DFL > DNF > DNS (Tuesdays on the Run Edition)

I don't know when the first time I had seen the acronyms of DFL (Dead F*ing Last), DNF (Did Not Finish), and DNS (Did Not Start), but the first time it really meant something to me was when I did my first marathon.  I got this bib holder shortly after as I truly believe that it is better to come in last then not finishing which is better then not starting.


I was to do my first marathon January of 2015 at Walt Disney World.  I was very excited for this race and trained for it very well.  My parents were even coming down with me to celebrate this next step in my running adventure and we made a whole weekend of it.

Along with the marathon, I had planned on volunteering for the 5k and running the 10k, so my parents and I got down there on Wednesday to go to the Expo.

Thursday was a COLD morning, just like it was cold this year for marathon weekend.  I had to buy an extra jacket, hats and gloves to volunteer for the 5k.  After that, we spent the rest of the day at Universal.  If you have never been, go!  They have two really fun parks and the Harry Potter section is beyond amazing.

Friday I got up and ran the 10k.  After the race I showered, changed, and headed back to the expo.  For the life of me I can't remember why, but I have photos from there.  I got back to the hotel I grabbed a Chicken Quesadilla for lunch.  We really didn't hadn't planned much for the day.  Maybe Downtown Disney or something.


By dinner time I was really starting to feel sick.  Very nauseous and tired.  I told my parents that I'd like to skip dinner.  All night long I was in the bathroom with vomiting and diarrhea.  I couldn't sleep.

I got up early on Saturday because I actually had to work.  We had a major release that got pushed back to that day and since I already had my trip scheduled, I had to give up part of my trip to work.  I was starting to feel better, but still felt sick.  And by this point I was dehydrated, like really dehydrated.  I was so worried about the marathon the next day.

After I was done with my work I talked to my parents and we decided that I should at least talk to a doctor.  I had noticed that one of the pre-dialed buttons on the phone was to a doctor.  When that is dialed you talk to a doctor that is on call and explain your situation.  They can send a doctor to your room for medical care.  The doctor on the phone explained to me that with my symptoms I should go to an urgent care facility (transportation would be provided) or the ER.  He said that I most likely needed fluids on top of medication and fluids is something that the urgent care facility could not do, so I would probably have to go to the ER.

Even though I was feeling a little better, I had not eaten or drunk anything in almost 24 hours.  I was very worried about how I was going to get through 26.2 miles.  I had put in so much training and this was my first marathon, I was devastated by this point.  I decided that I would go to the ER.

But how would I get there, we took the Magical Express and we have no car.  Well since I called the on call doctors they wanted me to go via ambulance.  I felt very silly doing that because I could walk.  But that is how they wanted to do it.

Within 30 minutes I had a knock on my door.  The EMTs were there and started taking my vitals.  I had the resort manager come by and see how things were.  Then an EMT went to go get a stretcher.  I kept telling them that I could walk and didn't need it.  But it was the rules and on the stretcher I went.  Everyone that saw me gawked and pointed.  I'm sure they were wondering what was wrong with me and assumed it must be bad, when it was just a little nausea.

I had my first trip in an ambulance.  In route, they started an IV for fluids.  The EMT in the back couldn't be nicer.  He told me he thought I had food poisoning since I didn't have a fever.  I told my parents that they didn't need to come as I didn't want them sitting around a waiting room.  My mom felt bad that I had said that as even though she couldn't do anything, she wanted to be there anyway.  So the resort manager got them a cab (which Disney paid for) and they met me there.

I was brought back and evaluated some more.  I kept telling them that if I didn't have a marathon the next day everything would be fine.  I was just worried that I won't be able to run it.  They gave me some medicine through the IV and wanted me to stay there while I got more fluids through the IV.  I was there for about 4 hours and just laid there and watched Storage Wars the whole time.  The doctor that I finally saw told me that I wouldn't be able to run.  I was devastated and just cried.

I was glad that my parents did come.  Once they released me they gave me a couple of prescriptions.  Thankfully there was a pharmacy in the hospital.  My mom told me that they were given a voucher for the cab and when we were done we just needed to call to get a ride back to the resort.

The fluids and medicine helped, but I knew I had to keep drinking and eat something.  I got some plain spaghetti from the cafe and ate what I could.  I truly was feeling better, but I didn't know if I felt good enough to run for 26.2 miles the next day.  I told my parents that I would make the decision in the morning.

The alarm went off nice and early.  I hadn't had any trips to the bathroom since the hospital.  I decided that I might as well try to run.  If I couldn't finish, then at least I know I gave it my best.  I had trained and all I could do was try.

The first 8-9 miles were fine.  I didn't really feel nauseous at all.  I saw my parents at the Contemporary Resort and told them that.  But soon after my stomach felt a bit off.  It wasn't bad enough to stop, but it was bad enough to walk a lot more.  I stopped at every medical tent and picked up the Pepto chews which seemed to help a little, but not for very long.


I kept chugging on and new that if I felt bad enough I could just stop.  But it really never got worse then some nausea.  I was able to get a few Gus in me to keep up my strength.  I kept walking more and more and before I knew it I was on the Boardwalk.  I knew I could finish at that point.


I was so glad that I tried.  I would have felt so miserable if I didn't try.  While it was not the race I imagined (are any ever?), it is a race I am very proud of.  If things had happened 24 hours later, I wouldn't have even started the race.

Do you have a DFL, DNF, or DNS story? 

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

WDW Marathon Weekend Remembered (Friday Five Edition)

This weekend is the WDW Marathon Weekend.  Two years ago I ran my first marathon there.  Then last year I ran Dopey.  Here are some memories from the Dopey Challenge Last year.

1. Four races in four days is really hard.  It is true when people say that getting up early four mornings in a row (6 if you have early flights getting there and going home).  If you put in the training necessary, the mileage is not too bad, but missing out on the parks so that you can stay off your feet and going to bed super early is the hard part.

2. I signed up for the Runner's World VIP package.  This included the breakfast after the 5k and 10k, Race Retreat for the half and full, Pasta Party the night of the 5k, and a special shorter walk to the start line of the half and full.  I was too tired to take full advantage of everything.  The Pasta Party was fun, with great characters to take pictures with, but I was too tired to stay too long.  And I didn't even make it to the Race Retreat after the half and full as all I wanted to do was get back to my hotel.  Both the breakfasts and Race Retreats had some interesting character photo ops.  And the shorter walk to the start line was fun.  We ended up on a path in the woods.  Getting through the crowds and path in the woods was a bit tricky, so they had us all hold onto a rope.  It was like we were back in kindergarten holding hands so we don't get lost.

At the 5k Breakfast.  I have no clue who they are.

At the Pasta in the Park with Lotso from Toy Story 3.

At the 10k Breakfast.  Again, no clue.

Finally someone I knew at the Race Retreat before the Half.

3. The 10k was rainy through the race.  Most characters were not out to get photos with.  But I decided to stay after the race, even though it was raining.  I knew if I waited it out I would be able to get pictures with Minnie Mouse and Dopey with short lines.  Everyone left right after the race and after about 20 minutes of waiting in the drizzle, the rain let up and I got the photos with almost no line.

Minnie and me.

Love this picture.

4. My right calf started to hurt the night before the marathon.  I was very nervous about the marathon.  I did make it through, with stops at ever medical tent for more bio-freeze.  It was a very slow marathon but it was finished.

5. I did ride Everest.  It's a perfect adrenaline rush half way through the race.

Ready for Everest to start.

Spooky!!

People often ask me if I would do the Dopey Challenge again.  I never will say never, but I don't see me doing it again.  I really wish I had a friend to run with through the races, as doing all races by myself was hard.  But I'm really glad that I was able to do the challenge.  I love telling people how crazy I am by doing the challenge.

Have you done the Dopey Challenge?  Have you ever done any of the extras, like Race Retreat or Pasta in the Park?  What is your favorite character to get a photo with?

I'm linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for Friday Five 2.0

Race Photobombs (Tuesdays on the Run Edition)

I LOVE photobombing!!  Anytime I can, I'll jump up and be part of some strangers photo.  There was this one race where I jumped in behind the people and the MarathonFoto photographer refused to take the photo till I was far away.  That was a bit disappointing.  I wish I could see some of the pictures that people have gotten that I've tried to jump into, but alas, I never get the chance.

I do have one photo that I love which has someone photobombing us.  This is me and my friend Candace before the WDW 10k (she was doing Dopey and I was going to do my first marathon that weekend).  I love the look on that guys face.  This picture is even on my race wall (more of my race wall to come next week).

Do you have any race photos of me photobombing you?  Do you have a photobombing story?

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

Fuel on the Run (Friday Five Edition)

What a crazy week it has been.  Good thing about crazy weeks is that Friday comes real quick!  I thought I would use this Friday Five on how I fuel for long runs and races.  Besides water, I usually don't fuel on any run shorter then 90 minutes.

1. Honey Stinger Waffles - This is usually my pre-run fuel.  I am not one that likes to eat in the morning, so I'll usually wait till I'm hungry and by then it could be after an early run.  If it's a short run or a strength training day I may take a bite out of one.  But not always, it just depends on how I feel that day.  Before a long run I eat a whole waffle.  I like these not only cause they are yummy, but they are easy to travel with.  They also come in a lot of fun flavors.  The one issue I have is that they are very crumbly and can make quite a mess.  I have waffle crumbs all over the floor of my car. 

2. 5-Hour Energy - I usually only use these before a very long run or race.  I don't drink caffeine regularly, so I don't like to do these on a regular basis either.  But when I do, it gives me so much of a boost that I feel like I'm bouncing around.  I had someone at a race ask my friend if there was something wrong with me cause I was so bouncy before a race after drinking one of these.  I have found the generic brands work just as well.

3. Clif Shot Gels - These are the only Gu that I found that doesn't gag me.  I have found that these are thicker then other brands and don't feel like I'm eating slime.  Most of the flavors are good too.  The Vanilla one tastes like icing.  Yum!  Before this summer I would take one every 30-45 minutes on a run longer then 90 minutes.  One of the coaches on the Richmond Marathon Training Team said something about not needing fuel on long runs.  I did some Googling and found that he isn't the only one saying crazy things like that.  But of everything I have read, it mostly pertained to those that run a heck of a lot faster then I do.  Since I'm out there a lot longer, and do have some stomach issues, and after some experiments, I have found I still have to fuel for runs longer then 90 minutes.  I have been playing around with something every 45 minutes and that seems to work well.

4.Jelly Belly - I love me some Jelly Bellies.  They are just like Jelly Beans (with some extra stuff added).  I like to use these on longer runs when the Gel just gets a bit much and I need something to suck on.  They are also easy to carry.  Plus they come in these awesome Star Wars themed pouches.

5. Apple Sauce - If you read my post about my first marathon you know that I was dealing a nauseous stomach from food poisoning.  After the race they had apple sauce packets and they were amazing.  I now buy these to have after my runs as they are an easy way to get some fuel when things just don't feel right.  I look for flavors that I like and also the packets with the most calories (so not like me).

While there are other things that I love to have on the run, most are too hard to carry on a long run.  The nice thing about being on a training team is at the SAGs, they not only have water and Gatorade, but also things like gummy bears and pretzels.  Two I would love to have on my run if they were easier to carry.

What do you use to fuel your run?  Any tips on carrying other things that are not Gu?

Linking up with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia 

Race Day Mishaps - aka My First Marathon (Tuesdays on the Run Edition)

January 2015.  Walt Disney World.  My first marathon. 

My training up to the marathon was great.  My longest run 23 miles (as I was coming down with the flu), but I felt prepared.  I was nervous but I knew I could do it.

My Mantra

I traveled down to Disney World with my parents.  The trip was going well.  I volunteered for the 5k - it was FREEZING.  Like 30 degrees FREEZING.  That is not what I expected when going down to Florida in January.  I got to see my friend Candace who was running Dopey that year.  We went to Universal the rest of the day and saw all the new Harry Potter things (amazing and highly recommended).

Water, get your ice cold water here

Thursday I ran the 10k with Candace.  It was a nice shack out run two days before my marathon.  We had fun taking it easy and chatting the whole way.

I had no idea who they were but they looked great!

I decided to get a chicken quesadilla for lunch.  Plans for the day were maybe a park, depending on how everyone was feeling.  And I wasn't feeling all that great shortly after.  Yes, I had food poisoning. 

I spent all night Friday going between the bed and the bathroom.  It was horrible.  I couldn't sleep.  I couldn't eat.  I couldn't even get water down me.  I got some Ginger Ale and crackers and that didn't help. 

Saturday I woke up and had to work.  We had a major deployment that was happening and had to help out.  I was feeling a little better, but still couldn't get any food or water down.  On the phone at the hotel there was a button to call for medical help, and I called.  The man that answered said I had a few options, but the best one was probably to go to the hospital to get fluids.  If I want to a Patients First type place, they couldn't do that there.  The only problem, how do I get there?  By ambulance.

I have never been in an ambulance ever in my life and really didn't think it was necessary, but that was the best way to get me there.  The paramedics met me in my room and took vitals and asked a lot of questions.  They put me on a stretcher and wheeled me to the ambulance.  I will tell you every single person stared at me wondering what was going on.  They sent my folks in a taxi, with a voucher to pay for it.

At the hospital, I was hooked to an IV and most everyone attending to me was saying that I probably wouldn't be able to run the next day.  I was devastated to say the least.  The fluids and medicine I was given was making me feel better, but I still felt very weak.  I got some prescription meds and  we took a taxi home.

As a side note, I do have to say the Disney staff was amazing.  They paid for the taxi both ways and while I'm still paying of a huge hospital bill, the ambulance was never part of that charge.  The staff and management asked after me over the next few days seeing how I felt.  They were amazing.

I was able to eat some plain pasta and get some fluids in me.  I went to bed not knowing what to expect the next day.  I had trained so hard.  I had traveled so far.  And when I woke up I knew I had to start.  It would be OK if I didn't finish, but I had to at least see what I could do.  I'd be too disappointed in myself if I didn't at least try. 

DLF>DNF>DNS
(Dead Last Finish is better then Did Not Finish which is better then Did Not Start)

The start of the race I was feeling much better then I had in the last two days.  I was able to eat my Honey Stinger Waffle and not feel bad.  I was trying to get some water in me, knowing I had a long day ahead of me.  I did have a costume ready for the race, but changed my mind and just wore shorts and a shirt.  I needed to be as comfortable as possible.

The race started and I headed through the first few miles.  Went into Magic Kingdom and through the castle.  On the way out at the hotels around mile 7 I found my parents cheering for me.  I stopped and told my mom that so far I felt good.  I would see them in ESPN.

A few miles later, my stomach was starting to bother me again.  Not horrible, but noticeable.  Especially when I ran.  I continued my walk/runs.  Before getting into Animal Kingdom, I decided to walk a whole mile and see how long that would take me.  It took like 18 minutes so I knew I couldn't cut that.  So I had to run some.

Now, when I got to Everest I had a major decision to make.  I have been dreaming of riding Everest in the middle of the marathon the moment I heard you could do that.  It was the one thing I really wanted to do, besides finish the marathon.  But my stomach was all icky.  In the end I knew I would regret it if I didn't ride the ride.  So I rode.

It didn't make me feel better, but it didn't make me feel worse.  The adrenaline rush was a big boost half way through the race.  It was so much fun riding a ride in the middle of the marathon and it was so worth everything.  I was so glad I decided to do it.

The rest of the race was about the same.  I walked and I felt better.  I ran and my tummy got upset.  But not bad enough to stop.  Most of the second race I stopped at every medical tent and got some Pepto tabs.  I'm not sure if they made me feel better in the long run, but I was happy to chew on them.  I was able to get a few Gus down but by the end of the race the thought of them was not making me happy.

I saw my folks at ESPN when it started to drizzle.  They were such troopers!  I told them that I hadn't been feeling good, but I was still moving forward.  I wanted to keep going and I knew I would see them at the finish.

I made it into Epcot and knew, no matter what, I would be finishing the race.  I continued on with my walk/run and made it to the finish line.  I had done it!  I had finished my first marathon! 

I saw my friends Meranda and Lacy at the finish.

 I got my medal and my snack pack and looked inside.  ICK!  I dug further and found an apple sauce pack.  I thought I would give it a try and OMG that was the best thing in the world.  I was able to scrounge for a second and was so happy for a bit of food that I didn't want to throw up.  Now, I always have apple sauce packs around.  I wish they were easier to carry on a run.

So happy to finish!

I knew that if I could finish a marathon after having food poisoning, I could do anything.

Have you ever been sick before a big race?  Have you ever done anything that made you think you could do anything in the world?

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.