a little, too. We just decided that having company was much more
important than a few minutes shaved off our time.
My favorite part was Epcot while it was still dark. It was so "magical" to
get there with the great music and twinkling lights after being in the dark
since 4 am. I was ecstatic to be there doing this amazing event, wiith so
many wonderful people of all types.
At each mile, I was overjoyed when I saw the time and realized I wasn't going
to be picked up by the cart.
The rain came about 20 minutes before I finished so I don't think it affected
me too much except for contributing to some blisters in places I had never
seen them before.
I loved getting my huge Donald Duck medal and the mylar cape was such a
relief after getting wet. I was Queen for the day.
Got back, soaked in the tub, ate lunch, fell asleep, went to the Team
Diabetes Victory Dinner....Bill Rogers was there...Next day, achey....drove
home, now....wondering what next? Please tell me Deads, what do you do when
it's over?
My dream became a reality...
Vivian Tiegen
Jupiter, FL
