A Dwarf For Every Emotion: A 2017 Dopey (Grumpy?!) Challenge Trip Report! COMPLETE

[Anisum]

Absolutely love your butterfly top!

 

[SarahDisney]

Yay for going to the DIS meet! I definitely get the Bashful thing (I'm the same way, and I'm 99% that I probably wouldn't have gone), but I'm really glad you went and met some awesome people!

Okay, why is there a dragon in your Tree of Life picture? That is very weird! (Also, your hair looks awesome!)

You really did have a lot of Pluto meets ... I guess you just wanted to celebrate each new medal with a character who wears his own medal!

You ate naan of the leftover naan. Dying.

I wasn't on the computer/phone Friday night or most of the day Saturday, so I didn't hear about the cancellation until Saturday night. I was shocked. Based on what I know, I think they did make the right call, and it seems like information mostly came out in a timely manner (although not fully at first apparently), but still ... it was definitely a wow moment.
I was also really impressed with the refund options. I didn't expect them to be so generous - I figured it would be a partial refund at best.
The upgrading to the marathon thing actually seemed kind of like a bad idea to me. I understand that if you've run another marathon recently, maybe it's doable ... but to me, training for a half and then running a marathon is asking for an injury. I'm really impressed that people managed to transfer and not get injured.
At the end of the day ... I'm not sure how I feel about the challenge & C2C medals. I'm one of those people who believes that you earn the medal just by training and showing up. In my eyes, if you planned to run and trained to run, you more than deserve all of those medals, even the challenge medals. I think it's cool that people ran 13.1 miles around the resorts or whatever, but I don't think it was necessary to earn the medal.
That said, I do understand why people are unhappy and feel like they didn't earn the medals, because for some people, they don't feel that sense of accomplishment until they cross the finish line.
Also ... the opportunity to sleep in during a runDisney weekend is something so rare that you can't not take advantage of it.

Your ice cream selections are awesome. I'm glad to hear that PB Wins the Cup was a favorite, because that's probably what I would have chosen.

I love that you wore your bib to the parks! Definitely looks like you were trying to make the best of a not-great situation. Plus, you met Pluto, so ... that's another medal you earned right there!

Wow, that is a lot of throwaway clothing. Cold weather is definitely not what you want for a race where you're hanging out in the corrals for hours...

 

[tigger536]

Great report so far!! I had so much fun with you and Keels at dinner Thursday! It was great seeing you again at the meet-up Friday, but unlike you I was not wise and had not napped (yet) so I wasn't feeling super talkative.

I admit to being very disappointed that Saturday's race was cancelled. I love RunDisney's handling of it though - the weather was not Disney's fault and it was awful all night - totally the right call. I wasn't mad at Disney, just sad for the situation. It was to be my first Dopey, so I went out and ran around the Boardwalk (and environs) once the weather cleared at about 8:30. I'm really glad I did it - everyone was cheering each other on, people were handing out their own cliff bars to runners, etc. I loved that some people even ran in costume. It made me feel better about the situation. If it wasn't my first, I don't know if I would have done it or not. It ended up being a really cool experience though. I love that you wore your bib into the parks, great idea! Hope to see you next month at Princess!

 

[wehrengrizz]

Helloooooo humans! Grab a chair - and clothes for every possible weather scenario - because it's time for another runDisney trip report!

The cast is...me! Shannon, 32 years old (picture from November's Wine & Dine Half Marathon!):

This was my 10th runDisney weekend, and was supposed to be runDisney races 22, 23, 24 and 25 for me. But Mother Nature had other plans!

Almost 1 year ago to the day that this trip started, I experienced a pretty significant (in my world) back injury - you can read more about that here. I decided that Marathon Weekend would be my big comeback and signed up for the Goofy Challenge (half marathon + marathon on consecutive days) back in April. In October, I transferred my registration to the Dopey Challenge, which consists of the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon on consecutive days. I had successfully completed the challenge in 2015 (I had also done Goofy in 2013).

I had been plagued with doubts and insecurities all year when it came to this weekend. I felt like this - specifically the marathon - was something that I needed to do to prove to myself that I was "healed," but at the same time, I just wasn’t sure that I was ready. My back was still sore during long runs and I was really starting to get burned out on running altogether. I was very nervous for this trip!

It turned out that this trip was challenging, weird, and rewarding all at the same time. I had a good amount of DIS-meets, a good amount of alone time (my first-ever solo trip!), a good amount of character time (eek yay!) and almost NO park time! The least park time I have ever had on a trip...in fact, I rode just 1 ride all weekend (any guesses as to what it was? ). So it may not make for the most entertaining trip report ever, but that hasn’t stopped me in the past.

So here it is - my 2017 Marathon Weekend...with the help of the Seven Dwarfs!

how did I miss that there's a Dopey TR for you? Yaaaay for another Ariel TR haha Bring on the awesome outfits

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

So we ate at Via Napoli once and our experience wasn't all that great...service was sub-par and I didn't think the pizza lived up to the hype (I LOVE pizza). Maybe the pizza didn't seem as good because we were in a bit of a funk due to the service? I dunno. Either way, your pizza looks so good that you have me wanting to give it a second chance. Also, I'm really hungry now

 

[TeeterTots]

Good for you for getting out there! 13.1 or 9.5....your outfit was on point! Yum-o via Napoli! Loving the marathon gear! Can't wait to read all about it!

 

[Ariel484]

Wow, those people really were upset. I mean I get it but at some point you have to realize that it was for our safety and the volunteers safety and not about money.

I was amazed by all of the people out running! I regretted not going out and doing the same as the day went on but I got my miles in the parks. I did not wear my bib like you though. I don't think I got 13.1 in either but 9.5 isn't bad.

I love Via Napoli!

I learned after this weekend that I will now bring throwaway clothes for sure from now on!

They were! I realize that their daughter worked hard to get ready for the half but the whole "Disney doesn't want to spend the money conspiracy" was...I feel bad saying it, but a little crazy!

I sort of regret not getting the 13.1 in, but what's done is done!

Yes, ALWAYS bring throwaway clothes.

You look adorable in your running gear and with your bib. I love all the shots you got. Honestly Saturday afternoon was miserable as far as weather goes, so I commend you on doing what you did. We also ended up with around 10 miles according to fitbit and that was good enough for me.

We finally ate at Via Napoli on this trip and we LOVED it. Our favorite meal of the entire trip. We will definitely be returning.

Loving that racing outfit for the marathon and that's quite a pile of throwaway! We ended up tossing a lot as well. Glad you found a hat. They had some in the Beach Club Marketplace as well as some cheap knit gloves and they seemed to be selling a lot of them.

Stoked to hear about the marathon!

ha, thanks. Saturday was pretty bad - cold is one thing, but rain AND cold? Yuck!!

I may have gone a little overboard on the throwaway clothes

Great job getting the 9.5 miles in! Close enough in my book!

We actually did see people running around the World Showcase on Saturday. All I could think to myself was "I can't see how Disney would approve of this! Too much of a liability!" Especially in that rough Saturday weather!

Dang! I wish I would have thought to bring the luggage tag and have Donald sign it! Such a cool idea!!

Another awesome running outfit! With a large pile of throwaway clothes that I am sure was needed!

I saw them running in Epcot too, now that you mention it! tsk tsk!

I have seen people have the characters sign their medals - the actual metal medals - and I always think "that's such a good idea" and never remember to do it myself!!

Absolutely love your butterfly top!

Thank you!! The one bright side of the colder weather is that I got to wear that outfit - originally I was thinking I would be in a tank top and running skirt. NOPE!!

Yay for going to the DIS meet! I definitely get the Bashful thing (I'm the same way, and I'm 99% that I probably wouldn't have gone), but I'm really glad you went and met some awesome people!

Okay, why is there a dragon in your Tree of Life picture? That is very weird! (Also, your hair looks awesome!)

You really did have a lot of Pluto meets ... I guess you just wanted to celebrate each new medal with a character who wears his own medal!

You ate naan of the leftover naan. Dying.

Exactly NAAN of the leftover naan was eaten, how sad!

The DIS-meet was fun! I don't know what made me go to it but I'm glad that I did!

It does look like a dragon, doesn't it? I'm so confused.

I wasn't on the computer/phone Friday night or most of the day Saturday, so I didn't hear about the cancellation until Saturday night. I was shocked. Based on what I know, I think they did make the right call, and it seems like information mostly came out in a timely manner (although not fully at first apparently), but still ... it was definitely a wow moment.
I was also really impressed with the refund options. I didn't expect them to be so generous - I figured it would be a partial refund at best.
The upgrading to the marathon thing actually seemed kind of like a bad idea to me. I understand that if you've run another marathon recently, maybe it's doable ... but to me, training for a half and then running a marathon is asking for an injury. I'm really impressed that people managed to transfer and not get injured.
At the end of the day ... I'm not sure how I feel about the challenge & C2C medals. I'm one of those people who believes that you earn the medal just by training and showing up. In my eyes, if you planned to run and trained to run, you more than deserve all of those medals, even the challenge medals. I think it's cool that people ran 13.1 miles around the resorts or whatever, but I don't think it was necessary to earn the medal.
That said, I do understand why people are unhappy and feel like they didn't earn the medals, because for some people, they don't feel that sense of accomplishment until they cross the finish line.
Also ... the opportunity to sleep in during a runDisney weekend is something so rare that you can't not take advantage of it.

I think you summed it up pretty well - everyone's feelings are valid, and there are lots of different opinions. As long as people aren't judging one another for what they chose to do, it's all good!

And YES to the extra sleep!! It was needed!

Your ice cream selections are awesome. I'm glad to hear that PB Wins the Cup was a favorite, because that's probably what I would have chosen.

I love that you wore your bib to the parks! Definitely looks like you were trying to make the best of a not-great situation. Plus, you met Pluto, so ... that's another medal you earned right there!

Wow, that is a lot of throwaway clothing. Cold weather is definitely not what you want for a race where you're hanging out in the corrals for hours...

Peanut butter pretty much always wins though, right??

If we could have had space heaters in the corrals or something, that would have been perfect. If I get a post-race survey I am SO suggesting that (note: I have never gotten a post-race survey and I totally do not think they'd actually take my suggestion...)

Great report so far!! I had so much fun with you and Keels at dinner Thursday! It was great seeing you again at the meet-up Friday, but unlike you I was not wise and had not napped (yet) so I wasn't feeling super talkative.

Me too!! Super fun dinner!

If I hadn't have taken that 2.5-hour nap, I would not have been chatty at all. I get what you are saying 100%!

I admit to being very disappointed that Saturday's race was cancelled. I love RunDisney's handling of it though - the weather was not Disney's fault and it was awful all night - totally the right call. I wasn't mad at Disney, just sad for the situation. It was to be my first Dopey, so I went out and ran around the Boardwalk (and environs) once the weather cleared at about 8:30. I'm really glad I did it - everyone was cheering each other on, people were handing out their own cliff bars to runners, etc. I loved that some people even ran in costume. It made me feel better about the situation. If it wasn't my first, I don't know if I would have done it or not. It ended up being a really cool experience though. I love that you wore your bib into the parks, great idea! Hope to see you next month at Princess!

I think it's fair to be sad that the race was canceled...I was both relieved AND sad. If it was my first I think I would have gotten out there and done the 13.1, so I get that!!

Can you believe it's almost Princess time already?? EEEEK

how did I miss that there's a Dopey TR for you? Yaaaay for another Ariel TR haha Bring on the awesome outfits

"Awesome outfits" is definitely one thing I can promise!

So we ate at Via Napoli once and our experience wasn't all that great...service was sub-par and I didn't think the pizza lived up to the hype (I LOVE pizza). Maybe the pizza didn't seem as good because we were in a bit of a funk due to the service? I dunno. Either way, your pizza looks so good that you have me wanting to give it a second chance. Also, I'm really hungry now

Aw man!! I think people either love or hate Via Napoli - I have been there 5-6 times and it's always been really good for me! Less-than-great service could definitely have an effect, I have had that happen before so I totally get what you are saying (we sort of had that at 'Ohana in November - it stinks!!).

Good for you for getting out there! 13.1 or 9.5....your outfit was on point! Yum-o via Napoli! Loving the marathon gear! Can't wait to read all about it!

And isn't that the most important part anyway?!

 

[hauntedcity]

Sanaa sounds so good, I've heard great things about it too especially for a vegetarian like me, but all that naan bread for one made me laugh. They wanted you to really carb load!

They used to have an amazing palak paneer, which was my favorite item, but there are still other good vegetarian items on the "sampler" entree.

Jiko is our absolute favorite for vegetarians and vegans, though. I'm still dreaming about my dinner after the marathon.

 

[roxymama]

The rain really started coming down soon after Donald. I was thinking really hard about just bagging this whole thing. I was soaked and cold, and my back was getting stiff, but I really felt like I should keep going to get to 13.1.

I split from the group and hid out in a gift shop in the American Adventure pavilion. Eventually I made it to Japan and walked laps around the store there! I met up with my friend who upgraded her half marathon entry to the marathon! She seemed incredibly calm...I would have been flipping out!

Around 1:30, I decided I wanted some lunch and headed to France.

After that, I was done. I was starting to worry I was going to get sick from being out in this cold rain...at 7 miles I called it. So I didn’t get my 13.1 in on Saturday. Part of me wishes I would have just finished it, but part of me is okay with it. Mixed feelings for sure! I ended up at around 9.5 miles for the day.

I headed back to the Boardwalk to take a hot, hot shower and put on some dry clothes. runDisney sent out ANOTHER weather alert and I had a slight heart attack thinking the marathon would be canceled but it was just them basically saying that it would be cold and to wear layers.

During this time, I got a call from my mom asking about the half marathon being canceled - I hadn’t told her about it but she had seen it on the news at home in Ohio, which I thought was crazy! I guess it was on the news as part of a story about the nutso weather all around the country.

I headed back to Epcot for my 6PM reservation at Via Napoli (the rain had stopped by then), and it was perfect as usual.

On the way out, I checked the International Gateway gift shop hoping to find a knit hat. By now I knew that we were looking at temperatures in the high 30s with 23-24 MPH winds for the race the next day! Being from Ohio, I have trained in WAY worse conditions, and Big Purple was packed with some good cold weather running options, so I knew I would be fine for the race (I really probably had 4-5 extra full running outfits with me so that I had plenty of options for any type of weather - good thing Big Purple is so...*big*). But waiting around in that weather in the corrals for an hour+ was going to be the tough part. Since the half had been canceled, I now had 2 sets of throwaway clothes and I planned on wearing allll of them the next morning, but the one thing I hadn’t brought was a warm hat. I had something I was going to wear on my head during the race, but it was thin technical fabric and I knew it wouldn’t cut it for keeping my head warm before the race. The gift shop didn’t have any knit hats, so I was debating on driving to Target or Walmart. But then I checked the gift shop out on the Boardwalk - they had 2 hats left! Thick, black knit hats. I bought one for $10...bargain.

I got everything ready to go back in the room, a little sad that my pretty outfit was going to be covered up for awhile.

The whole pile. The pile up top above the orange gloves is all throwaway stuff!

I was in bed a little before 9...up next: my big redemption run from my stupid injury, the 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon!

You basically had breakfast pie, dessert pie, and pizza pie all in the same day and that is why you are my hero.

 

[hauntedcity]

Peanut butter pretty much always wins though, right??

Has a truer thing ever been said?

 

[wehrengrizz]

haha I think I must be in that same facebook group, I definitely saw the posts of the dino-Sore and remember the extinct pic too, and that guy who made a sign I don't usually notice anyone's name on FB in the Disney groups, because I always doubt I'll know them. Well, I should pay attention, realized an old Air Force buddy of mine is in like 3 groups with me !
I love all the gorgeous sunrise pics from the 10K

 

[Baloo in MI]

Via Napoli is sooo good! Nothing like a thin crust classic pepperoni pizza! In the past year I have had to go gluten free for health reasons, so I skipped Via Napoli this year. They probably have a glutten free pizza (Disney in general is just awesome when it comes to gluten free options) but I am still protesting gluten free pizza in general!

 

[JulieODC]

I'm a little bit behind....so here goes!

I love AK too -- just a beautiful park overall, and I notice something new every time!

Love Sanaa (and Jiko) too -- but agree that it is an effort to get over there, if you aren't staying at AKL -- worth the trek though!

I followed the unfolding 1/2 marathon cancelation on social media that night -- I can't imagine the range of emotions! And then all the runners the next day! I have all kind of thoughts as well -- but tend to feel that finishing the race will be great, but the preparation that goes into the race is what I will feel most proud about, and what so much of the medal represents. Either way, Disney handled it really well! I just keep telling myself that the chances of this happening twice in a row at WDW are pretty slim, so hopefully PHM won't have similar issues...

That ice cream looks amazing -- I think, staying at the Swan, we will probably be over there several times next month!

Dismeet sounds like a fun gathering -- always fun to put faces with names (though I am an introvert, so get nervous about those types of meets too!)

Looks like you made the most of the extra park time! Those are some gray skies though!

We are doing Via Napoli the night before PHM -- YUM! I am so looking forward to it!

Looking forward to hearing about the marathon!

 

[Ariel484]

They used to have an amazing palak paneer, which was my favorite item, but there are still other good vegetarian items on the "sampler" entree.

Jiko is our absolute favorite for vegetarians and vegans, though. I'm still dreaming about my dinner after the marathon.

I'm going to Jiko next month for the first time since 2014 - so excited!!

You basically had breakfast pie, dessert pie, and pizza pie all in the same day and that is why you are my hero.

Has a truer thing ever been said?

See - you thought when you opened this thread that you were getting just another trip report. What you didn't know is that you were also getting inspiration AND wisdom.*






*extreme sarcasm

haha I think I must be in that same facebook group, I definitely saw the posts of the dino-Sore and remember the extinct pic too, and that guy who made a sign I don't usually notice anyone's name on FB in the Disney groups, because I always doubt I'll know them. Well, I should pay attention, realized an old Air Force buddy of mine is in like 3 groups with me !
I love all the gorgeous sunrise pics from the 10K

Yeah, I'm the same way on Facebook! The sunrise during the 10K was amazing!!

Via Napoli is sooo good! Nothing like a thin crust classic pepperoni pizza! In the past year I have had to go gluten free for health reasons, so I skipped Via Napoli this year. They probably have a glutten free pizza (Disney in general is just awesome when it comes to gluten free options) but I am still protesting gluten free pizza in general!

Oh nooooo. That's gotta suck, unless it really helps you - which if it is, I'm sure it's worth it! I hope you get to eat a Via Napoli pizza again some day!

I'm a little bit behind....so here goes!

I love AK too -- just a beautiful park overall, and I notice something new every time!

Yes! It is just so beautiful and different. Not at all like a theme park!

Love Sanaa (and Jiko) too -- but agree that it is an effort to get over there, if you aren't staying at AKL -- worth the trek though!

Totally agree! I have ADRs at both places for my next trip!

I followed the unfolding 1/2 marathon cancelation on social media that night -- I can't imagine the range of emotions! And then all the runners the next day! I have all kind of thoughts as well -- but tend to feel that finishing the race will be great, but the preparation that goes into the race is what I will feel most proud about, and what so much of the medal represents. Either way, Disney handled it really well! I just keep telling myself that the chances of this happening twice in a row at WDW are pretty slim, so hopefully PHM won't have similar issues...

I'd say the overall theme for me was just shock. Like I said, I have never had a race canceled, and I definitely had a little voice in my head saying, "there's no way the weather will be bad. The storms will pass and the race will go on and everything will be magical!" Which obviously was not right.

I hope Princess will be okay!!

That ice cream looks amazing -- I think, staying at the Swan, we will probably be over there several times next month!

It was! Amazing but expensive!!

Dismeet sounds like a fun gathering -- always fun to put faces with names (though I am an introvert, so get nervous about those types of meets too!)

It was fun - I'm glad that I went!

Looks like you made the most of the extra park time! Those are some gray skies though!

We are doing Via Napoli the night before PHM -- YUM! I am so looking forward to it!

Looking forward to hearing about the marathon!

I loooove Via Napoli. VN and Sanaa are my favorite non-signatures at WDW!

 

[Ariel484]

Day 5: Sunday, January 8, 2017 - Walt Disney World Marathon!

The main event….holy bleep!

Pardon my language. I kept alternating between thinking “holy bleep” and “I got this” or something similar pretty much all morning long. Ack!

When my alarm went off, I saw I had an email - it was an amazing message from @pxefig - encouraging, wise and exactly what I needed to read that morning. THANK YOU!

I read the message a few times and got a little teary (it just meant so much that she'd thought of me to send something like that!) and just laid in bed for awhile...I was in no hurry to get out there.

Eventually, it was time to layer up.

See the sunscreen in the picture? Since the 5K and 10K had ended before sunrise, I hadn’t used sunscreen that weekend. I forgot to put it on for today...which would come back to bite me!

I made it my goal to get on the very last bus, or close to the last bus, at 3:50.

We got to Epcot and I waddled over to my corral. I had 3 layers on bottom (running tights + 2 pairs of fleece-lined leggings from Walgreens) and 4 on top (a long-sleeved tech shirt, a pullover, a fleece 3-quarter zip-up and a hoodie - OH MAN THE HOOD, that was gold), a pair of cheap throwaway gloves, and that knit hat. I actually felt pretty decent, but I also felt like it was hard to move in all of those layers. Like this...I friggin hate this movie, but this is how I felt!

I used the bathroom (quite the process with all of those layers), got to Corral I and sat down (seemed less windy at ground-level...or maybe I just made that up to make myself feel better!). I tried to sit in the middle of the corral with people on all sides to block the wind for me - thanks people!

The corrals started going at 5:30. Unlike the shorter races, each corral got both fireworks AND a countdown/send-off from Mickey!

3-2-1-GOOOOO!

 

[Ariel484]

It was my turn to go a little after 6AM. This was it - this was what I had been working toward all year. I felt like if I could do this - finish my 4th marathon - it would prove to me that this injury of mine was just a bump in the road...something that didn’t define me anymore, like I felt like it had all throughout 2016. It was a huge moment for me.

“Oh sh*t,” I thought again as I walked over the starting mat (still wearing every single piece of throwaway clothing)...this was REALLY happening. And then a second later, that second voice came back in my head again said, “I got this” (Laurie Hernandez-style! If it worked for a bad@$$ Olympian, surely it would work for me).

Game face on - let’s go!

The course begins by heading down Epcot Center Drive before turning onto World Drive. I ran the first mile straight through.

I didn’t plan on stopping for many characters today - I was afraid that standing around for a significant amount of time would really make my back hurt. I passed ones in these first few miles that I’d already met or wasn't interested in, so I wasn’t tempted to stop (Pirates, Jack & Sally, McQueen and Mater...can’t remember who else was out but I was bummed that Oogie Boogie wasn’t out this year!).

Time for the Magic! Love having the monorail honk at us!

I dumped my first throwaway item - the hoodie - somewhere in these early miles. Looking back I think I actually got rid of it before Mile Marker 2! I was starting to warm up, but not as quickly as I’d expected.

The TTC was awesome. Despite the cold and the wind (OH, THE WIND), there were lots of spectators!!

I’d forgotten that the course had changed since I last ran this race...the route to get into Magic Kingdom was a little different than I remembered.

I remember approaching the Contemporary and wondering - really, really wondering - what the hell I had been thinking signing up for this. I was approaching mile 5 and could feel the soreness start to settle in to my back for the first time all weekend. And it was so early in the race. There was no way I was going to make it and I was wondering if I should just start looking for a “parade bus” to shuttle me to the finish.

I pushed the bad thoughts away as best I could and instead tried to focus on putting one foot in front of the other…*keep moving forward.*

Up next: The Magic Kingdom!

 

[Anisum]

I think what I enjoy most about your trip reports is how engaging they are. I mean I know you finish but the suspense is killing me.

 

[wehrengrizz]

I think what I enjoy most about your trip reports is how engaging they are. I mean I know you finish but the suspense is killing me.

I'm the same way, all these people who write amazing TRs and then it's like...don't stop THERE! I have to keep reading more. Like they have nothing better to do AFTER they're back from vacation

 

[princess_jamie]

Following along! Finally caught up! I absolutely love your TRs. I was a long time lurker, reading your race TRs back when I was planning my first GSC in 2015 and now I'm planning (pending registration) on Dopey 2018. I've recently started following you on instagram too because I live vicariously through those who get to go to Disney and do runDisney race I can't be at, and now totally feel like a stalker.. but hi!! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us. I totally get the bashful feeling of meeting new people - that's hard for me too. I can't imagine how I would feel if I showed up for my first Dopey to have the half cancelled. Its been interesting reading people's thoughts on it - I get your relief and having done it before you know you could do it, so it let you focus on the marathon which is great. For someone who hadn't done it before, I just can't imagine. I loveeed your 10k boardwalk sunrise pics - that's where my profile pic came from too. It is such an overwhelming and magical experience running around the boardwalk with the sunrise. Looking forward to hearing how the rest of the marathon went for you!!

 

[ZellyB]

And you're off. I totally understand the competing feeling of - "What was I thinking? I can't do this" to "I'm going to so rock this run". I had the some conflicting emotions multiple times.

also, how do your phone pictures always look so freaking amazing when it's dark out like that? Mine are always total garbage.

I envy you that hooded sweatshirt. I thought I had on enough layers, but multiple times when I was huddled in that corral I was wishing for a nice thick hooded sweatshirt.