(Long Overdue) My Brother's Goofy Race & a Half Race Report

Sorry it took me so long to post this! I know several of you asked to read my brother's recap of the races, here is the short & sweet of it.

This has been a long time coming. All the blood, sweat, and yes even tears have finally paid off.

It was almost a year ago when I decided I wanted to run the Goofy’s Race and a half Challenge. What’s that? It’s when you run the Disney World half-marathon on Saturday, followed by the Disney World full-marathon on sunday. 39.3 miles in 2 days.

Am I crazy?

Let me answer your question with a question: am I a runner?

When I decided this would be my goal over the last year, I immediately enlisted the help of my coach Sara Bernard (http://runninginpink.com) to help coach me through the process. Her words to me were along the lines of “You’re nuts, but if you really want it, I’ll coach you” and “You should really do a 26.2 first so you understand what it takes.”

Unfortunately I’d injure myself trying to do barefoot running too quickly and had to delay my first marathon which was scheduled for July, to October. I was heartbroken, but worse, I was starting to burn out. In August I just didn’t think I could run anymore. With the help of my amazing girlfriend, Annette, I managed to keep myself from falling apart and make it to Hartford.

Hartford was amazing. One of the best races of my life. For a full recap, check out my post on my sister’s blog (Couch Potato to Marathoner). I had never been in more pain from running in my life, but it was totally worth it. I was a marathoner (and earned my post-race beers)!

Now my training shifted focus to Disney. Finally, what I’d been waiting for, for as long as I can remember. It was finally coming. After a week break (no running allowed said Coach Sara!!), I was burning and ready to go! I started my back-to-back long runs and off I went. Nothing would get between me and my goal. I would train like never before, I would do whatever it took. I’ve never wanted something so bad in my entire life.

Not only did I get stronger, faster, but my recovery shot through the roof. I could run back-to-back with no pain, no weakness. I felt like I was becoming invincible. Eventually during my training runs I capped out at 13 and 20 miles back-to-back. At this point I knew I was ready, and my taper started.

1/8/2012 – The Disney Half-Marathon. Oh you cruel heartless thing. I had ran the same course 2 years prior and had never been more miserable in my entire life. I’d say this picture accurately describes how things went this time…

Easy, almost effortless. Oh, and I still managed a new PR of 2:23:50, a nearly 14 minute improvement over my old PR. This was at a comfortable pace I could have run for another 20+ miles, but I needed to save my strength for day 2. I finished the race and waited for my family. My mom had been running the race too in her first half-marathon. I was so proud of her. We hugged, she cried, I cried. “I did it Jay” she said. That was enough to make me break down.

The rest of the day I relaxed and mentally prepared for the 26.2 to come the next day (oh and I ate an entire medium pizza). My sister, poor kid, had been sick. She was worried about the race. She’d been feeling sick lately and I told her I’d run with her to make sure she finished. It was the least I could do for her, after she did the same for me two years ago in the 2010 Disney World Half-Marathon. She was worried about messing up her time, I told her, my time didn’t matter, there will be other races, and making sure she finishes is more important.

The race was very difficult for her. She felt ill nearly the entire race, and we had to stop a couple times for her stomach issues. Remember runners, rule #1, nothing new on race day (except stuff like my silly Goofy hat, the power-aide did not agree with her stomach). We chugged along and I felt great the whole time, pacing her out, telling her to shut up and conserve energy. Eventually towards the end my calves started getting a little tight, but not too bad overall. For the full race recap (she did a fantastic job), check it out over on her blog.

(home stretch!!)

While at Disney and on our celebratory cruise, I also had the chance to read “Born to Run”. Whilst running my races that weekend, it struck me, I had a huge smile on my face; I love running. The problem with running for many, is that they’ve forgotten how to love running. We were, in may ways, born to run, and it just feels so natural, but many have been conditioned to think of running as punishment, and that is truly unfortunate. While on the cruise, Coach Sara told me I could do anything I wanted to do.

I ran.

Not only did I run, but I ran about 10 miles total that week, doing laps on a cruise boat. I was just as happy running those laps as I am when I hit the Charles River during the Spring.

It’s funny because we were never a super athletic, or even healthy family. Now we’re a family of healthy runners, and even better, marathoners.

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My Mom's Disney Race Report!

After all the love and support I heard from you guys about my mom finishing her race, I thought you might enjoy hearing her side of the story. Enjoy!

I DID IT!  Although I constantly questioned my ability and sought reassurance from my kids, I am now a ½ Marathoner, having recently completed the Disney Half Marathon.  This is my story of how I got here, a feat I never would have thought possible.  

In just 2 ½ years, I lost my brother, dad, and mom.  My parents lived until their late 80’s, but 3 ½ years ago, my brother Russ dropped dead of a massive heart attack.  The paramedics said he never knew what hit him, and was gone before he hit the ground.  He was classified as morbidly obese, had high blood pressure and cholesterol.  He was only 56 years old, and had just moved back from Pennsylvania with his wife to help care for our elderly parents.  I vowed not to let that happen to me.  Unfortunately, working full time and being the primary caregiver for my parents took its toll on me both physically and emotionally. 

My Mom pinned this to the back of her shirt race day

After I finally got over the passing of my mom last January and realized that I was now the age my brother was when he passed away, I asked Stephanie to help me make a plan to get more physically active.  She and my son had been talking about the Disney Marathon for a while, and they suggested I train for the Half Marathon.  I thought it was a bit ambitious.  Actually I thought they were crazy.

In September, I joined the gym Stephanie belongs to and hired a trainer.  I began following Jeff Galloway’s program from Run Disney, and was at the gym 6-7 days a week.  I pushed myself to ensure I would finish the race in the time allotted, and trained with a walk/run method.  I registered in October, and there was no turning back.  I kept wondering if I could really do it.  When I finally achieved 12.5 miles in my training I knew I could probably do it.

Then the cold came, leading to a sinus infection.  But I still completed my 14 mile last big walk/run.  The doctor said that’s what did it.  Bronchitis/upper respiratory infection set in and I was floored.  Out of work and in bed for 5 days.  No strength or energy to do anything including my training.  I began to panic.  Stephanie and Jason assured me I’d be fine, but I wasn’t so sure.  I finally went back to the gym on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, feeling better but not 100%.  Guess I wasn’t being careful enough, because I popped my hamstring on the hamstring curl machine and nearly passed out.  After lying down and icing it, I hobbled out when the dizziness passed.  I called Stephanie and was hysterical because it was only 2 weeks until the race and I thought that was it.  I got home and Jason rushed for the ice packs and ibuprofen.  Stephanie checked it later because I was sure I tore my hamstring. So once again, no training as even walking was difficult.  My sports doctor said there wasn’t a tear and my chiropractor helped as much as possible.  Just as it started to feel better, I slipped and pulled it again.

I believe in the power of prayer and pray regularly, but now I really needed to believe it would get me through this.  My plan had been to dedicate this race to my brother’s memory and I was determined.  My niece said her dad would be the wind at my back.  I decided that maybe this was a test of my faith to be able to complete the race with such a bad hamstring injury.  I just had to believe that God and my brother would get me through it. I just wanted to finish, even if I was last.

The first 4 miles I walked with two really nice local women, and when they began to run I tried, but the pain was so intense.  I thought that was it.  I’d never make it and all my hard work would go down the drain.  Then there was Stephanie, Kevin and Annette cheering me on.  When Steph came out onto the course and hugged me, I cried.  I knew I had to push through the pain.  Several times I tried to run but just couldn’t.  By now my hips were misaligned and my right leg was shorter than my left.  I was a mess with another 8 miles to go.  I turned up my ipod (a gift from Steph) and tried to get my pace up with the beat of the music.  Although I couldn’t get to my usual pace, focusing on the music helped immensely.  Once in a while I looked back and saw that there were a lot of people behind me which was reassuring.  At one point, I would have sworn that my mom, dad, and brother were on the side of the road cheering me on.  Thinking about them looking down on me and how proud they must be really helped give me the strength to finish.

Meeting my mom at mile 4.5

Around the 11 mile marker was when I knew I could do it.  The two women I started out with came up from behind me, as they had stopped several times, and they reassured me that I was doing fine and I’d make it.  They were so happy to see me as they thought that maybe I had dropped out.  I wanted to run at least at the end, but by that time I was limping and just needed ice.  The only stops I made during the entire race was for biofreeze, to help a runner who fell, and to stretch a couple of times. 

I finished in 3:34:25, not the time I had originally hoped for, but all things considered, just happy I was able to finish.  Before I left, my chiropractor had told me to drop out if I had to.  I told him that wasn’t an option.   There were times I thought I might have to, but I’m so glad I pushed myself, even though walking around the parks for the next few days was excruciating.

Mile 12, almost done!

As a parent, over the years I’ve been able to brag about and be proud of my three children.  It was such an extraordinary feeling to have them be so proud of me.  I want to thank my children, Stephanie, Jason and Jessica for all of their love, support, patience, encouragement and reassurance.  I am one lucky mama.  Also, thanks to Kevin and Annette (the rest of my cheering section), to my brother Russ for watching over me, and for answered prayers.  I could never have done it without you all!! 

Hope you enjoyed reading that as much as I did.

Love you mom!

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Disney Marathon Race Report (Part 1)

Lets break this into 3 parts, pre-race, race, post-race since there's so much to go over.

Pre-Race

We headed out Friday morning early for our flight, which was leaving at 6:30am. I was in a rush, even waking up at 3:30am. I didn't have time to make breakfast to bring with me, and after making a protein smoothie, I left it sitting on the coffee table. Thankfully I managed to get everything else I needed into my bags and the car, and we headed to the airport. 

I had a great Livingsocial coupon for airport parking (only $31 for a week), so we parked, then took the short shuttle ride to the airport, where we met up with my mom, sister, and her friend. I started with my choking problem here, managing to choke on my Dunkin Donuts breakfast sandwich (later the almonds made me choke uncontrollably).

The flight was uneventful, and we got to the airport and waited for my brother and his girlfriend to arrive so we could head over to the hotel. We were staying at Port Orleans French Quarter hotel, and took the magical express there. Unfortunately our room wasn't ready, but my mom's was. We dumped our bags in her room, then headed for the race expo.

It really started to set in as I picked up my bib. "I can't believe I'm running a marathon!" I told the woman who gave me my bib. Kevin and I made signs to cheer my mom, brother & me on during the race, then headed from bib pickup to the building for bag pickup.

Me & Mom at Bib Pickup!

Once we had our race bags it was official race merchandise time! I loved my sweatshirt I got for the half 2 years ago, and was really looking forward to getting one for the marathon. Unfortunately we found the merchandise to be a little lacking. The design on most of the items wasn't great, but I finally found a marathon jacket I love, and of course a wine glass. My brother was so upset because the Goofy merchandise was really lacking. He ended up with nothing.

my new marathon jacket

We made our way through the booths. My mom bought a stick after I told her how much I loved the one Kevin bought me for christmas. We got bananas, crasins, and even a picture of Tony Horton. Finally we hit the Nuun booth, where Nuun was 2 for $10 with a free waterbottle. score! My mom and I stocked up. We also grabbed my sister a couple new Bondi Bands.

After the Expo, we headed back to the hotel, only to find our room still was not ready. We were told that even though check in time is at 3pm, rooms are not guaranteed until 5pm. We finally got into our room at 4:30, only to find out that it was dirty (gross hair all over the sink). We left a message to complain, and headed to dinner at Portobellos at Downtown Disney.

We had made a reservation weeks ago for 12 of us. My Aunt, her husband, my cousin, and 2 others were joining us too. We were forced to wait over an hour past our reservation time to be seated, and the disappointment continued from there. The service was lacking, the prices high, and the food mediocre. Our eggplant fries came out cold and had to be sent back, the pizza was very bland and tasteless, and overall we were very disappointed. It was during dinner that my throat started hurting, but I guessed it was due to my frequent choking that day, and ignored it.

The next morning we had an early wake-up call to watch the Half Marathon to cheer my Mom & Brother on. I woke up feeling like death. My throat hurt so bad, I was convinced I had strep throat and would have to find a doctor later that day. I had to blow my nose constantly, and couldn't breathe. Luckily I had brought some Sudafed and Afrin, which I put to good use. Our plan was to get to the ticket & transportation center (around 4.5 miles), then take the monorail to the finish. My brother's girlfriend, Kevin & I staked out a good spot and settled in. It was freezing!! Soon the Wheelchair competitors were coming by. SO AMAZING. I love to watch the different kinds of chairs they have, watch the different techniques (crank vs. push-rim, seated vs laying), and cheer them on. Soon the elites were heading through, men then women. So fast.

We were trying to calculate how long it would take for my brother and mom. It was hard to find anything in the thick crowds. There were more people than I remembered from 2 years prior. We missed my brother, but caught my mom. I ran out onto the course and instantly started crying, telling her how proud I was of her, how much I loved her. She told me she was hurting, and I told her to push through it and pick it up a little, she needed to beat the time clock. Some woman nearby said I was going to make her cry too. I jumped up and down and cheered and yelled. I was so proud to see her out there.

Me & Mom on the course, ticket & transportation center.

After seeing her there, we got on a bus to get on the other side of the street to the monorail, then headed to Epcot. Remembering the course, I thought we should head to mile 12 just before they enter the park to give them that last little boost needed to get to the end.

We were really hoping to see my brother since we missed him at the 4.5 mile mark. We spent a lot of time near the Team in Training cheerleader, he was an awesome pick-me-up for many runners.

Finally we saw my brother! He looked great, like he was at an easy pace, having a great time. He ended up crushing the race with a great new PR for him at 2:23:50 (but I still beat him in half PR land haha).

My mom was about an hour behind him, so we cheered on the other runners as we waited. I saw some great things while we waited. Women and men of all sizes and shapes and abilities. People in incredible costumes. A man with his arm in a sling. A woman in a walking boot. Older runners running by themselves or with spouses, some with Goofy bibs on. Faces filled with pain, faces filled with joy, faces filled with determination. Spectating a race is so inspiring.

Finally my mom came through. We jumped up & down & cheered! She had made a new friend she was walking with. She told us she had even stopped to help a walker that had fallen. I told her to push it through to the end, she was almost done. She was limping, her recently injured hamstring was really getting bad, but I told her to keep going, she was almost there. 

We ran toward the finish, knowing we had about 16 minutes until she'd be there. We saw her heading down that last .1 miles into the chute to finish, so amazing! She finished in 3:34:25!

My mom, a half marathoner!!

hugging my brother

Mom is all done, and Jason is 1/3rd through his weekend mileage

After the race, we headed back to the hotel. I took care of my mom who wasn't feeling well. Her hamstring was developing a huge bruise and she was feeling nauseous. So like a good daughter, I got her ice for her hamstring and her aching Glute, made her a cold glass of Nuun and got her graham crackers to eat. Then of course we brought her Coors Light from the gift shop for once she was feeling better. I was starting to not feel well, so I laid down for a nap. Only an hour or 2, but it felt great to sleep. I woke up unable to breathe, my cold was getting worse. I stuffed kleenex into my purse and Kevin and I went to Downtown Disney to shop before dinner at Wolfgang Pucks with everyone.

I started feeling worse. Hazy, stuffy, sore throat, runny nose. I could barely eat any dinner, but drank some hot tea which was amazing. Finally, I just couldn't stand being out anymore, so Kevin took me back to the hotel early so i could get some rest before the morning's marathon. Unfortunately we had the longest bus ride back to the hotel, and I headed to bed ASAP after taking more medicine.

all my gear!

I called for a 3am wakeup call, then jumped in bed. I tossed and turned. I blew my nose constantly. I couldn't sleep. I'm not sure if it was a side effect of the medicine I took, but I couldn't sleep. I was exhausted, but just couldn't fall asleep. Kevin tried anything I asked to help, but it was impossible. I just kept staring at the clock. I finally got 20 minutes in between 2-3am. Not a good way to start off the most important day of my life.

Race Day will be included in part 2!

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