48.6 miles I am Dopey!

Dopey Challenge completed!   Crossing the finish line was the biggest celebration of the past months of hard work, dedication, and discipline.  I was nervous about completing the marathon because my last training runs in December stunk and were cut short due to a common cold. 

The Dopey Challenge is so hard but worth it!   Today, I experienced every emotion.   My emotions varied from joy, nervousness, fear, excitement, and finally, at mile 26, a real sense of pride and accomplishment. I hope everyone who ran today is walking up and down the stairs well or able to walk. 

 6 MEDALS EARNED, always earned. 

This event was my 4th Dopey.   I ran 48.6 miles.   The Disney marathon is my favorite marathon of the year. Dopey was an AMAZING experience, and I am so glad I ran it. This Dopey Challenge is a culmination of days of hard work and months of training. The Disney characters, spectators, and medals were more than I hoped for! 

The Dopey challenge is a mark in time for me. 

I am 54 and have been married to my spouse for 29 years.   My two kids are also doing well.

This year, I gained a new grandson.   Isaac Ryan was born on August 12, 2023.  

Carrie, my daughter, and John, my son-in-law, are the proud parents of two children, Sarah, and Isaac. 

My youngest daughter Izzy has been dating a nice fellow named Bobby for over a year.

During this past year, we also experienced a sad loss.

My husband lost his dad, but I believe he is still with us in spirit. He probably thinks I am insane running all those miles. 

 My family also lost our beautiful 13-year-old black Labrador retriever, but we now have a new black Labrador puppy to love that joined the family on December 11. 

Overall, this past year, God blessed me with many gifts. 

Besides a new grandson, I ran the New York marathon and loved it.  

I also enjoy family time, meeting new friendships and maintaining old ones. The Dopey Challenge is more than an ordinary event for me.   It is very big for me.  Time to celebrate big.  

. I am looking forward to what comes next year.

This race closes out my training season. I will be taking a break from running to prevent burnout during the rest of January, February, and March. See you on the road this spring.

Time 6:49:05