Magic Kingdom & Preparing for Race Day

I want to first say that I really do love my children, but I cannot be around them during marathon weekend. The stress and anxiety which is internalized does manage to emerge back out at the kids by means of a short fuse and raised voice. The past two nights with our little munchkins produced an additional issue: How to sleep while listening to sheets rustling. They would not keep still. Hours would pass without relief. Scott saw my frustration, and without hesitation offered to take the wiggle worms home Saturday night to sleep. Words cannot describe my gratitude. Not only would I get some peace and quiet the night before the big race, but Melanie would too. From the bottom of my heart, Scott, Thank YOU!

Another lesson learned during this marathon weekend: it probably isn’t wise to attend the parks the day before your race. So many near misses of people running into us, or stepping on toes, nothing like forfeiting months of training due to an oblivious by stander. Wanting to enjoy the day was a high priority, but unfortunately the race anxiety won out. Not to say I didn’t have a good time, but under different circumstances it could have been better. After several hours and rides later, we came back to the hotel. I showered my family with hugs and kisses and said my good-byes. As I watched them leave the parking lot, it struck me. The next time I see them will be at the finish line… Gulp!

Once the cherubs were out of the picture, I was able to ease up a bit. Scott invited Bill and his crew over to the house for pizza. So officially, it was a girl’s night out – well, in. What joy to eat in peace and have a conversation with my cousin without interruptions. I truly enjoyed our dinner together. We really needed a break. Lights out was promptly at 9:30 PM. Our wake up time: 3:10 AM!