The Brooks Chronicles: Disney Avenger's Half Marathon

I can't believe it's possible, but the Avenger's Half Marathon is now my 4th Half marathon. For those who know me, you understand how remarkable this is. I am not now or ever have been a runner. I don't get that "runner's high", I don't have these long reflective runs that clear my head. I run honestly for three reasons: 1. Because I think of Juliana. She does so much therapy and it's hard. It tires her out and yet day after day, we make her do it. I figure it's the least I can do. 2. It raises money and awareness for Rett Syndrome and it gets us just a little closer to a cure. and 3. It allows me to spend time with some of the most amazing women I know. And we get to laugh, and share stories, give and get advice and recharge our batteries before heading home. So I get all that for the low price of 13.1 miles. I'd say it's a steal of a deal.

Look who I ran into in Dallas! I'm sure it's 5 o'clock somewhere!

And then we found this one once we got to Orange County. Double fisted Tina!

First stop after drinks and lunch was picking up our race bibs!

And then, like a bunch of old ladies, guess what we did.........we all conked out in our hotel room at about 9pm. I know kind of lame, but you know what, we don't often get to do that, and it was actually 11pm Dallas time.

The next day we decided to spend some time at California Adventure. Because of course that's what you do the day before a half marathon that you totally haven't trained for. P.S. - gorgeous weather!

First ride, against Niki's wishes, The Tower of Terror! To bad you can't see Tina's face:(

Had to take a picture of Doc for Olivia!

And then of course Mickey for Juliana!

Checked out Monster's U

And then it was onto Radiator Springs!

And then it dawned on me that I had still never tried a Dole Whip. You know that thing I always see on Pinterest where people are trying to recreate this amazing dessert. So I look at Tina (our resident Disney expert) and asks where we can procure this dessert. And she tells me we can't! Why? Because we are in California Adventure and you can only get those in Disneyland. WTF! This is unacceptable. I did not come all the way from Dallas to be denied this tasty treat. So I ask an employee if this is true. She confirms it. I ask her if there is any way she could go in and just buy me one. And guess what she did. . . . . . . Yup, she let us in Disneyland!!!! Just like that she opened the gate and let us right in for the Dole Whip. So we ran over to the Tiki Hut or whatever it's called and stood in line (a long line) for a Dole Whip! Do we look a little excited?

And here it is friends! It was amazing.

And as we were on the way out, guess what - Parade. Darn it, I guess we will have to wait till it's over.

Then from there it was our Team Dinner. I love these ladies.

My number one reason for being there.

And this was the scene at home. This was Liv's best attempt at a smile. Apparently her hands were chapped and hurting and she needed her momma.

And then it was GAME ON! Morning of the race. I unfortunately was in the last corral all by myself. No worries I made some friends. Check out all the people behind me!!! I call that my buffer - There are that many people between me and the bus that picks you up! I can do this!

And I got this little jewel. Apparently a good night's sleep did her good!

Minutes before starting

Running through the park

Okay, I'm not going to lie. This run was not pretty. It was by far the hardest one for me yet. The 55 mph Santa Anna winds didn't help. At one point around mile 2, we passed a Wenchel's Donuts and I seriously thought about bailing and hanging in the donut shop. I could taste the coffee and donuts. But somehow I persevered. Around mile 8 we got to run through Angel's Stadium. That was kind of cool.