Broad Street 10miler May 2nd- day2

We woke around 7:30 and got ready for the day.  The weather was going to be beautiful.  So grateful for this.  We went to our free hotel breakfast.  (I really have enjoyed the "inn in Wilmington") Nice little hotel perfect for my needs.  

Our friends picked us up. Because Shannon had never been to the city I knew we'd want to see a whole bunch so we took separate cars since we'd be there longer.  We started our tour in the historic area checking out the liberty bell. 

Next we headed toward the convention center to register for race.  I picked up my race packet which randomly had slices of bread in the swag bag.  I slowly nibbled on it but my stomach was still a mess.  Registration was organized and very easy. It was at the convention center which is huge, but signs led the way. Picked up packets in alphabetical order and looked at the things for sale.  I bought us "sweaty bands".  I've never used before but I thought I'd try.  (I like to use when running. I recommend.  

I really discovered where the nicest bathrooms are in downtown Philadelphia. Yeah I know TMI again.  We headed to the filming locations of the movie Mannenquin which I love and wanted Shannon to see. Which was Wannamakers Department Store. Now is Macy, (nice bathroom third floor girls clothing section). 

After this we separated from our friends and they did their own thing and we headed toward the Rocky Stairs. We finally made it. 

We met with a friend that was also doing the race at this point, Elizabeth and got some great pics with her 

We slowly walked back to car and headed to Delaware and had to switch hotels because I messed up Priceline.  We were at a best western this time and stopped for some dinner. I had some rye toast. After a long day of walking and feeling sick and really having nothing in me it was so good. Then we went to check into hotel. 

This was such a funny memory. The hotel was a best western. We thought oh it can't be too bad. It had a 60's vibe and weird smell in lobby.  Pics online had a suite that looked really outdated but I figured we'd be on regular room.  Then realized we were in a suite. (Hopefully not the western looking one I saw online) I opened the door and was shocked at this hotel room!!!  Unlike anything ever. And def NOT a suite.  If you like birds maybe you'd like it.  Here's some pics.

We were in tears laughing so hard. Wall to wall covered in bird wallpaper and bird bedding. 

We went to sleep and I just hoped I'd feel good enough for race the next day.

Broad Street 10miler May 1-day 1

This race was experience was quite different than any other due to health issues I had experienced but looking back I feel I was "meant" to do it. 

I applied for a new job at Southwest Airlines back in January.  I had no clue if I'd get job but as race registration rolled around in February I went for it considering if I couldn't do the race wasn't too expensive. I think 40.00

The year before I did this one with a group of about 20 people from a Disney running Facebook group and there was a bunch of us that wanted to do again. 

Broad street is a lottery race but you can sign up as teams so we felt like our chance may be better that way so I joined "team Cam Halen"

Luckily we all got into the race and I continued to train through this long cold winter.  

Planning for this race didn't go well. There was a convention downtown so not reasonable hotel rates were available.  Plans changed so much the family decided not to go and I was on 

my own.  Thankfully my awesome cousin Shannon said she'd go with me. It's about 7 hour drive to Philly.  We decided to stay in Delaware near my friends house that I planned to run with.

So the week before the race my son got sick with a stomach virus.  I always catch it.  I just kept thinking please let me get it either Sunday-Wednesday so I can recover in time for the race. But of course I wake up Thursday morning before were supposed to leave puking.  Ugh. We still said we try and go and I made it through night without throwing up more but then let's say it went to the other end.  Now I love a good poop story.  Never expecting a poop novel though.  ALL WEEKEND LONG!! Sorry I know gross but sh*t happens 

So we get up get on the road and venture to Philly. As usual we have so much fun on our car rides 

This was us before leaving 

We took a lunch break and I tried to stay hydrated as much as possible.  About 30 minutes from the city I had a state of emergency. Find me the closest bathroom!!!   Looking back omg so funny in the moment not so much.  I will always be more sympathetic to people with sensitive stomachs after this trip!

So we get to Delaware and checkin to hotel and headed to dinner with friends. I only had a small dinner salad too scared to eat.

Being sick will never stop me from being silly. Here I am with my friends daughter reencting some statues. Which I love to do. So we head back to hotel for night and at 2-6am I'm pretty much sick every half hour.  Yeah how am I gonna run a 10miler in 24 hours?!?!?

Hershey 10k recap -day 3

Sunday morning we woke up.  I let the kids swim one more time before packing up.  I have to say this hotel had the warmest indoor pool room.  It was so nice and toasty in pool area I could've hung out there ALL day.  It was great because the kids didn't get cold.  

We packed up and decided to stop at Chocolate World before heading home. Chocolate World is like a huge gift shop and it has a free ride that shows you how the chocolate bars are made.  We got a couple souvenirs and then made a quick pit stop at the Disney Outlet before heading home 

It was a long drive (seemed so much longer going home.  Shannon and I got ahead of the group and pulled over for this quick scenic pic.  We always have so much fun on our road trips.  I can't wait til the next one.  

This race doesn't have the glitz and excitement of a Disney run.  But it's really a great little one that has many Disney elements at a fraction of the cost.  A great way to get us through the last cold months of winter, counting down to this trip.  I hope to do again next year.  

Hershey 10k Hershey Park

After the race we went back to hotel, showered and headed to the park.  The wind was a bit chilly luckily my cousin shared her northface with me.  Thank you Shannon.  It truly was a wonderful time.  We hung out with friends that did race with us.  And got to feel like kids again braving the huge wooden roller coasters.  You forget how exhilarating they are and what a rush it is.  

After a long day at the park we went back to hotel let the kiddos swim a bit and headed to bed.  

Hershey 10k and Hershey Park

We woke up bright and early for the race and it was a chilly VERY windy morning.  We headed to Hershey and met up with some friends Prerace.  Quite different than the Disney races I've done. There's no corrals, fireworks and the start is somewhat anticlimactic.  They did have profession photographers taking pics of runners before it began. 

Of course what would a race for me be with no selfies and some internet friends I've made which met up with us Prerace 

The race began and we were against the wind so it was a tough start. This was probably the least prepared I've ever been for a race but luckily I ended up running with my friend Miranda, (internet friend I met Friday Disney Facebook group) and we chatted the whole way making it seem easier. 

I like how they save running through the park til the very end. Gives you something to look forward to.  Though the park is extremely hilly.  We ran most of the way but did walk up the steep hills in the park.  

We made it to the finish and met up with my neighbor/friend Christa and her sister and niece.  They did a great job.  Christa had the best time of us all with just under 1:07:00.  We waiting and cheered for my cousin Shannon as she finished shortly after is all. 

We met up with everyone and took some fun photos before returning to hotel and our day at Hershey Park 

Hershey 10k April 2015 day 1

This was my third year running the Hershey 10k, at Hershey Park Pennsylvania.  This is a great race and fun for the whole family on a much smaller budget than a Disney Race.

The 10k is usually in early April during Spingtime in the Park.  Springtime in the park means prices are much cheaper to get into park than they are during the summer.  Adults were 31 and kids 8 and under were around 24.  There was also a 3.00 off coupon in packet making it cheaper.  

The first year I did the race my immediate family took the 6 hour road trip.   Last year I "recruited" my neighbor and her family.  This year we expanded and included my cousin, and my neighbors sister and niece.  Yay!!! The more the merrier!  

What I love about this weekend getaway besides the race and rollercoasters is its relatively inexpensive and feels like a mini vacation.  

We booked our rooms using Priceline in Harrisburg. Since we're not too picky we went for a 2 1/2 star.  It's always a little exciting yet nerve wracking waiting to see which hotel Priceline picks for us. But when you're spending 50.00 a night you are happy with something clean and safe.  Anything extra is a bonus!!!

We ended up at the Park Inn by Radisson.  Kids were excited because it had an indoor pool so we were happy and looking forward to that.  

After the long drive my cousin Shannon and I rushed to Hershey to get our pickup packets. This was quite easy and we could've done it easily the morning of race.  I also could've had my friend that picked her packet up earlier get ours.  They were very flexible about that.  Something rundisney is NOT flexible with.

We got back to hotel and hung by the pool while the kids swam.  The hotel was a bit further from Hershey than previous years (about 25 minutes) but worth it for the pool. 

We headed to sleep early and set alarm for 5:00am the next morning.  

Disney marathon Part 2 (the harder part)

So as im passing the halfway point I run into 2 more friends Danny and Karyn and we pose for a quick photo.  

I can't stress how rejuvinating it feels when you see someone you know.  I think this has made the race so much better than if I was completely alone.  

Also the texts are still coming throughout.  At one point around mile 13 I get a text telling me the Buffalo Bills got a new coach.  Because this is very important info and I appreciate my friends knowing i would want to know right away.  While you may not know me, I'm a huge Buffalo Bills fan.  I also got a phone call from my friend Pam wishing me luck!  I found this humorous, fun and added to my experience.  Go ahead hardcore runners and hate ;)

And just as I'm running with Danny and Karyn, I run back into Sage and Jennifer and Bill.  This is freakin fantastic. Like a reunion at mile 14.  

So now I have three obstacles down.  Here's the thing, I thought it was Wide World of Sports THEN highway to hell.  But highway to hell came first.  So the whole time I'm on it I didn't realize I was. I kept wondering where Wide World of Sports was. I really should've known. This by far was hardest stretch of race.  I was running with Sage and Jennifer and such a good friend that Sage is, she was trying to keep my mind in a good place but for the first time I was hurting.  I felt a little uncomfortable and was worried crabby Jackey may erupt.  I knew I needed to just get through and focus like Daniel San (Karate Kid Style) I told them I was gonna go ahead.  

It began to rain at this point and I was getting worried it would lead to more blisters but just kept going.  For the first time in my life my shins REALLY hurt.  I started wondering "Do I have a stress fracture?" Because why not jump to a conclusion my bones are breaking. 

It actually felt better attempting to run vs walk, though I know under the sound of music that I could hear with my headphones,  there were moments I was groaning in pain. Oooohhhh. Oowwww.  Sorry if I scared any runners nearby. Then came the medical tent.  And the wonderful product BioFreeze!  I applied this to my shins and took a Tylenol.  And shuffled on probably looking like a little granny. Curse you highway to hell I didn't even know I was on. I will still say despite this painful half hour or so, mentally I was still happy.  Having the time of my life. This was probably the lowest point but I felt happy. 

Then I saw this wonderful sight.  

I think i did the math at this point and somewhat realized I completed obstacle #4.  And was excited to be on to #5  When you are running into Wide World of Sports you are passing the runners, running out on the other side of the road.  Two girls pulled me aside and asked to take a pic with me because they worked at Victoria's Secret and wanted to their boss a pic with me in my VS shirt.  Sure why not? 

I remember my brother texting me at mile 17 asking if I'm still running. Yeah im still plugging away. 

This was a milestone mile for me. 17 miles was the most I have ever run before. Using the Jeff Galloway run/walk. Anything more would be a new record for me.  We entered Wide World of Sports and ran through the soccer fields, and track. 

After this around mile 18 was another banana station. I ate half of one.  At this point in case you're curious what I've consumed, I've had about 4 sports beans, a cliff bar and a banana and a half.  I have to be very careful to make sure I'm hydrated due to the fact I have kidney stones so I always take powerade at every stop.  I started with small sips but had lower back pain so drink more as race went on. 

I carried on through the baseball diamond and was so excited to see all the people cheering from the stands there.  It was an amazing moment. Then even better I see two of my friends cheering from the stands.  My friends Leslie and Nicole.  

They were cheering me on. And it felt so good! I made may way out of stadium and ran into sporty Chip and Dale. What a cool surprise!  No line either. I HAD to stop.

So now we're leaving Wide World of sports and I'm elated to realize all my obstacles have been completed.  I have 6 miles left. Seems like a bit.  A 10k but I know it's the fun part.  

Im also realizing not too much stands out in the next few miles.  I think I was just trying to get to Hollywood Studios!

Can't believe I missed Mile 20!!!

At this point I'm just so estatic.  This is the part of the race I was so excited for. I had friends texting asking where I was and I knew I was gonna make.  Nothing could stop me. I actually had friends that saw me at this point and yelled my name but I never heard them. I was moving like Forrest!  (Maybe a bit slower)

I was about to head out of Hollywood studios toward the Epcot Resorts (Boardwalk, Beachclub and Yacht Club)

I love this area of Disney and knew my mom would be cheering me on soon.  As I ran past my resort I snapped this quick pic of one of my favorite places in Disney World.  (The American Dance Hall) If you like dancing you should check it out if you're doing an adult Disney trip.  

As I made my way over a hill outside the Beach Club resort I could see my mom in the distance cheering. I started waving and jumping (yes jumping at mile 24) but she didn't spot me yet.  Finally she saw me and she was so excited taking pics and jumping and telling all her new friends "that's her!!!"  As if they couldn't tell.  I didn't cry or get emotional, I just felt so darn happy as I had been the entire race. My very proud mom and I: 

So now I make my way to Epcot.  The final and home stretch.  It was crowded and full of tons of people hanging around world showcase and other runners that have finished.  I making my way with all these people on sidelines cheering. 

When in the distance I spot another friend from our group. My friend Chad. This story makes me laugh.  I see him in this really nice Nike track suit, all clean and spiffy and he spots me and I start thinking, oh no I'm all sweaty. If he hugs me I'm gonna get his clothes yucky.  I tell him "you don't have to hug me." He gives me this big bear hug and says "I'm so proud of you."   It really was a heartwarming moment and another reminder how lucky I am to find this group of amazing Disney fans that enjoy these races.  Here's Chad and I:

So I'm at mile 25 and making my way to the end.  I take a quick pic in front of spaceship earth. 

Now this is it. The moment I pushed myself for and I actually somewhat took my time from here to the finish. I had energy but wanted to take it all in.  So many people were cheering from everywhere.  I finally see mile marker 26.  My favorite race photo

I was just about there.   I see the finish in my view.  But stopped for a quick pic with Minnie before crossing. 

 

So I'll now share my finish line story.  I think pretty neat.  While the race is going on people can watch a live feed.  I knew my friend Tim and my cousin Shannon were watching.  Both knew I had been getting close to the finish. 

So as I'm standing near Minnie the announcer notices my shirt.  He says over the speaker "my favorite shirt of the whole race the "I hate running shirt" Shannon and Tim knew he was talking about me.  Shannon told me she started crying in that moment.  I then yell "Buffalo" and the announcer begins to tell me about Rex Ryan being the new coach.  Here is a clip from that.  This is what they heard and saw on the live feed.  I apologize it's sideways (can't figure how to switch) but if you turn of volume you can hear it 

http://youtu.be/_X1Dwep1Iuc

 

Here's a blurry pic of me crossing the finish line 

I did it. I finished.  I can honestly say I believe I could've done on my own however without the support of friends and family at the race, texting me throughout, on facebook, updating me and running with me it would never have been such a fun rewarding experience.  

I also want to recognize my husband who completely supports all my Disney dreams, for understanding my need to venture out of our home and meet new people and have these amazing experiences.  He never complains when I take off to run, and always helps with the kids.  I never have to worry about how things are at home.  I think he's a great role model for my boys and hopefully will make them better husbands one day. Thank you! 

And here is a pic of that reward I wanted and worked for.  If it hadn't been so shiny and gorgeous I would've never done