GUEST POST: Barry's Marathon Experience
Tanya asked me to give my perspective on our recently shared experience at the Disney World Marathon, so here it goes. Normally perspective implies that the further away a thing gets the smaller it seems. Not so for this cowboy, at least this time. This was my second full marathon, and without fear of hyperbole it was a billion times harder than the first. The second I crossed the finish line I just wanted to forget it even happened. Kinda like the time I accidentally drank some reeealy old milk right out of the carton.
However, as time goes by (no Casablanca reference intended) the sense of accomplishment grows and I feel a great deal of pride that I pushed through a serious injury, an embarrasing lack of training and the temptation to “pop” Mary Poppins in the snout to actually finish upright and sprinting.
Wondering about the Poppins comment? I’ll explain. Just about every Disney character was on the course waving on the runners. I have no issue with this, but when I saw lineups 10 and 20 deep of runners waiting to have their pictures taken with them I snapped. It brought home the fact that the real athletes treat a 26 mile run as another day at the beach while pretenders like me have no choice but to prepare for, and recover from it, like a colostomy.
So I say if you can’t beat em join em. Today I started to plan for no less than 6 half marathons in the next 2 years and be in the best shape of my life – a shape other than round. By 2011 I’ll be able to pick up Mickey and carry him from start to finish.
But the most important thing I take away from the experience is the friendship I found in my Team Diabetes teammates. Awesome people, every one. As a diabetic I thank you all for helping the cause.
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Barry…. awesome post! I miss our little world there in Florida…. it was life changing for me.. I hope one of your planned marathons is here in Vancouver!!!
Guys, I totally want to be back there now! Do-over! I need my day and a half that I lost in my hotel back!
Hanging out with you guys was definitely the highlight for me…
congrats Barry
david, tree house man’s last blog post was… mm mmmm good
Thanks for the responses – and yes I’m coming to Vancouver to do the half in May. I’ll be able to show off the Team Diabetes tattoo I’m getting on Thursday!
TATTOO?? Wow, now that’s dedication! You’ll definitely have to hang with us when you get into town!
ps: Did you hear that your wife went to school with my friend John’s wife Stacie in Edmonton? Small world!
She mentioned that. I know Desirae is registered for Vancouver through Team D, so we should grab Christine too and get together that weekend. We can all sob together about how much we miss Orlando.
Hello , what a wonderful picture of you all and great story Barry .Brenda from the Vancouver area had a whole set of pictures taken with the Characters during her 1/2 M …I just did not have time to even think about it .I think she will be at the Vancouver one as well and most likely I come down too …Rebecca will be happy !!
I am considering Honolulu , to use up my ” overage ” , however have to start fund raising BIG .Actually I am asking anyone , if they have it in their hearts to donate towards my project …one can still use the Disney World 2009 account on line at http://www.teamdiabetes.ca.Stay well ,Team D. rocks
Tanya et al, keep your ears open for cool stuff to do marathon weekend. We’ll assemble the troops and paint the town mauve. Or maybe chartreuse. Possibly lavender. Depends on how dominant my feminine side is feeling that weekend. It’s my right side, by the way. I think I feel strong enough in my masculinity to make such a bold statement, even though I live in the heart of red-neck Alberta. Just don’t tell the rest of the province, okay?
Barry , your not working pancreas is on the LEFT ??? PS are you a PUMPER ??Will keep the rest of your story real quiet .
I need to repeat , got it wrong the first time …www.teamdiabetes,ca I am so computer illiterate …learning every moment ..at least I know how to work my insulin pump and am willing to teach
…PPSS looking for donations towards Team D. events.
Signed Nel, living with type 1 diabetes for 26 years and marathoning (69 years of age almost …) with Tanya and the Gang
I am a type 2, dealing with diet, pills and exercise. I have recently been able to keep it well under control, and I am working diligently to prevent the need for insulin in any form.