First Marathon

First Marathon = DONE.

Last week, Lisa, the kids and I all went to Orlando Florida to see Mickey/Minne/Pluto/Goofy/Donald/Buzz/Woody/Grand Parents/et al at Disney World and for me to run the Disney World Marathon. It was a great trip and I think everyone had a great time.

It wasn't the smoothest of trips. After getting dropped off at the airport (Thanks Katey) I checked Lisa and the kids in and checked strollers/car seats (for free) and we each had a carry on (we are cheap or frugal). When I tried to check in, I learned that I needed to go to terminal E since I was on a group ticket (With Team in Training). So Lisa was off to go through security and get on the plane on her own with 2 kids and 2 bags as I ran off to terminal E to retrieve my ticket and get back to C to get on the plane.

Needless to say by the time I got on the plane Lisa was not too pleased as the car seat was impossible to get strapped in, Colin was screaming and Nolan was in a flight attendant's arms. Also I don't recommend taking a car seat on a plane (or at least our brand). First off it puts the kid higher up so they can easily kick the seat in front of them and if the seat in front of them decides to lean the chair back, they basically crush the kid's legs. Secondly, the plane does not have the latch system so you have to use the seat belt. Normally this is not a big deal, but the plane's seat belt system is different than a car's. When the car seat is strapped in and tightened with the belt, the latch is right in the middle of the kid's back in the car seat. We had to put a pillow in the back of the seat so the kid didn't have a metal box the size of a pack of cards in the middle of his back.

Once we got there things were going well. Disney was great, Colin got to meet all his favorite characters from his favorite shows and movies. We hit up the Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom each day. We stayed at the Grand Parents house which was fun as well.

After walking all around Disney for two days straight and eating Disney World food, it was time for me to run my first marathon. (not the best pre-race ritual). So I set the alarm for 2:30 AM ET and get on the bus to the race by 3AM. The race went well and although it was quite cold, I had fun and enjoyed seeing all the parks at a 8 min/mile pace.

Team Photo before leaving for the start

On the bus to the start

I finished my first marathon at 3:36:53.

Right after the race.

Flight back from Orlando

You might ask 'Where is Lisa on the Flight back?" Well she wasn't taking the picture and she wasn't in the picture because she wasn't on the flight with me. She stayed a few more days to hang out with her Grand Parents. And yes, that does mean that she flew back by herself with 2 kids, 2 full carry ons, a diaper bag, and a personal bag. Don't ask me how she did it. It is a mystery to me.

Link to photos from the race.

We might post some pics on picasa from the Disney days. That is Lisa's job though.

***UPDATE***
Disney Photo Slide Show No thanks to Lisa. . .