I was so excited to be there. I felt good despite still being rather congested. But I was dressed warmly, and the clean, crisp air just infused me w/ happy energy. I kept my pace, which was slower than my usual, but still not too much slower. I drank gatorade at every stop I along the way, which helped a lot. I wanted to do as much as I thought I could, so I set a goal of 3.5 miles. I was aware of the sweepers on the course, but I just kept chugging along. When I kept passing mile after mile, and realizing how strong I was feeling, my endorphins were running amok in my body and head. By mile 5 I was ecstatic, and realized I would make it to Main Street and Cinderella's castle. I'm really just a big kid when it comes to Disney. The air is just different there. Anyway... all of the people standing on the sidelines along the way were cheering us, and thanking us, and it just felt so good. I asked more than one to take my picture. As I approached mile 6 and 7, I started to slow down a bit. I was very nearly at the BOP. The sweepers were riding their bikes next to me and the other walkers around me. But I didn't care. I came when I almost didn't. I surpassed my 3.5 mile goal by double. At mile seven the sweeper suggested I get on the SAG van as I was off the required pace by about 4 minutes. He took my picture at the 7 mile marker w/ a picture of Pluto on it. I was very happy and proud. I joined 5 other walkers already in the van, which took us to a coach for the ride back to EPCOT.

Had I trained properly, I would've shaved some time off my pace. Don't know whether I would've gotten sick or not... I've been getting sick all last year. I realize I cannot just undo years of being sedentary... its going to take time. But I am on the journey, and there's no turning back.

After the motorcoach dropped us off back at the holding area at EPCOT, I found my TNT tent, checked-in, and met up w/ the rest of my team. They, of course, all had medals around their necks. But they were all very proud of me for the 7 miles I accomplished. I had a pb&j, some snacks, and more water. I continued walking around & mingling, and then headed back to the hotel.


I had been sick in bed w/ the flu just a week prior. I was on antibiotics, and other otc medicine. I think the cold actually helped my energy level. Obviously, had I trained properly, I would've performed much faster, and longer.


This was a wonderful event, but then again, it is Disney. Also, the Team in Training part of it was extremely well organized and everything went very smoothly. I feel lucky to have met my fellow team members, and have gotten to know them and this organization during this weekend and the past few months. I regret not having trained more with them when I had the chance. The Miami team raised over $600,000 for this event. That's no small potatoes. Despite it all, I am very happy and proud to have joined TNT, and the Disney Marathon weekend. I want to go back next year.