Sheryl's
Photo's from her trip
Well, I'm back and am in a much better place than I was last year. When
I did not finish last year it devastated me, this year all I feel is a great
respect for what I managed to accomplish.
The week was filled with lots of fun and laughter, shared with friends and
family. I was a little nervous because my MIL was going with us, and I was not
sure how she felt about spending so much time with my internet friends. She had
a great time, and even mentioned to Pixie yesterday she'd probably see her again
next year! Judi also enjoyed her time spent with John (Alicia's DH) and children
and is crazy about Anna Kate. So all went well.
One of the greatest surprises was getting to meet Faline(Fran) and her Dh
Glen. Let me tell you, she is one sweet lady and I'm hoping to get her out of
lurking and into posting. I think we may have another wild woman for Mousefest
here. It was great spending time with them both.
Race morning this year was an entirely new experience from last year.
Neither Terry nor myself were able to fall asleep the night before, and
ended up with less than 3 hours of sleep. The weather was much colder than last
year, and it ended up being similar to what we are used to walking in here except
without the snow.
As is typical for me the first two miles are my slowest and hardest, once I
make it past that I tend to pick up speed. This year that first mile seemed to
take forever, and I was getting intimidated with everyone passing me. Terry told
me to NOT think about it, focus on Main Street and just keep moving my feet. And
that I did.
We caught up to Cheri and Susan, and I could tell Cheri was having trouble with
her feet, but they were both chuggin along giving it their all.
It is really very boring, and we both needed to make a bathroom stop,
however, I was to make it to Main Street, so NO bathroom stop for me. Once I saw
my boys at the TTC center (along with Judi, John, and Alicia's kids) I got another
burst of energy and tears in my eyes. I actually SAW them this year!! Then a
minute latter, there is Fran and Glen. WooHoo look out Main Street I'm giving it
my all. That got me pumped now, and I was starting to pick up speed.
I struggled with that hill in front of the Contemporary, and could barely
make it up it. I looked at Ter and he grabbed my hand saying "Grab my hand, Main
Street is waiting for us". I did and was able to make it. I could see it, and
could feel the energy go through my body. My goal was in sight, please don't
close those gates on me. Keep moving, keep those feet going. I could barely see
through the tears, but made it onto Main Street. We stopped to get a few pictures,
and then decided let's see how far I can get. That's when I saw Rosebud, Fran and
Glen again. More tears, a few hugs and pictures, and let's keep moving. But look
there's Cshore, more hugs and pictures.
At this point, I was not sure what to do, do we keep going, will they stop
me at the back of MK? We are starting to see the guys on bikes at this
point, so we decided to enjoy being in the MK. This was my goal, so I
wanted to appreciate that. As we were coming up to Dumbo and on our way to the
castle, I told Ter I made my goal and for him to run and try to make it. He is a
much faster walker than I and I wanted him to try to reach the finish. He said no,
and I kept pushing it. Finally, he kissed me and ran. I yelled I'll meet you at
the finish line. I stopped to take off my pull over, so that my number could be
seen for more pictures, and as I was walking through the castle, he came running
back in. He said we start together, we finish together. For a quick moment, he
thought of trying to get that Donald medal to give to me, but then did not want
to do it without me. That means more to me than any medal ever will! I'm one
lucky gal and I know it.
We took every picture opportunity, stopped and posed for every photographer since
there were not any pics of me last year. We started asking the sweepers how far
we were behind, and got conflicting reports from three different guys. So who do
you believe? What do you do? I really thought there was going to be a bus waiting
for me outside of the MK, but did not see one in sight. Let's keep going. As we
were heading towards the Grand Floridian, we were catching up to a woman and as
we passed her, I heard her call my name. At first I was not sure, but then I
turned and it was Moley. I could tell she was struggling with her hip, but she
was moving and giving it her all. I'm so impressed she is not giving it up and
trying her hardest through all the pain.
Ter and I kept walking, asking each sweeper how much time, we got
conflicting reports from 2 minutes - 9 minutes we were behind. Ter kept
track of each of our miles, and only the second mile was 18 minutes, with
all the rest being 17 minutes, but it took us at least 20 minutes to cross
that starting line. What to do? keep walking! As we pass the Polynesian,
making our way to the raceway, I see a the road is blocked off, so we're
going to be stopped. As long as they are stopping me, I'm going to stop at the
Port-a-Pot before they make me get on that bus. I could hear Ter
talking to someone and that southern accent can only be my friend Cheri!
As Ter and I were getting on the bus with Cheri, I see Susan walking to the
bus behind us. Let me tell you, we sat on that bus FOREVER! I swear I
could have walked to that finish line faster than it took Disney to get us
there. Everyone on the bus was getting angry and the bus driver yelled back to
"Shut up!" LOL not too Disney like is it. Then he dumps us off, and we need to
find our way to the "T" Tent.
We are all stiff for sitting so long, and sweating like crazy. Dumped off
in the cold, and we don't even get one of those blankets. I'm sorry but
Disney still misses alot in the way they treat the ones who don't finish.
There is no medal this year for us, and NOT even a blanket. By this point, it is
starting to hit me, I'm shivering, throat is raw, ears are throbbing, every inch
of my body hurts, and I want my bed!
We made our way over to the Tent, I said a few Congrats, and that is all I
can take. Get me back to the Polynesian. We grabbed a quick lunch, and are back
to our room in record time. I want to see my pictures of Main Street, but fell
asleep before Ter is done showing them all. After a much needed nap and a HOT
shower, we headed over to Ohana's for a great meal with family, not just friends
but family. (editd to add: you're all like family now)
Could we have done it if we had not stopped to enjoy the moment of Main
Street? I'll never know, but it was worth it I made my goal, and maybe next year
Terry and I can cross that finish line together.
Cheri summed it up perfect "What a ride!"
Been there, done that, going back!
Sheryl
I have no idea, how to fix the way this looks? It looks fine when I go to edit. Sorry
