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With a group that's been around as long as this one there are a ton of good stories to be told. You'll find everything from race reports to the history of some members nicknames in this section. |
Tower of Terror 13K Race Report Alvaro Moreno |
2007 ToT 13K Report Cast: Marisel (non-running wife) and Me (Captain Alvaro) Friday - After getting up late, we arrived at the MK around noon only to go and eat once again (we were in the Disney dinning plan for the first time), this time at the Crystal Palace, one of our favorites. Spent the day at the park and around 5 p.m. changed into our pirate costume for the Halloween Party. We had dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern and after that headed over to Pirates of the Caribbean, where we were to meet the Druckenmiller Clan at 8:30 p.m. It was fun to see everyone dressed up for the occasion. We rode Pirates, as a test run for the following morning Kali cruise (Mark refused to take the conn on this one… hmmm….). We called it a night after watching the fireworks and the parade. Saturday morning - We crawled out of bed early enough to make it to the character breakfast at 8 at the Grand Floridian. Rode the bus and monorail from POP to GF with the Miwa's… and you've already read the description by Tom of costumes worn by all 4 of them (yes Dane… the hat alone counts as a costume). At breakfast we had so much fun that I don't even remember what we ate. The occasion was appropriate to present our Pink Fairy Boat Captain with the long awaited pink hat to wear at Kali that same afternoon. Stan overwhelmingly expressed his profound appreciation for the gift and promised to wear it on every Kali, Grizzly, King's or Tutu river ride from now on. Sadly, it was also the opportunity to attend the numerous complaints received from very credible sources about Mark's poor performance during the river ride in Cincinnati last May. As a result, he was temporarily demoted from Captain to First Mate… but not just any First Mate… he received a Willy Gilligan hat which he must wear on river cruises from now on, until a formal hearing before Admiral Bart Ooms takes place in January to review his situation. The Cruise - It took two rafts to accommodate all of us. First raft was captained by our very own Pink Fairy Boat Captain. Details on his performance and ability to hand out dry seats should be received from those who rode with him (hint: Stan did not look too dry himself after the cruise…). The second raft was under my command, but the steering was provided by Willy… I mean, Mark. Scott, thinking that Mark would not self-inflict any pain to himself sat right next to him. Just before the big drop (which is followed by a big soaking splash), Scott looked like the Babe Ruth of Kali, pointing fingers to the ones who were supposed to get soaked… only to realize seconds before the drop that he should have been pointing the finger to himself… SPLASH!!!!... and Scott's shorts remained wet until after the ToT race late that night. ToT Race - Met up at the MGM entrance at 8:30 p.m. where we had our group picture taken before the race. The race started about 30 minutes late and the situation for those enjoying the party was no different. They had to wait in lines for about 45 minutes until were finally allowed into the park. I had no definite plan about how I was going to run this one, other than just making it the long run of the week. Started way back in the crowd (took me almost 2 minutes to cross the starting line) and ran a 10:30 first mile. Then decided I wanted to run a faster race so I kicked it up to just under 9-minute miles for the rest of the race. Had a hard time getting around other runners and walkers for the first couple of miles and especially at the muddy spooky trail before WWS. Other than that, had a pleasant hot and humid run (sorry guys, I enjoy that stuff). Finished in 1:16:09 (chip time) which was good for 511 overall (out of 2590) and 75 in my age group (out of 176). I was happy! Deads' Food & Beer Festival - We barely made it to UK in time to spend a few minutes and one Guinness with the rest of the group before starting our walk around the World Showcase. Several stops, and many beers later… and two cruises (Mexico and Norway)… and many pictures… and it was already 8 p.m. in Germany. Time to say good bye once again and wish everyone left (Stan & Sheila, Robert & Linda) a safe trip home. We did not stay for Illuminations, chose to beat the crowds on our way out of the park. I managed to collect 2 light beers this time (one from Scott and one from Sheila… you do remember that Sheila… don't you?) All in all, it was another great weekend with friends at a place we enjoy and doing what I like (running). I know this has been said many times, but I'll say it again, we have a wonderful group of people on this list and we are definitely more than just "list buddies". Friendships have grown stronger over the years and THAT is what's really important about us. Is not the final chip or clock time, or how many light Guinness Sheila manages to collect (sorry Sheila, remember what I said, you're stuck with this… LOL), it's all about our friendship and the way we choose to spend our free time… with the friends we really love. Cheers to you all and see you in the next race! Alvaro |