Hello...
Well, we've been back from Florida now for about 2 weeks and finally
we're feeling a bit normal again...
I still owe you my race report, but let me start with Frans' report
(his own words).
He loved running/walking with Cheryl and he was very glad to read
that you made it after all, Cheryl. He was really worried (and so was
I after he told me) since you were already in pain when he left you.
After leaving Cheryl Frans rushed to the car to drive to the MK. He
had to wait a long time before he could leave the parking lot.
Because we agreed that when he wouldn't be in the MK after 2 hours
after I started he would run the last 3 miles by himself, he was
getting nervous. He made it to the MK in time!
He was relieved when he saw Lani and me entering the MK...from then
this is his experience....running, keeping running, my god, they're
going fast, I have to keep running...pffff, they make a stop at the
restroom....hope they will take their time...o, they're
back....running again, running, keep on running...pffff, fortunately
Silvia wants to take a photostop at the castle, great excuse to stop,
but not for long..running again, why don't they slow
down....fortunately another photostop....and on we go...again not for
long fortunately, another stop to drink something, only 1 mile to go,
I can make it, just have to keep up....another photostop, and
then....I think I can see the turn for the half...I have to walk a
little bit....there is the turn....where is Silvia? And Lani?
Fortunately Silvia is still with me so we can cross the finish
together....running to the finishline, crossing it...I'm there...is
this all? I can do this for real next year!! Let's register tomorrow!!
Okay, so far for Frans' story...again he really enjoyed walking with
you, Cheryl and I hope that you won't be mad at me for him "dumping
you for me" :-)
Here is my story:
Race day... at 3 a.m. the alarm goes off. It feels totally different
than last year. This time nerves aren't bothering me. Frans however,
starts to get a bit anxious. For him it is the first time. Last year
he was a spectator, but this time it is going to be the real thing
for him too. He didn't train at all and that's why he decided to walk
the first 2.5 miles with Cheryl, go to the Magic Kingdom by car and
join me over there for the last 3 miles. We don't want to miss each
other at the Magic Kingdom, so we make sure where exactly Frans will
be and at what time.
We were in corral F with Cheryl, Lani and Alex. Time until the start
passed by really quickly. I remember last year I felt tears coming to
my eyes when I heard the national anthem. Even though it isn't new
anymore, it happens again. I'm so excited! I have a look at Frans and
see he feels the exact same way. Quickly I take off some clothes and
put them in Frans' backpack…in my shorts and short sleeves it feels
like it is indeed freezing. Then, count down: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4,
3, 2, 1, Fireworks and off we go!!
I'm trying to stay with Lani. I'm still thinking about running the
full instead of the half and Lani has a great pace for this....
When we cross the line I kiss Frans goodbye and together with Lani we
start our Disney 2004 (1/2) marathon. It feels great! So many people
running in the cold and dark. The spectators already cheering us on,
telling us we're going to make it! After about 3 miles we're running
towards Epcot. I remember this from last year…the lights of the
mysterious glowing Spaceship Earth welcoming us. Running in a Disney
park, while it is dark and still closed for visitors is such a
strange experience. Cast members are cheering us on. The pavilions of
the countries are lit. Christmas decorations are still present.
Unfortunately we leave the park again pretty quickly. Now we're
heading for the Magic Kingdom, at mile 10. Running at this pace feels
very comfortable. Lani and I chat a little bit while we're running.
It is getting lighter, but it doesn't get any warmer. I'm still
wearing my jacket and on the back is written: Loopgroep Hoorn,
Holland. I become aware that other runners actually read this, when
someone asks me how I'm doing in Dutch. Because of the accent I
understand that the runner isn't Dutch. When I ask him he confirms
that he isn't Dutch but American. He lived in the Netherlands a long
time ago. And on we go.
We're passing the transportation center, only 2 more miles to go to
the Magic Kingdom. I'm still feeling very well. Can I really go for
the full? We enter Magic Kingdom through a cast member entrance at
the square at the beginning of Main Street. This is where Frans is
supposed to meet us and there he is! He joins us and together we're
running through Main Street. Spectators are lining the sidewalks.
Even though we're running a bit slower now, Lani stays with us. Frans
is having a great time, though he is mainly concentrating on keeping
running. He is relieved when Lani and I make a stop to use the
restrooms in Tomorrow Land. Next stop is at the castle where we have
our picture taken. Running underneath the castle is one of the
greatest moments of this marathon. It feels so unreal.
A little after mile 11 we leave the Magic Kingdom again. Before Frans
really gets out off breath there is a beverage station. While we're
drinking we walk for a little while. Now we only have 2 more miles to
go for the half finish. At this point I'm telling Frans I really
would like to try the full instead of finishing at the half point. He
absolutely doesn't agree. Of course I know he is right…now I'm still
feeling well, but what when I'm at the 20 miles point. I try to argue
with him, but after a little while I agree. We still have to spend a
whole week in Orlando and it would be a pity when I wouldn't be able
to walk the rest of our stay.
We pass the Grand Floridian and the Wedding Chapel. Unfortunately
this year there aren't any Disney members dressed as brides and
grooms. Frans is getting tired; he has to walk every now and then.
But we're almost there. A spectator takes our picture and cheers us
on "hey you guys in orange…you look great". Then there is the turn
for the 1/2 finish. The full marathoners are going straight ahead. I
feel a little bit of regret. However, when I see the finish line, I'm
glad we're there…hand in hand we run towards the finish. We made it!
Together!
Together with Lani we wait for Alex to finish. Frans drove to the
Magic Kingdom, so our car is at the parking lot. We walk to the car
and drive to Epcot to see the finish of the full marathon. Even
though we're changed into dry clothes, we're shivering now. It is
still very cold. That's why we don't stay long. When we drive to the
hotel, we pass the runners of the full. At this moment I know for
sure that I'm going to give it a try again next year....so I
immediately registered for the full the next day!!
Okay, this is the story I wrote for my friend in the US...so it may
sound a bit silly to all of you, since it is written for someone who
doesn't know Disney...sorry about that!!
Lani, thank you so much for running with me! I had a lot of fun!!!
Did you register for the half or the full for 2005? Because if you're
doing the full again, we indeed may try to run togehter, right?! Say
hi to Mr. Stroopwafel!
Cheryl, thanks again for organizing the cool party, uh that is pool
party and the pre-race dinner!!! If you want more stroopwafels or
speculaasjes, just let us know...I'll be happy to send them your way!
Stephanie, does Cliff already know if and when he will be coming to
the Netherlands? Maybe we can meet him while he is here...
Russ and Jim, how are the shirts? Do they fit well?
Terri, I'm sorry we missed you...we brought some Gouda cheese with
us. Maybe next year we can meet again!!
Daria, you were right about Discovery Cove! It is awesome!! We had a
wonderful day and swimming with the dolphins was wonderful.
Fortunately it wasn't as cold as during the pool party!
Larry, it will be wonderful to meet again next year!! I'm looking
forward to it!
Okay, that's it for now...
Silvia
