Disney Marathons

The next 3 days of our trip were all about the marathons. Firstly, we attended the Marathon Expo which is held at the Wide World of Sports complex. This is where all the runners check in for the race and pick up our race numbers. Filled with many booths of discounted items we walked around for a bit. When Hailey and Joey began to get a little ansy we took them outside so that they could run around the fields for a bit and get rid of some of that pent up energy.

Following the expo we headed over to Epcot for the Pasta Party which was held by Team in Training for all their chapters. Lots of food, good inspirational speakers and great company as the entire Team JSR was together for this event. Off to bed early we went as we had to get up at 3:00 AM for the 1/2 Marathon was the next day.

We woke up Saturday morning at 3:00 AM for the 1/2 Marathon. I was very nervous and excited all at the same time. Luckily, Hailey and Joey were great and didn't put up too much of a fuss having to get up so early. We headed on over to the parking lot at Epcot where the start of the race was to take off. I said goodbye to my babies and headed over to the start. We were told that 16,000 people participated in this 1/2 marathon event.

During the race as I was running through Magic Kingdom such characters were out to cheer us on as Alice from Alice in Wonderland with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb and I also saw Woody and Jessie from Toy Story. The fans along with the characters definitly helped me get through this race. The 13.1 miles was difficult but MOMMY DID IT!!!!!!!!! Coming towards the finish line, I glanced over at the bleechers and there was Hailey being held by my Dad waving to me and screaming Mommy. My eyes filled with tears as this was the end of the line for me and I was so happy to have finished this race.

Sunday was the full marathon day. I let the kids sleep in until about 6:00 am and we headed out in the car to try and watch Grandpa, Uncle David, cousin Jason and Phil run the grueling 26.2 miles. It was a lot more humid today and the men looked great. We made it to the Polynesian hotel which was right between the 12 and 13 mile marker. Dad was not with us yet as he got up at 3:00 am and went to the start with Grandma, Aunt Trudy, Aunt Danielle and company. Grandpa passed us at the Polynesian and looked great. We then got back in the car and drove over to the 20.5 mile marker where we waited with rice krispie treats and a peach snapple to hand to Granpa and Uncle David as they passed us. They passed us strong and off to the finish line we headed to cheer them on. Grandpa, Uncle David, cousin Jason and Phil all finished their 26.2 miles, Yeahhhhhhh! (pictures to follow)

Following the marathon and a much needed nap we headed over to Benihana Restaurant for our celebration dinner and then to Beaches and Cream at the Yacht Club for some much needed ice cream. The night was filled with lots of eating, chatting and laughter. Congrats to all!