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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / race report: wdw marathon {1.11.2015}

race report: wdw marathon {1.11.2015}

January 19, 2015      42 Comments

I was awake before the alarm.

In fact, I had only managed 40 minutes of sleep the entire night. And that’s being extremely generous.

There was nothing I could do but shower and change into my race clothes. Mr PugRunner was incredibly sweet and supportive about it, but that didn’t stop me from bursting into tears.

Marathon: 1. Me: 0.

At 4:00 AM we met everyone in the lobby. Rather than hop on the shuttle, we planned to drive over. Mr PugRunner was going to drive back after dropping me off to get my brother-in-law, who was en route. And then we would be able to drive back to the hotel after.

I was pretty numb at this point. Part of it was probably the chilly weather. The other part was obviously flat-out denial. I just kind of followed the crowd, not really absorbing anything. For some reason, it didn’t feel as crazy or busy as Tower of Terror in 2013. Maybe that’s because we stayed close to the gear check and didn’t venture anywhere else. Maybe things were better organized. Maybe I was in the zone. Who knows?

While waiting for friends, we hopped on the portapotty line. Everything went pretty quickly, but I did have a small emergency for which I was completely unprepared. Mr PugRunner saved the day for me once, and then again when I had to trade his regular Hurricanes visor for my sparkly one. It was pinching, and I knew that if it was bothering me at that point, it would be unbearable in a mile or so. He was a trooper.

And then it was time to head through to our corrals. We made our final checks of everything, I said goodbye to Mr PugRunner, and we started the long walk to our respective positions. It was actually so far that we stopped at another bank of bathrooms on our way! It was a little nervewracking because the fireworks signaling the start of the first corrals started sounding and we still had a bit of a trek to go.

However, there was at least 45 minutes between Corral A and Corral M, from where I was starting, so I forced myself to take my time and relax.

Since the marathon had already officially started, the wait in the corral wasn’t too long.

I was able to make my way to the front of the middle and felt pretty comfortable with that. Finally, we were walking to the start line, the music played, and our fireworks rang out.

I was running my first marathon.

Here’s how it was going to go.

Screen Shot 2015-01-18 at 6.48.34 PM

I broke the race into segments, because it seemed easiest. And that’s how my brain remembered everything.

Miles 1-5

This was the road to the Magic Kingdom. I crossed the start line and fell easily into my intervals. I was surprised at how crowded the course was, and also, at how many guys hooked a hard right to relieve themselves on the side of the road, especially so close to the start. I had to do some weaving to get around blocks of people, but it wasn’t too bad. As it was still dark, there wasn’t too much to see and the weather was ok. I was able to shed my long sleeve shirt at around Mile 3 and felt ok with that decision.

There were some character stops and while the lines weren’t too long, I didn’t feel like stopping. I grabbed Gatorade at the water stops to conserve what was in my own bottle

 

Miles 5-6 – Magic Kingdom

This? This was fun. We cruised through the crowd-packed Ticket and Transportation Center (Mr PugRunner and K were there cheering for me, but I didn’t see them!), around some paths and then we were rounding on to Main Street.

Half the road was lined with spectators cheering us on, and the other half was open to runners. We turned into Tomorrowland, wrapped around through Fantasyland (there were rumors that Mine Train would be open for the runners, but that proved untrue), and then we were headed to Cinderella’s Castle.

There was a line of cast members holding out tissue boxes so we could wipe eyes and noses on the way through the castle. Queen Elsa, Princess Anna and Cristoff waved us on as passed through,

and on the front side? Snow fell softly on us. I did stop for a castle photo. I couldn’t not.

 

Miles 6-7 – Speedway

We wrapped around Magic Kingdom and after a bit, I heard someone behind me yell “Watch the ramp!” and I knew we had reached the Speedway. I had read about the super-steep ramp that led down, then up to the track, and was prepared to carefully pick my way.

It wasn’t awful.

I feel like I am questioning the choices that led me to this point in my life.

 

The track was not my favorite. Fortunately, we got to run on the flat, pit portion, and it was really neat to see all the spectators who had parked their cars for the occasion. I loved the classic Corvettes and the Mustangs lined up. I half-heartedly thought about snagging some selfies, but the sun had peeked through the clouds and was beating down on us and I didn’t want to linger. The track was huge and I was really, really, really thrilled when I saw the other runners veering off to the left to the next portion of the race.

 

Miles 7-12

This stretch of road beat me down. Badly. It was still so early in the race, but there was nothing to see and no end in sight. It was hot. My foot was hurting, I was crampy and for some reason, I was having a really hard time taking full deep, breaths. Maybe it was the humidity? I tried to lose myself in my music and even in admiring some of the costumes and outfits around me, but it wasn’t working. I was extra discouraged because I knew that there were tougher stretches ahead, and I hated expending negative energy so early on.

On the plus side, there was a banana station at around Mile 11.5, and they were quite yummy. I don’t usually take food on a race course, but I am ever mindful of my calves and it was nice to get a boost of potassium. I just had a few bites, but it was enough.

We passed the recycling center, and the smell was absolutely awful. I’m usually good at ignoring things like that, but ugh.

Would it ever end?

 

Miles 12-14 – Animal Kingdom

After what seemed like hours, we turned a corner, into the back of Animal Kingdom. Cast members were lined up with some of the animals from the petting zoo, namely some adorable goats and an owl. I would have stopped to pet them but I was on the other side of the road. They were certainly sweet, though.

The pavement in this park was pretty tough – pitted and uneven. I wasn’t the biggest fan. The park had also just opened, so guests were starting to filter in. We turned a corner and I saw a real restroom with no line and made the decision to take a necessary pitstop. I hated having to stop, especially for something as un-fun as going to the bathroom, but it had to be done.

Right after the bathroom was the queue for Expedition Everest. Stopping for this roller coaster was something I had been toying with the entire time I have been in training. On the one hand, who gets to ride a roller coaster during a marathon? On the other, I was out there to run. Since I had stopped for the castle and for the bathroom, I just didn’t want another break. It killed me to pass on by, especially when another woman caught my eye and said “Come on! This is the fun part!” The line looked long and I just couldn’t make myself do it.

One day, I will figure out how to be spontaneous.

Two parks done. Two to go. Crowd support on the way out of Animal Kingdom was amazing. So many signs and smiling faces. It was a great sendoff.

 

Miles 14 – 17

The road to Wide World of Sports was supposed to be dull and mind-numbing, and I was prepared. I switched from my music to Episode 10 of my Serial podcast, figuring I could just zone out and listen to the story of Adnan and maybe even get to the finale by the time the finish line came.

My top of my foot was really bothering me now. There was nothing I could do: if I took my shoe off, there was no way I was going to get it back on. I didn’t think anything was seriously wrong – it was something with my laces or the tongue or the insert that was creating a painful rub. I adjusted as best I could and tucked back in.

The beauty of this stretch of road was the spectators. There were TONS of people out with signs and cowbells and music. And most of them were offering treats. Dixie cups of Coca Cola, Twizzlers, pretzels, oreos, gummy bears…. It was like a buffet! The idea of a Coke sounded awesome, and once that went down, I was suddenly ravenous and no longer interested in my own fuel. I took some pretzels and a Twizzler and an Oreo, and I can’t begin to tell you how incredibly happy it made me. (I was, of course, amused. I’m not really a germophobe, but here we all were, sweaty and snotty and God only know what else, taking food out of open packages from strangers, without hand washing or sanitizer or anything. PS. It didn’t matter. Everything was delicious and I would do it again.)

It’s the little things.

My joy was short-lived, because as we started down into Wide World of Sports, the rain started. Soft and freezing, but wet and gross all the same. I hate running in the rain, and it’s even worse when there’s no getting out of it. Fortunately, it was light and short-lived, but it was rough all the same.

Ironically, even though I wasn’t hurting anywhere (besides my foot), I decided to get some BioFreeze. Kristin had told me several times to just get it at a med tent because it would change my life. I didn’t think I needed it, but I didn’t want to miss out. It felt great and cold, but no sooner did I apply it then the cold rain began. So I don’t think I got to really experience the true benefits. Oh, well.

 

Miles 17 – 20 – Wide World of Sports

Here’s where the wheels fell off my bus and I hit The Wall. Everything was ok. I ran into the complex and got my cold towel from the volunteers. It was nice to wipe the sweat off my face and kind of clean up a little. I tried to save the towel for later, but I didn’t have anywhere to stow it comfortable, so as we entered the track, I chucked it to the side.

I started on the track, expecting the springy surface to be heavenly for my sore feet, but for some reason, it had the opposite effect. It was like that Lord of the Rings Movie, I think the third one, where those little hobbits are running to Mordor, and they run and they run and they run, and every time they stop, they’re no closer than before, and it’s just impossible. Three quarters of the way around, I pulled over to the side, bent over and burst into tears. I felt like I might need to throw up and I couldn’t breathe. I had come so far, worked so hard, and yet there were still so many miles to go. I wanted to text Mr PugRunner, tell him I was done, and wait for the sweeper bus.

And then I realized that there was no way for the sweeper bus to even get to me, here inside the complex. Not only was I failing at the marathon, but I was failing at quitting the marathon. How does that even happen? I wanted to go home.

Suddenly, someone was next to me. She asked me if I was ok and then she asked me if I was hurt. I could barely speak, but I managed to tell her that I was technically ok, that I was overwhelmed and couldn’t breathe and that something was wrong with my shoe but I wasn’t actually “hurt.” She assessed for a second and told me to come on. I was going to stay with her and her friends and we were going to finish this thing.

D, G and M got me talking. Two of them actually live not too far from us! They were all doing the Dopey Challenge and they were so kind and supportive. They were doing intervals, and mostly walking at this point, but G kept pointing out that we were way ahead of the sweepers and even at a walk, our pace was well faster than the course requirements, so as long as we kept moving forward, we were golden.

I was still struggling to breathe (it was like my diaphragm had just quit working), but my anxiety was definitely lifting and I was able to switch my focus from my misery to my new buddies.

Wide World of Sports lasted forever. We went around the baseball stadium, and a few more roads, and then M promised that we were so close to done. That once we got into Hollywood Studios, everything would fly by because there was so much to see.

It sounded heavenly.

 

Miles 20 – 24 – Hollywood Studios

At some point, D bounded off ahead, and so it was me, G and M. They were good enough to let me stick them, and even though I was still a little weepy, I was doing so much better. With the WWOS complex behind us, things were looking up.

As we turned into the back entrance of Hollywood Studios, we were treated to the sight of volunteers with bowls of Hershey’s Miniatures. Yay! I took a couple, because chocolate makes everything better.

At this point, I was pretty familiar with the route from countless visits, and my legs went on autopilot. We swung around the hat (which is in the process of being removed) and up the main thoroughfare.

 

Crowds were cheering and I was getting giddy. We were almost done!

We had to follow a long path along the waterway to get to the Boardwalk and then it was on to Epcot.

 

Miles 24 – 26.2 – Epcot & Finish

In all fairness, Epcot is not usually my favorite park. At this moment, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to see it. We burst into World Showcase, and I was amazed at how euphoric I was feeling. Talk about mood swings. Now, the sporadic tears were happy instead of defeated.

G and M had been talking about stopping for a pretzel and a margarita and I thought that was a fantastic idea. Not that I wanted anything, but it was just the idea that we could.

My tunnel vision was evaporating and suddenly, I was able to see the things around me again: runners taking a break and sitting down at a table for a beer before the finish line, guests of the park offering high fives on their way to lunch, cast members applauding us on our way.

I was even able to flash a peace sign to a photographer.

It was all so beautiful. And so almost over.

M began coaching me to the finish line. There were some turns and corners. And then there would be a Gospel Choir. And then the straightaway to the end!

I think I cried when I heard the singers. I don’t even know.

This? This is what it looks like when you realize you are going to finish a marathon. It is also what delirium looks like.

 

There were bleachers set up to the left, and G and M asked where my husband was. I was scanning the crowd, wondering how I would see Mr PugRunner and my brother-in-law among so many faces, but then there they were, waving and yelling.

My brother-in-law even got some pictures of me, shuffling along.

Everything was a blur. My last logical thoughts included that I was going to finish my first marathon, that I was NEVER going to do this again and also, why on earth would there be major characters with photographers right before the finish line; how do you stop when you’re so close?

I compromised by high-fiving Pluto

 

and crossing the timing mat.

I had absolutely no idea what to do with my hands.

And just like that, oh em gee, thank the flying spaghetti monster, it was over.

I collected my medal.

I got water and Gatorade and a snack box.

I posed for my finisher photo.

I smiled for the photographer standing right past the finisher backdrop.

And then I staggered through the crush of people to bag check to find Mr PugRunner and my friends.

All I wanted was to rip my shoes from my feet and burn them.

Mr PugRunner saw me first and ended up crying on me! What was up with that??? (In all fairness, poor guy had been stuck out there for five hours with no visor and no sunglasses since he couldn’t get out of the parking lot and back to the hotel. I guess I would have been crying, too.) I almost cried when he told me my flip flops were back in the room with his sunglasses, but what was a little more time in shoes after the past few hours?

Everyone hugged and squealed.

We had run a marathon.

At this point, all we wanted was to get clean and then possibly eat. A lot. Everything. I don’t even know. We said our goodbyes and began the trek to the car. Mr PugRunner, bless his heart, was kind enough to take off my shoes and my compression socks. I put that right up there as one of the tests of the strength of one’s marriage.

Tomorrow, I will touch on the aftermath and the feelings, but this post is long enough. I want to end with the following.

Thank you.

  • To Mr PugRunner, for everything, including the visor and the shoes and the months of support.
  • To Mom and Dad, for watching little man this weekend and for being my biggest cheerleaders.
  • To K, for traveling so far to see me finish, even if I was so slow that I didn’t get to hug you afterwards because you had to book it back to the airport.
  • To D, for stopping for a fellow runner in need.
  • To G and M for letting me stay with them and carrying me through to the finish line. There is no way I would have gotten there without them.
  • To S and T for the sweet goodies and the tireless encouragement. I have learned so much from you.
  • To Kristin, Mr AMOTR, A, J, C, and Andrea, for being awesome race and running buddies. I love traveling with you guys and meeting up with you and spending time with you in and out of running. Having M and M there was awesome, too.
  • To my amazing friends. You guys have been so supportive and encouraging and I love you all.
  • To my IRun4 buddy, Z. I had your name on the sole of my shoe the whole time, and I didn’t want to let you down.
  • To the staff and volunteers at the race. You guys rocked my socks. (Especially you people with the Coca Cola. Never stop doing that. Never.) These races would be so diminished without all that you do, and I am thinking that I would like to volunteer my services at a runDisney event soon, to pay it forward.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Meghan R says

    January 19, 2015 at 6:43 pm

    Congrats again on such an amazing accomplishment! You are a rockstar 🙂 I would have started crying way before you and given up for sure.
    Meghan R recently posted…15 Races in 2015 – Race #1 – Best Damn Race JacksonvilleMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 6:57 pm

      Tears are only for emergencies during marathons! You can’t risk wasting the fluids! I am so glad I stuck with it, but good lord, I didn’t want to.

      Reply
  2. Megan says

    January 19, 2015 at 6:47 pm

    Ugh…..I’m crying after reading that! I feel like I was the one who just finished a marathon! You did a great job of explaining everything that you went through to become a marathoner! Congrats on an awesome race!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 6:56 pm

      <3 Nothing in my training could have prepared me for how hard it was. Nothing.

      To that note, and I will touch on this tomorrow, I am disappointed in myself. I worked hard, but somehow, I feel like I didn't work hard enough. Which is ridiculous, but my brain apparently hasn't gotten over what I made my body do last weekend.

      Reply
  3. Sarah @ Sweet Miles says

    January 19, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    Oh I loved reading this!!!!! I wish I could have met up with you!!! Way to go!! So so proud of you!!!!!!
    Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…Walt Disney World Marathon: Race Recap Part 2My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      <3 I wish we could have met up too! I was in such a fog the whole day!

      Reply
  4. Geek Fitness Beej says

    January 19, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    Thank you so much for doing this. Seriously. I’ve wanted to run one of these races for so long, and to have it broken down like this in such a way…it’s great. I really do feel like I know what to expect. And that just makes me want to do it more.

    I’m still kind of amazed at the folks relieving themselves on the road in Disney World. Super weird. Did NOT expect that.

    Oh, and CONGRATS! How can I forget that? 😀
    Geek Fitness Beej recently posted…On Video Game NostalgiaMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 8:40 pm

      I hope you do get to run this. If I was going to run one, I’m glad this was it. I can’t imagine how soul-sucking a plain out-and-back or point-to-point course would have been. At least I was mostly surrounded by interesting sights, even if I didn’t stop.

      As far as the “relievers” – they were everywhere! Good for them, I guess? I wouldn’t want to wait in a bathroom/portapotty line if I didn’t have to, and I’m too much of a chicken/diva to duck behind a tree.

      Thank you, BJ. I appreciate it.

      Reply
  5. Kyle says

    January 19, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    yay…congratulations on becoming a Marathoner! No one will ever be able to take that way from you now!

    I was going through the same thing last year and vowed I’d never run another marathon again. Skip ahead to Marathon weekend this year and I’ve just finished the Dopey a Challenge. I say this to let you know that once sign ups happen again you’ll more than likely forget the pain and sign up for more torture:)

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 10:52 pm

      LOL! I never, ever, ever, EVER want to do one again. Ever. I don’t even want a redemption race. I think I’m ok with that. My body hated everything about it and I just feel zero need for a repeat performance.

      But, everyone says “never say never” so I guess we will see.

      Reply
  6. Stacie Seidman says

    January 19, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    Congratulations!!! Love your honesty. Marathons are hard. Like really, really hard. And anyone who tells you it’s all rainbows and butterflies is either lying or on something really good. Sure you had a moment there at mile 17. But how amazing are runners? Pulling you out of your slump and getting you moving again! That’s why I run. I don’t actually like running. It’s torture. But the other runners out there? They are amazing. Faith in humanity restored!
    Awesome job. I hope you’re as proud of yourself as all of us readers are of you! Thank you for such a great recap. It almost makes me want to run a marathon. Almost. (I think I’ll stick with halves.)
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…Crafts and nails, OH MY!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 11:15 pm

      Really, really, really hard. Everyone told me it was hard, and I knew it was hard and respected the distance, but I just couldn’t grasp HOW hard. I don’t think you can until you do it.

      But yes. Runners are amazing. Those women were like guardian angels and I am so eternally grateful to them.

      I don’t know what I am, to be honest with you. I want to be proud and I want to feel like I’ve accomplished something awesome, but I’m not there yet. Is that totally weird? Probably. I’m working through the bruised pride thing.

      Thank you for your love and support. It’s so nice to have it and I’m grateful for it.
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: wdw marathon {1.11.2015}My Profile

      Reply
  7. Kristen says

    January 19, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    I loved reading this!! If I ever do a marathon, it would have to be a Disney one.
    Congratulations!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 11:16 pm

      If I was going to do one, I am glad it was a Disney one. That helped a lot.
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: wdw marathon {1.11.2015}My Profile

      Reply
  8. Matilda says

    January 19, 2015 at 10:16 pm

    You are so awesome. Well done.
    Matilda recently posted…Motivation Monday – Do MoreMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 11:16 pm

      Thank you, Matilda 🙂
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: wdw marathon {1.11.2015}My Profile

      Reply
  9. Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.com says

    January 19, 2015 at 10:39 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Holy cow, you are a marathoner, that is so incredibly amazing! You ha me on the edge of my couch for this entire recap, holy moly was I rooting for you to finish!
    My friend who ran her first marathon recently was telling me about how emotional she was throughout it, and burst into tears when she saw her (now fiancé!) along the course.
    I am not sure I wool have been strong enough to continue in your position, kudos to you!

    Congrats again!
    P.S. You can ride a roller coaster in the middle of the race? Who knew!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 11:20 pm

      Thank, you, Anne.

      It was ridiculously emotional, from start to finish. You fly so high, then crash so low and then bounce up and down the rest of the time. And yes, you can ride a roller coaster right around 12.5 miles. Crazy, isn’t it?
      runswithpugs recently posted…race report: wdw marathon {1.11.2015}My Profile

      Reply
  10. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    January 19, 2015 at 10:56 pm

    Congratulations on sticking it out through it all and finishing. Disney was my first and it was rough for me too. Some walking and thinking why in the hell did we do this. So glad you didn’t let that stop you.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…14 Gluten Free Breads, Biscuits, & SconesMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 19, 2015 at 11:03 pm

      Oh, there was a lot of why, in the hell, did we do this? LOL! I got pretty whiny out there.

      I’m glad I didn’t stop, either.

      Reply
  11. Kathy Bruinooge says

    January 20, 2015 at 1:08 am

    Great report!!!! I was so excited to read this… Even with all your pain… You make me want to do it… :))) congrats doesn’t even cover it… I think it’s Ana amazing accomplishment that you’d can tell your grand kids!!! Well done… But then you went on to run two more races …. :))))

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 20, 2015 at 1:10 am

      Thanks, Kathy!

      Just one more race. The Best Damn Race virtual was a few days before the marathon. Although I have a relay coming up in a week and a half, so I guess that counts. I actually feel good, physically. A little tightness, but I am planning to get back into yoga and will work all of that out.

      Reply
  12. Tina@GottaRunNow says

    January 20, 2015 at 2:30 am

    Marathons are hard! You train for months and you never know what race day holds, not until you cross the finish line. Congrats on finishing!
    Tina@GottaRunNow recently posted…My 5 Running MotivatorsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 20, 2015 at 12:41 pm

      So freaking hard! And you never do know what race day holds. It’s absurd!

      Thank you!

      Reply
  13. Haley @ Running with Diapers says

    January 20, 2015 at 5:12 am

    Congrats girly!!! You’re amazingly strong and I’m proud of you!
    I never sleep well before a big race. Can’t wait to read more about it.
    Way to go!
    Haley @ Running with Diapers recently posted…January Workout PlaylistMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 20, 2015 at 12:40 pm

      I’m glad I’m not the only one who can’t sleep. I would have been ok with two hours – 40 minutes was kind of on the ridiculous side. Oh, well!

      Thanks for the love, girl!

      Reply
  14. Kristen says

    January 20, 2015 at 6:59 am

    Congrats!!! I got so emotional reading this – I want to run a marathon so bad one day and I was just so proud of you for pushing on through the tough parts. I am so inspired right now!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 20, 2015 at 12:38 pm

      Thank you. It was all pretty tough, if we’re being honest. I trained properly and I trained enough, but I just wasn’t ready in my brain.

      I hope you get out to do one and I want to hear when you do!

      Reply
  15. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    January 20, 2015 at 3:37 pm

    What an emotional recap. I loved it. Congrats to you. You did it! You are a marathoner!
    We also stopped at that restroom in AK and there was no line. There were Oreos??? I totally missed those! You are right about WWOS, that was a tough part of the course. Even when we got to Hollywood and Epcot I didn’t really feel as if I enjoyed being in the park. It was raining, I was in pain and just wanted to be done! Congrats again.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 20, 2015 at 5:38 pm

      If you look at my pics, you will see a little plastic bag sticking out of my sports bra. That’s the double stuff that traveled with me for the last nine or ten miles. I never actually ate it (it was tragically smushed and damaged by the end), but knowing it was there… that made me feel better.

      Congratulations to you! It was a hard race.

      Reply
  16. John (Daddy Runs a Lot) says

    January 20, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    Pardon the French, but you’re a fucking marathoner now! Seriously. Let that sink in.

    You. Are. A. Marathoner.

    I’ve run 5 of these beasts, I think . . . Harrisburg 3 times, Gettysburg once, and Garden Spot Village once – while I have GSV lined up again, I keep telling myself “I’m never doing this again,” only to go out & do it again.

    I did my first to tell myself that I could do it.

    I did my second because I wanted to tell myself that the first wasn’t a fluke.

    I did my third because I wanted to chop an hour off that very first time (I didn’t)

    I did my fourth because I hadn’t run the distance in quite some time & wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.

    I did my fifth because I wanted to break 4 hours (I didn’t).

    There are no goals, however, that I might attain that will come anywhere close to the elation of finishing the first.

    (and now I really, really want to run the full in WDW in 2016)
    John (Daddy Runs a Lot) recently posted…Where I let out some of the random spilling about my headMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 20, 2015 at 6:06 pm

      Thank you, John.

      I am definitely not at a point where I care if it was a fluke or not, LOL. I have the pictures, the certificate and the medal to prove I did it, and that’s good enough for me. We shall see if that changes.

      For all that I was miserable, the race was fun. I’m glad that if I was going to do one, it was THAT one. As with all courses, there are challenges, but at least it’s entertaining and busy and you can find external distractions to pass the time.

      Reply
  17. Amanda @ There Are Two Sides says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    Great pictures!!
    I am dying to run Disney someday…honestly, I am dying to hit the Goofy Challenge someday!
    Amanda @ There Are Two Sides recently posted…My Short Long RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 20, 2015 at 9:31 pm

      I wish I could say the same, but two days of insanity? Nope!

      Reply
  18. Angie says

    January 20, 2015 at 7:30 pm

    Congratulations! I am so proud of you!

    I battled with anxiety as well during the race. That 20 mile wall is real, and I hated it. I am jealous of the cups of Coke! I didn’t see those. I really wanted one during that stretch.
    Angie recently posted…2015 Walt Disney World Marathon RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 20, 2015 at 9:30 pm

      The Coke was an absolute lifesaver! I don’t think anything ever tasted so good LOL!

      Congratulations to you!

      Reply
  19. Kristin @ A Mom on the Run says

    January 20, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    All that matters is that you did it, and you can live the rest of your life knowing that. I’m proud of you! And I think you’ll totally do it again 😉

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 20, 2015 at 10:00 pm

      I am fully aware of what you think. But I just can’t see it. Unless I can wear wheelies. Is that an option?

      Reply
  20. Frank@The Fat Runner says

    January 21, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    Congratulations, marathoner. You overcame, you conquered. I am so happy and proud. I don’t know why but I really am. You have done something really amazing!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      January 21, 2015 at 4:00 pm

      Thank you, Frank. I appreciate that. 🙂

      Reply
  21. Taryn says

    April 25, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    Found your blog through someone’s Friday 5 Link Up. I had a very similar first marathon experience and I feel your pain. But I also had a friend who ran the last 10k with me and got me to the finish line when I wanted to give up so many times. I’m glad you had two helpers get you there. It never ceases to amaze me how supportive the running community is.

    Congratulations on being one of the 1%! 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 25, 2015 at 6:24 pm

      Thank you for sharing your experience. The marathon is a tricky, difficult thing, in so many ways.

      <3

      Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have a grumble of pugs, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!

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I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to t Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to the third round of the 2nd Annual Bocce Fest, benefitting @stronglikesteve!

This is always such a great community event, centered around an incredibly inclusive event and with proceeds going to provide awareness, community outreach, education, advocacy and funding for organizations and individuals caring for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

Founder @steph_sanalila does such a wonderful job with this event, making a fun environment for players, creating volunteer opportunities for local students and honoring the memory of her brother.

Visit https://www.stronglikestevefoundation.org/about for more info on how you can help!

#boccefest #bearsboccebattlestargalactica #worldgolfvillage #worldgolfliving #bocce #stronglikesteve #bethechange #makeadifference
The pug side eye side eye. @lunanleonidas #pug The pug side eye side eye.

@lunanleonidas

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld
Drinking in that sunshine for sure! It was a bea Drinking in that sunshine for sure! 

It was a beautiful morning that turned quickly into a beautiful day. Sundays are hard because they are immediately  followed by Mondays, and Mondays are hard.

Lots to catch up on this week! April is chock full of holidays, birthdays, days off, and events, so let’s get to it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
About this morning… I was up and out early to d About this morning…

I was up and out early to drive to Flagler Beach for the #Missionpossible5k.

It was a small, well organized event, with an easy-to-follow course (the last mile was almost exclusively an ocean view), with great shirts and swag.

I was really pleased with my performance, and even more pleased with this beach sunrise. I’ll share more on the #RunnersRundown on Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Where did you run or race this weekend?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it. So goo Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it.

So good to stretch the legs today. I was super sore after a @runsmartofficial cross training session last night, and needed to just get out there and let the fresh air work its magic.

What are you up to today? I really need to take a moment with my calendar and get some plans locked into place. 

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 @lu He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 

@lunanleonidas 

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld #cheesetax
Check out those blue skies! I got to sleep in AND Check out those blue skies!

I got to sleep in AND take advantage of some cooler temps. It really didn’t warm up until my last mile and that was just fine.

I feel like this month and next are really just flying by. So much is going on, and I want so badly to enjoy it all, including the crisp, sunny days where we find them!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

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