Month: January 2025

Thoughts Of Dopey

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I never listen to music when I run.

Instead, I think about crossing the finish line and celebrating my accomplishments with chocolate cake.

My fifth Dopey 48.6 is done.

In 2020, I was scared to run 48.6 miles in four days.

Before I tried Dopey, I thought my running peers were nuts running 48.6 miles.

Lesson learn …..I will never say never. I am obsessed. Running nurtures my heart and soul.

Running has instilled in me, confidence, pride, and self-worth, and I am forever grateful.

The running community is very friendly, and this week I have met runners from all over the country.

I learned every runner has an inner comfort journey.
Dopey 2026 here I come

Dopey 48.6 miles Completed

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This woman in the pictures is 55 and has reached a big running goal.

I just completed my 5th official Dopey!

In 2020 I ran my first Dopey.

From then on, I challenged myself to run Dopey every year, as my personal goal.

In 2020 I wanted to be a Dopey “streaker”.
Age 55 ….5 Dopeys!!!!! I like to set the bar high for my goals!

2020 DOPEY
2021 COVID canceled
2022 Dopey
2023 Dopey
2024 Dopey
2025 Dopey
I am so grateful that, I was able to do this. I succeeded.
5 Dopey’s in a row.

That night My spouse and I headed to Boardwalk Bakery for a celebration cake. We spent our last night in Disney World walking around the boardwalk.

Tomorrow Monday, we check out of Old Key West and we fly back to Massachusetts. My body is sore, but it has been a great Dopey.
I am so proud of all my running friends, I met while running.

My husband and I will finish packing all my Disney stuff, relax, and then bed.

Ed, thanks for keeping me company for 5 years at Run Disney.
I hope you had fun shmoozing at the bars as I ran. Cheers!

Dopey Challenge 2025 is also a mark in time for me.

I have been married for 30 years to a great spouse Ed; I am 55 years old.

My two kids, Carrie and Izzy, are doing well, as are our two grandkids, Sarah(4) and Issac(1), and my son-in-law, John.

My youngest daughter is engaged and getting married this July to a fellow named Bobby.

Overall, life has been good. We are blessed.

Half Marathon

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Half Marathon … 3 races done ……one to go.
Now, I relax and prepare for the finale (The Marathon). The sun is down, and it is time to sleep. Hopefully, on Sunday night, I will be back sharing the good news that I completed the Dopey Challenge 48.6 miles. This will be my fifth consecutive Dopey! Wish me good luck!

5k and 10k

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Florida has had a couple of cold races.
Both races have been around 39-45 degrees.

5k It was magical running around the Epcot Country Pavilion and World Showcase.

10k Friday Nice run We ran through the World Showcase, parts of the Country Pavillion, and the Disney Boardwalk area.

Saturday is the Half Marathon

Sunday is the Full Marathon

T

Time for Dopey

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Hello, I am in Disney World.

I am here to participate in A CRAZY THING called the Dopey Challenge.

Dopey Challenge is a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon held back to back over four days, a total of 48.6 miles.

It’s Disney’s ultimate race challenge because well, you’d have to be Dopey to do it!)

My husband and I flew down to Florida, early this morning.
It was a nice flight.
Later during the day, we went to the Run Disney expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports to pick up my bibs and shirts. 

  Afterward, we went to Il Mulino Italian for dinner.
My good luck meal.
I am a creature of habit; this has been my go-to restaurant for every marathon weekend in the past 5 years.
I had a pizza.

Our home for the weekend is awesome. We love staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort Villas because the villas have a fully functional kitchen, which allows me to cook my meals.
I am also a picky eater, especially before a big race.
The Villa’s also has a nice dining room, a washer and dryer room, and a jacuzzi in the bathroom creating a more “at-home” experience during our Disney vacation.

Let the races begin!