Wrapping Up Loose Ends...And Looking Ahead!

Time for honesty (I sense some of you don't believe everything I have blogged about to this point!) Approximately 5 months ago, the thought of running 39.3 miles over two days seemed pretty daunting. Yet, the body can achieve, what the mind believes! And I believed that completing the Goofy Challenge was possible. I had a training plan - and I stuck to it! Along the way, I learned a lot about myself, blood related cancers, and the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie.

Just over 7 years ago, I finished my only other marathon in Tampa. Each weekend, I did a long distance training run, which I simply dreaded. I counted down the days to the marathon, and willed it to happen ASAP. I did not have the right frame of mind, and subsequently, while I was able to say I completed a marathon (and in the process check the box on a life experience), I did not enjoy the journey. Back then I was only concerned about the final destination.

I can truly say that I ran with renewed energy and enthusiasm over the 532 miles I put in since September 15, 2007. I looked forward to every step of the journey, and chose to share it with others. In the process it was FUN! This wasn't just about turning 40. It was about helping the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the process and doing something special with the effort. I had done training runs with Team-In-Training people in 2000 for Tampa, but did not have the benefit of their "experience". However, I can now serve as an advocate. From the staff in the Western NC - Charlotte Office (Stacey - at left & Abby), to our coaches (Bryan, Garrett, Darren & Angela), our mentor (Sheila), to my weekend running pals who were training for runs in Disney and Phoenix, TNT knows how to make the most of the participants willingness to be extraordinary. I may have been a runner before - but I became a runner with purpose.

If I have a hope for those of you who have followed me from the beginning, joined in somewhere along the way, or shared my story with others, it is that my effort may serve as an inspiration to you or someone you know to try something that seems impossible. It is easy to say "I can't run" or "I don't have the time". Whether you choose to do something with TNT, or simply participate on your own, all running events accept runners and walkers. All that is needed is your commitment and a positive attitude.

I was on a tremendous high last Sunday morning - a top 5 life experience! This week has felt like something is missing. As someone who is driven by setting and achieving personal goals, I had just accomplished a major one, and didn't know what the future would bring. During those last 3 miles of the marathon, I was saying to myself "never again - stick to the half-marathon where you can excel." Well, the competitor in me has decided that I have unfinished business in the marathon - a sub 4 hour finish!

So, here's the deal. I am participating with Team-In-Training again for their spring season, and will be a marathoner in the Country Music Marathon on April 26, 2008 in Nashville, TN!

Each of you has supported me this far - so I ask for your support only if you feel a burning need to sponsor me again. You have provided so much encouragement and financial support already, I cannot thank you enough. If you decide you need that 2008 tax deduction, you can donate by clicking here. After that, who knows what my next great personal goal with be.

If you have been reading my blog from the beginning, you know that I have some loose ends to tie up:

• I didn't lose enough weight to fit into size 31 pants. Or 32s. I believe the size 32 3/4 are fitting perfectly now (but I am keeping the stretchy pants just in case)
• Mom and Dad both called on the afternoon of the marathon under the guise of congratulating me. Secretly, I think they wanted to make sure I was still alive. Nonetheless, I did them proud!
• I promised I would "go the extra mile" (or .7 to be exact) during the weekend to round up my total distance to 40 miles (one for each year). I did just that on Saturday running through the EPCOT parking lot to find Brenda at mile 12, and then ran back to see her finish. It may have been more than .7, but let's just call it an even 40 and not get picky!
• I needed a running theme song - and received 1000's (ahem) of suggestions from my loyal readers (ahem). So, like the suggestions received (ok - I'll say it...none), I decided I didn't need a theme song on my MP3 player. I may have carried it with me on the Goofy runs, but I am proud to say I completed 39.3 miles without any music aid! And no matter what anyone tells you, it is not a small world after all!
• As we remember what is important in life, the little things make a big difference. Sue's trip to Disney with her family made a big difference to me and won't soon be forgotten. As did all the stories about people impacted by a blood related cancer that I learned about during my training.
• My ankle presented no issues throughout the Disney Marathon Weekend. Thankfully! I was quite worried two months earlier and wrapping/taping it for most training runs. It is full speed ahead for Nashville!
• Qualified for Boston!!!! Uh...no.
• Staying true to myself, I inhaled (ate slowly) 3 chocolate donuts after the marathon for proper nutritional replenishment. And then had 3 more for breakfast the next day just to make sure. They didn't have any jelly filled ones at the store. I filled out a store recommendation card so the next person could benefit from my awareness.
• This wouldn't have been anywhere close to being possible without the support of my three biggest cheerleaders. Two of them think I won both legs of the Goofy Challenge. The third one knows better and since she "won" her own medal as well, I had to let her in on my little secret...
• And finally, along the way, you learned the 'true history' of the Goofy Challenge. Goofy may have avoided me all weekend long, but I was determined to provide photo documentation of the results...

I DID IT !!!

Thank you for your incredible support and for sharing the Team-In-Training/Goofy Challenge/39.3 and Counting journey with me! I hope you will join me in a few years when I attempt an ULTRA MARATHON. I can see the theme forming already....50 @ 50!

Your Goofy Guy,

Ken (39.3 and Counting)

A complete photo album of the weekend can be found at: http://393andcounting.shutterfly.com/action/?a=1AauGjVk1YsXlQ&notag=1

Go Ken, Go...You Can Do It!

When we last left our Hydrated Hero (please, give me something), he had just crossed the finish line of Donald Duck's race, the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. Let's pick up where we left off on Saturday morning.

After completing the half-marathon, and going back to watch Brenda finish her first long distance race, it was only about 9:30 am. I was doing my best to stretch out my legs, as they were quite tight, and I began to look ahead to Sunday. Of most critical importance was getting some rest, as I was "running" on fumes. The prior 3 evenings provided for about 10 - 12 hours of sleep. But, I was wired and did what any Disney runner would have done...sought out a photo with Mickey Mouse! And Donald! No Goofy...yet.

Unfortunately sleep in the hotel was hard to come by. However, I was looking forward to a late afternoon visit with a good friend who came to town to cheer me on. Sue and John Mulkern, and their daughter, Genevieve, made the trip to Orlando to catch me at the Disney Marathon Weekend, before heading on a Disney cruise. This was extra special for each of us, as Sue (one of my co-workers) had lost her father to a form of Lymphoma in December (an earlier blog entry), and John let me know his dad is currently a Lymphoma survivor. While I knew they were in town, and I thought it was to be at the marathon finish, I learned they were at the finish of the half-marathon and saw me finish!

We met up for dinner at the Coronado Springs - where I was able to award "My Champion" medals to them - given to race participants to share with those who support their efforts. And, of course, the littlest supporter of all gave me the biggest boost of confidence with an infectious smile and a GO, KEN, GO sign!

That evening I learned of my first wardrobe malfunction. My purple TNT jersey, to be worn on marathon day, was provided to me a week earlier and was quickly washed/dried. I happened to try it on Saturday evening, only to find it INCREDIBLY itchy on my back. Upon closer inspection, we found there was glue residue on the inside. No way I could run with the feeling of pin pricks wreaking havoc on my body. PLAN A: A quick call to my TNT coach revealed that no extra jerseys were available. PLAN B: We cut up an old cotton t-shirt from our luggage, and pinned it to the inside back of the jersey. Functional, but not idea.

About 6 hours of sleep later, Brenda and I were up and moving at 2:30 to meet with my TNT running mates. Spirits were high, smiles were abounding, and hydrating was occurring. I must recognize Brenda for being a huge cheerleader - she has been at some of my previous races, but never up so early! But her sign, made on behalf of our kids, would make it easy for me to find her on the course (I don't know about that 'winning the race' thing though...)
The next 3 hours in the parking lot waiting area and runners retreat tent went by quickly as I visualized the next 5 hours. Disney must have wanted us to get a head start on the 26.2 miles, as they had us walk .7 miles today to get to the start line! Now you read earlier this week about the need to fertilize the bushes, so I won't bore you with my multiple visits to nature's bathroom now. Rather, I'd like to share how runners are a strange bunch - specifically female runners! Most choose to wait in the line for the porta-a-lets. But I witnessed the strange bonding of women travelling "in packs" to smell the newly planted Disney flowers! Some were bold, and simply determined that venturing into the underbrush was not desirable, so they stayed on the perimeter of the forest to "drop trow". It may have been dark out, but there was more than one full moon visible! I must admit, I was awestruck...and laughing quite hard! It took my mind off the 5 hour visualization mentioned earlier. Then there were the "bodyguard packs", a minimum of three women bonding for the journey to the john. Two stand guard, backs to the 'reliever' while forming a human wall to shield their comrade from impending bullets. Let's face it - everyone has to go, and when it's time, it's time. And it is time to get on with the marathon, as I have been rambling.

100% humidity at the start of the race did not bode well for my modified jersey. It was soaking before the gun went off. That's when I realized wardrobe malfunction #2 was going to be an issue. The string used to tie my running shorts tight had slipped into the waistband and could not be retrieved. Uh-oh. This in itself would not have been so bad, had it not been combined with the fact that my shorts had pockets in the back which held my MP3 and 4 energy gel packets. That extra weight was going to cause "runners crack" within the first 1/4 mile! And, to make matters worse, I had a small hip pack for my disposable camera which was to clip to my shorts as well. Uh-oh #2. This was not how I wanted to start my 26.2 mile journey.

At this point, I was fretting the humidity, with visions of the recent Chicago Marathon debacle dancing in my head. And worrying about how my running would be impacted when my shorts were around my ankles. And that's when I realized I had made tactical mistake number #3 with the wardrobe. It was 6:00 am, and sunrise wasn't until about 7:25 am. Yet I had my sunglasses and cool max running hat with me, only adding to the sweat pouring down my face and back. Remember when I said Brenda would be on the course cheering me on? I could have easily given these to her to give back to me when I would see her at mile 9. Dummy.

Anyway, the first 13 miles were quite uneventful. I was managing a comfortable 10:00/mile pace and feeling quite good. Running through EPCOT at miles 2 - 3 provided the opportunity I had been dreaming about for months - a photo with a princess! In this instance, it was Jasmine and Genie (oh, I wish for mile 25...). Big smiles, good photo, and off and running again in the darkness. Mile 9 allowed me to drop off my hat, glasses and hip pack with Brenda - each of which I had carried in my hands since the start of the race. I only kept the camera for photo opps in the Magic Kingdom.

The jog through the Magic Kingdom was outstanding, just like the day before. Thousands of spectators and wonderful energy led to big smiles for the camera coming through Cinderella's Castle. While Alice may not be an official princess, a blond girl in an apron provided many thoughts (c'mon, I was in Fantasyland! Work with me here. I am a writer, not a porn star...although I wonder what the dude with the video camera was doing??). Even Woody and Jessie gave me a pat on the back in Frontierland before sending me on my way....for the longest 13 miles of my life!!!

Brenda and I connected around mile 13 at the Grand Floridian hotel. It was at this point I unloaded the camera, grabbed my sunglasses, and told her "this is when the race begins. I am going to sprint to the finish!" HA! Jokes on him! I was still managing a 10:00/mile pace, but felt that the miles were beginning to take their toll. I was hydrating at every mile, alternating between water and Powerade, but was forcing it down. By around mile 17, we had passed through the Animal Kingdom (quite uneventful), and for the first time I stopped to drink my water, and grab a sponge they were providing on the course. Carried that damn sponge for the next 9 miles, wetting it every mile. The sun was peeking in and out of the clouds, and while the humidity was letting up, it was too little, too late to provide any form of relief.

Let me clarify something - I was not miserable or complaining! This is what running a marathon is all about - pushing the limits and fighting the mind games. I was counting down the miles one at a time, and pushing away thoughts about walking. I was remembering Omar from the TNT dinner two nights earlier, who shared his emotional story of overcoming renal failure, a kidney transplant, and a form of lymphoma to complete the Disney Half Marathon last year. I thought of Sue's dad and her presence supporting me. I kept thinking about the t-shirts I had seen all weekend long "If you think completing a marathon is hard, trying doing chemotherapy". I thought about my grandmother, who suffered a stroke 5 days earlier, and was going to have a much more difficult road ahead to recovery than I would after completing 39.3 miles. And I thought of all of my sponsors - the great supporters who helped me get this far and believed in me! I was 9 miles from the finish of an incredible journey and was going to push through! Unfortunately, I am not sure all the spectators and Team-In-Training coaches stationed along the course saw it that way! I may have looked like I was on death's doorstep.

I was tired and fading. As I often do when running, I began to focus inward rather than on my surroundings. My sunglasses dropped from being propped on my head down to their rightful place - concealing worried eyes. Acknowledging those calling out my name (as it was on our running bibs) went from a wave and smile early in the marathon, to small lip movement (I hope it wasn't perceived as a snarl! Do I even know how to snarl???), and a barely perceptible "thumbs up". I thought to myself, "I am never going to do this again."

The cheering kept me going. Mile 19 turned to mile 21, which turned to mile 23 going through Hollywood Studios. Still managing that 10:00/mile pace. Behind the Tower of Terror, volunteers handed out chocolate (yippee - a smile - barely), and I grabbed a Nestle Crunch bar and put it in my back pocket (you see, that was ok to carry and weigh down my shorts, because it was chocolate. There are trade-offs one makes in life, and I chose chocolate over butt-crack).

I honestly don't remember much of running through Hollywood Studios. I saw Woody and Jessie again (damn, they were quicker than me!), the red Power Ranger (my son, Ryan, would've given him a high five... I simply moved my lips - snarl), and Tow Mater from Cars looked all guilty just sitting there (hey - give me a tow to the finish!). I was determined to run through the main street area there, where more people were lined up....and then I needed to walk. I gave in once outside the Studios. Three miles to go and I was fried. But the people in line to get into the Studios were still cheering me on...telling me I could do it...calling me by name...telling me I was almost there. Guilt set in, and after about a minute I started running again...only to stop a few minutes later. At this point, I decided it would be wise to switch to an alternative training method - the run/walk method (ok, it wasn't really a method for me, I was a necessity). I walked when I was tired, only to find out my right shin hurt badly and the only way to make the pain go away was to...run. Damn. Somebody wanted me to finish! I contemplated that for a moment while I ate my Nestle Crunch bar - didn't want it to melt in my shorts after all.

Two miles to go. The Disney Boardwalk area became a blur. Go feet, go. Walk. Run (crawl?). Anything to keep moving to the end. I wish I could have enjoyed the run through EPCOT at mile 25 more, but I had pulled into a shell....until we hit the crowds lined up in Future World with a 1/2 mile go. Sudden inspiration!!! Energy!!! Pride!!! And the gospel choir!!! They were so uplifting that I raised my arms up with them in praise - and applauded them for their efforts. I knew the finish line was 200 yards ahead, and when I rounded the final bend, I would step out into the cheers of the thousands of family, friends and others who came to support someone in the marathon.

I wish everyone could share the feeling I had at that moment. Total elation! The adrenaline I had thoroughly spent for the past 26 miles came back in a final rush. My lips curved upward and formed a smile - bigger than ever! My thumbs moved with the rest of my hands...and arms...high into the air...and I waved to the crowd.! I knew that somewhere in the stands were Brenda, Sue, John, Genevieve and my TNT coaches were cheering me on...and as I approached the finish line of my journey (which truly started over 18 months earlier)...where I would be able to rest for the first time in 4:28:35...I felt as if I could go another few miles! I had completed the Goofy Challenge - 39.3 miles...and in the process created memories that will never be forgotten!

Since this was the 15th year of the Walt Disney World Marathon, finishers were awarded a special Mickey Mouse commemorative medal. I got the bling! But more importantly, I was reunited with those who supported me that day...and the emotions came through. And where was that Goofy? I was due for praise - and one final photo!

On Sunday evening, TNT had a celebration dinner for participants. Running stories - good and bad - were shared. My running partner fo the past few months, Lynn, had finish one minute ahead of me and was feeling good. Pictures were taken. Smiles were plenty. And discussions of new marathon conquests had already started. I could do this again...

If you have made it with me this far...congratulations to you as well...I am sure it isn't easy reading about someone else's journey. It may be like seeing 100's of pictures of somebody else's family vacation. However, since you have come this far, stay with me for another few days for some final thoughts on the 39.3 and Counting journey!

Marathon Mile Split Times:

1 - 10:06

2/3 - 21:56 (Jasmine was waiting!)

4/5 - 20:43

6 - 9:35

7 - 9:36

8 - 9:11

9/10 - 18:27

11 - 9:50

12 - 9:18

13 - 9:33

14 - 9:36

15 - 9:59

16 - 9:32

17 - 9:50

18 - 10:26

19 - 10:27

20 - 10:51

21 - 9:59

22 - 11:03

23 - 10:35

24 - 11:35

25 - 13:00

26.2 - 13:19

Note to Self - Don't Drink So Much

By now you might already know the results - I am certifiably Goofy! But then you may have already known that too. As many runners have come to say after running in Disney - "I ROCKED THE WORLD!" 39.3 miles...and then some!!!

Sure, I did not finish on the podium, but I did come out a winner! As I have shared my running experiences, and other random thoughts, over the past few months, I hope you will indulge me for a few more days, by reading my blog for a recap of the Disney Marathon Weekend.

Half-Marathon

I departed Charlotte Friday with every expectation of kicking butt both days. First place, baby. Twice. Breaking the tape. World records. Multiple interviews. Glossy photos. Front page news on the Disney website. It was my destiny. (writer's embellishment).

How could it not be my destiny. The pilot our USAIRWAYS flight to Orlando made an announcement during the taxi process that special guests were on board. “Please welcome the Bansemer’s…Ken and Brenda”. True story. It was karma. Everyone knew a dignitary was in their midst, but had no clue why. (Of course, it didn’t hurt that the friends watching our kids this past weekend are air traffic controllers and had our flight itinerary. Hey – it was special anyway!). However, I played it cool and didn't run up and down the aisle of the plane high-fiving everyone like you thought I might. I have some class. Some. So, we just swaggered in our seats since we were taxiing after all and didn't want to get yelled at.

The weather was sunny, as always, in Orlando – unfortunately it was also very warm. Near 80 Friday afternoon, which didn’t bode well for the next morning – a projected low of 60 for Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m, with near 100% humidity expected. Say it with me now – ugghhhh!!! However, there was no turning back and my excitement was mounting.

I met with my Team-In-Training group and we headed over to the Marathon Expo to pick up our race gear – bibs, chips, shirts, and other assorted goodies – at the Wide World of Sports complex. Notice how many men were from Charlotte. Destiny I tell you...

When you look up the word “lines” in the dictionary, there must be a picture of Disney World. The kind folks at Disney developed a process whereby participants had to wait in four separate lines to get these items. Just like the rides, that took close to two hours. My feet were starting to hurt! But the countdown clock at the Expo said it all – 38 hours, 59 minutes and 4 seconds until the start of the marathon. Or, just over 14 hours until the start of my warm up run – the half marathon.

Back to Coronado Springs on the Disney Bus we went, for one hour of rest before heading out to the Team-In-Training pre-race pasta dinner. Let me give you all a little tip should you try to replicate this effort. There are two seating times for dinner – one at 2:30 pm, and one at 6:30 pm. Be smart – take the early dinner. I didn’t have a choice, but I wish I did. Dinner, slide shows, video, guest speakers – TNT did put on a show. A show that went until almost 9:00 pm, with multiple reference to how we may as well stay up, since we have to get up at 2:30 am to catch a bus to the starting line (at this point, I was sensing another line to stand in). The evening was quite energizing however, as dinner was held within the EPCOT World Showcase, and to enter the reception hall, all 2000 TNT participants (yes 2000!) had to pass by TNT Coaches from around the country who were celebrating our arrival in a boisterous fashion. Deafening! I honestly thought it was a show going on at the Morocco country showcase nearby! That welcome set the tone for the rest of the weekend – the spirit and energy of the TNT participants, coaches, and even spectators was overwhelming! A real adrenaline rush….then I tried to crash and fall asleep.

Apparently, the big guy upstairs had other plans for me. While my head hit the pillow at 9:30 pm, stage 1 of REM didn’t start until sometime after midnight. Maybe it was nervous energy, maybe it was Brenda’s snoring (just kidding dear), maybe it was bad pasta (it definitely wasn’t the large chocolate cookie or lemon bars…those were good!). Whatever the reason, the 3 alarms we set to ensure we woke up came far too early. This is what it looked like to get dressed at 2:50 am. Say it with me now….ugghhhh! I wanted my blanky...

Another bus to the start of the ½ marathon. Or more accurately, .6 miles from the start line, which we had to walk to at about 5:30 am. So, if you are tracking with me at this point, you may be asking yourself the same questions I did. Bus over at 3:30, start at 6:00…2 ½ hours unaccounted for. What did you do during that time??? Well, I am glad you asked. Hydrating. Pics with Mickey and Minnie. Hydrating. Banana eating. Hydrating. Yes, by 5:00 am it was time to pee. Wheeeee!!! (or should I say wee-wee…)

Thankfully, we had purchased the “Runners Retreat” package for the weekend races, which meant I had full access to specially designated Port-a-lets (lets just call it a potty) with little to no wait. If you have ever been to a big race before, the lines for these “potty’s” can get quite long. So a few (yes, few) trips later, it was about 5:15 (yes, twice in 15 minutes) and time for a last photo with Mickey (also a privilege of the “package”) and off to the start line.

You would never guess that in the time it takes to walk .6 miles that one could possibly need to “relieve” oneself another 2 – 3 times. Man, was I hydrated! But, there was a “wee” little problem here (FYI – it is time to stop writing in a blog when bathroom humor makes an appearance – but I don’t get to do this often!). I was out of the retreat area, and amongst the throngs of others who were over-hydrated as well, meaning the Disney-like lines had formed at the common folk potty’s. Guess they weren't on my plane to recognize that a dignitary was walking funny near them. Never fear though. Disney thought of everything, and must have apparently planted new bushes or trees in the past few weeks, because everyone was going over to admire and provide fertilization for them. I felt compelled to do the same. A few times. Ok, three. Now leave me alone, I just want to run.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy kicked off the start with the National Anthem (I really wish Donald had a solo for that), and fireworks signaled the start of the race – 13.1 miles through the Magic Kingdom and Epcot and the roads in-between. Over 13,000 people started the race, and participants were split into 3 waves. I found myself in wave 1 (a clear indication that the Disney folks have heard of my running prowess), and with my disposable camera in tow, off I went. Donald even met me at the starting line for a photo. I am not sure why he was behind the barrier, other than he may have been concerned that I was going to need to relieve myself one final time…

For the next 13.1 miles, I ran like I never did before – with a huge smile plastered across my face. I was going to enjoy this experience if it killed me. Fortunately, I was having a blast – and did something I rarely do – ran without music playing on my MP3 player. There were bands and DJs spaced throughout the course, along with many spectators to urge you on. Perhaps the biggest thrill of the run was going through the Ticket & Transportation Center at the Magic Kingdom, and then running on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, where a few thousand people were lined up. This beat the adrenaline rush from the night before. They were loud and my smile grew bigger. You would’ve thought I was winning the race!

What started as a 9:44 mile pace for mile one, had progressed to a 8:45 pace by mile 7 past the Magic Kingdom. I was feeling great and passing people with ease. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I knew I was going to pay for this the next day in the marathon. For those who know me when it comes to sports, it's 110% or nothing. Stupid slogan "give 110%". Those people never run long distances. But I had a ½ marathon goal, and that was to break 2 hours (about a 9:09/mile pace), and I fell behind that early on.

Friends...have faith.

As you will see below, I ran a negative split – the second half of the race was quicker than the first half, and my last few miles were completed in just over an 8:15/mile pace! Coming around the final bend in EPCOT, runners went past an amazing gospel choir decked out in gold robes singing to the heavens, and then we burst out towards the finish line – a 200 yard stretch with thousands of spectators cheering you on. Another adrenaline rush!!! I was on a runners high!

Finish Time: 1:53:37 (8:40/mile)
Finish Place: 964/12288 (top 8% whoo-hooo!)

While I didn’t finish first, I was awarded a Donald Duck medal anyway (ssshh – my kids think I won the first part of the Goofy Challenge). My presenter was no Ms. Bass Lake - SHE WAS BETTER!!!

I went back out to mile 12 on the course to await Brenda, who was doing her first ½ marathon ever. Injuries slowed her down during the month of December, but she persevered through the elements as well and finished in 2:38:01. (She is in Orange/Blue sprinting to the finish!) A great day for the Bansemer’s!

One third of the goal accomplished, two-thirds to go Sunday morning. And Goofy still hadn’t tracked me down for a photo. He hates confrontation and admitting he could have been wrong about me. I'd show him.

Details of the marathon and the wardrobe malfunctions will come in a few days! And a special visit from some friends (no, not Goofy)! And my thoughts on doing this all again!

Thanks for staying with me….you don't want this journey to end either, do you?

Half Marathon results: http://results.active.com/pages/searchform.jsp?rsID=51041

Half Marathon Mile Splits
1 – 9:44.08
2 – 9:18.87
3 – 9:10.65
4/5 – 17:28.21
6 – 8:52.25
7 – 8:44.77
8 – 8:24.21
9 – 8:15.29
10 – 8:01.25
11 – 8:22.14
12 – 8:11.86
13.1 – 9:04.13

Around the World in ...

.... a day-and-a-half??? Ok, I may be slow, but even 38 hours is a stretch for me! It may have been possible had I waited in "E ticket" lines (a reference for you Disney oldies out there!) for rides at each park and stopped in for a character breakfast or two (since I was up at 2:30 am each day).

Since the Disney "runner alert" tracker didn't work as planned, you may not know how, or if, I finished the half and full marathons. They say a picture is worth a thousand words...and a well placed palm tree conveniently concealing my time is worth many more!

For full results (meaning...if you really want to see how fast or slow I was, you are going to have to work some for it!), check out the Disney Marathon results page at: http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/marathon/listing?name=MarathonEventListingPage2&bhcp=1

For the rest of the story (teaser: multiple wardrobe malfunctions), and many more pictures, please return in a few days. You'll have to cut me some slack as I try to get some rest. After all, a 38-hour 39.3 mile run for this near 40 year-old has left me exhausted!!!

M - I - C......See You Real Soon....

The “brilliant” thought, which originated sometime in 2006, may have seemed like it was straight from a fairy tale: Make turning 40 memorable – a HAPPY occasion. From that simple thought grew what some would say was a MICKEY MOUSE idea…running all GOOFY like throughout Walt Disney World for 39.3 miles.

DONALD, my dad, had a reaction that was typical of most... like Iwas from another planet such as PLUTO. Rather than put out that much effort, he suggested I run a MINNIE marathon. Now, I may be DOPEY at times, but I certainly am not BASHFUL at attempting something new and different.

So, for further inspiration, I signed up with Team-In-Training in the summer of 2007. It turns out that was a great decision. I told my team CAPTAIN, “I’m HOOKed”! CHIP, DALE, DAISY and the triplets, HUEY, DEWEY and LOUIE have each provided great motivation as running partners over the past 4 months.

The training runs haven’t all been easy, and I often arrive home (my personal castle) to find our cat, TIGGER, rubbing against my sore WOODY-like legs. He doesn’t understand...I need to rest my sore PIGs, LETting them recover. After putting in over 30 miles each week, I am POOHped. Most Saturdays, I am SLEEPY after a good workout, and I have tried to be careful about not overtraining. However, I did get injured briefly in November, and went to see the DOC, who told me to take it easy. But like a postal carrier, neither rain, sleet or SNOW, WHITE and cold as it may be, has kept me from making my appointed training rounds.

I have enjoyed blogging about this MISSION TO MARS, and am thankful that loyal readers and financial supporters like ALICE, ARIEL, BELLE and JASMINE have kept me focused on the ultimate end goal. At times, I may have looked like a TRAMP, flopped around like a FLOUNDER, and got lost in my own FANTASYLAND, but my old LADY has made sure I stayed well grounded (ouch...but you have to admit, it works!).

So, tomorrow morning, I am off to the “Happiest Place on Earth”, and hope for a little race day magic to carry me along. If my happy feet can’t do the job, I will seek alternative forms of transportation, such as ALADDIN’s magic carpet, TINKER BELL’s pixie dust (and faith and trust), a monorail, or even a leisurely JUNGLE CRUISE to make the 39.3 miles through the COUNTRY BEAR-able. At the end, the even JAMBOREE at Pleasure Island should rock!

One can only hope the weather will cooperate. After all, I have created a lot of BUZZ about this challenge, and warm temperatures could cause me to take many a LIGHTYEAR to cross the finish line. Even if that is the case, it will all be worth it. After all, I will finish with a huge smile, arms raised, chest puffed, and prove I am no DUMBO. I can already see the headline next week…

“Finishing 1st in the Walt Disney World Marathon (and Half!) - MR. INCREDIBLE!”

Now that’s a fairy tale!

P.S. - Grandma - I'll be thinking of you every step of the way!

Are You Following Me?

For the loyal readers of my 39.3 and counting blog (are there any???), I know you are sad that the entries are quickly coming to an end with race weekend approaching. You have endured my ups-and-downs over the past 4+ months, and probably like me, are saying to yourself "let's do it!" Of course, you are saying that from the comfort of your couch, recliner, bed or bathtub, while I have been muttering it during the course of the 500 or so miles I have run since September.

Well, never fear. The Wonderful World of Disney has thought of it all, and is allowing the folks at home to run along with me on race day! Free of charge too - most un-Disney like! I've heard your rumblings - "nuts", "stupid", "why", "Goofy" and even "Goofus". You have questioned my sanity, my love for chocolate, and choice of TV shows, but so far, I haven't heard you question my running ability. WHEW!

Therefore, from the comfort of your own home, you can check out my progress (during the marathon only) during race day (Jan 13) by using the link below. They have made it simple - create a login, enter my name, and determine the method (text, email, pager) by which you want to be notified of my split times at various points during the marathon. What better way to be entertained during a Sunday morning while you are all at mass. Hee-hee. A few "AMENs" in my honor during service wouldn't hurt. And slip in a few prayers for me with big Guy while you are at at!

http://www.activeresult.com/results/MSG-signup.tcl?sub_event_id=4447

Now mind you, gun time on each day is 6:00 am EST. That is 5:00 am for my many friends in the CST, and 3:00 am on the west coast. Make sure you set those alarms to go off early to follow along real-time. 'Cause like most elite runners, I don't plan on dilly-dallying around on the course. That is, unless I spot a princess calling me over for a photo opp, a donut stand, a massage table, a waiting monorail, or something else I might love as a distraction around mile 17. For me, it's all about setting the right priorities!

The History of the Goofy Challenge

The upcoming running weekend has me giddy with excitement. But perhaps not for the reasons you think. Now don't get me wrong, I am running for some wonderful causes. Raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has brought me great satisfaction. I have never tried my hand at fundraising, and to have over 90 individuals contribute nearly $7,000 to LLS in support of my running effort is really amazing. The other great cause is to celebrate my journey to another age milestone. Turning 40 could be viewed by many as a depressing time. While I have mixed thoughts about it since I don't feel 40, and certainly don't act 40 (let alone 20), I have decided to make it quite special by running 39.3 miles (and then some) at the Disney World Marathon Weekend.

While good reasons to be excited, I have one greater reason. I will be reunited with my good friend, Goofy. You see, we go way back. My first trip to Disney was in the early 1970's, and during multiple visits since then, the big fella and I have renewed acquaintances and swapped stories. In 1990 (left photo), I was working out regularly and Disney hadn't even held their Marathon Weekend. At that time, we discussed the possibility of a footrace throughout the Magic Kingdom, but lets face it, it is difficult to have a deep conversation while racing down the water slides. However, Goofy eventually agreed to discuss my thoughts with his good friend, some mousy guy named Mickey. Wouldn't you know it, three years later the Walt Disney Marathon was born (and I had a hand in it)! When I returned in 1998 (center photo), I had gained a little weight, and so had Goofy. We were both a bit mad that this Mickey dude had a 26.2 mile race, and his pal, Donald, had a 13.1 race that same day. Goofy was concerned that freakin' Pluto was going to get his own race soon.

To make a long story short, we brainstormed many options, but settled upon putting the two races on back-to-back days, and because it was such a "crazy" notion (running 39.3 miles in about 28 hours), it would be called the Goofy Challenge. The rest is history....almost.

The last time Goofy and I crossed paths was during a trip in 2003 with my daughter, Erika, where we discussed his "little race Challenge", and my ability to do it. Oh, you had to be there as we ribbed one another! He questioned whether I was fit enough. I reminded him what great shape I was in back in '90 during one of our previous reunions. Buff... But then he issued the ultimate challenge...through Erika. Whispered in her ear that I couldn't do it. Getting old. Slow. Since that day, I have been hearing it from her for the last 5 years. So...now you know the history of the Goofy Challenge, and how I got sucked into participating this year. Have to show the big-boy that I still have it!

I am sure we will cross paths again next weekend...he'll be laughing at me and questioning my ability, and I'll be looking to capture the moment on film when I cross 2 finish lines, with arms raised in triumph. A Goofy Challenge success story.

Special moments, a special bond. Based on our relationship, I sometimes I think I could be Goofy's long-lost little brother...Goofus...