Leave it to me to create a mountain out of a Mouse hill.
Seemed like a simple plan: Run the Disney marathon, get in the car, drive to Tampa, get on a cruise ship. Then I started to actually think about the logistics. Try to stay with me here:
We arrive in Tampa, Florida on Friday for the Sunday race. We rent a car in Tampa and drive to Orlando (about an hour and a half away). Arriving on Friday allows for time for packet pickup, expo shopping and more importantly, rest and relaxation.
We stay ‘on-property’ at Disney in order for me to be able to take the shuttle bus to the start line at the very early hour of 3:30-4:00 a.m. for the 6:00 a.m. start time. This means the Hubby can sleep in a little bit, but will have to pack the car, check out of the hotel and get himself over to the parking lot near the finish line, preferably around 7:30-8:00 a.m. He may or may not be able to catch a glimpse of me on the course (least of my worries, really).
With luck (and good training!) I can cross the finish line around 10:00-10:15 a.m. I make my way through the finishers chute – medal, photos, water and find the Hubby. We walk (I hobble) to the car, climb in and head for Tampa. Goal time of departure from Epcot: 11:00 a.m.
We return the rental car and take a taxi/shuttle to the cruise ship terminal. Hopefully, we reach the ship by 1:30 p.m. and we don’t get stuck in a crummy cabin because all the good ones were already assigned.
This whole plan is contingent on everything running (pun intended) smoothly. No long race start delays, no injuries, no traffic, etc.
I’m crazy. I know it. You can tell me. Actually, I need to hear that this is a crazy idea. As much as I love a challenge, there’s too much money riding on this one if it gets messed up.
Option B:
Arrive in Tampa on Saturday and get on the cruise ship on Sunday (I like to plan to leave a day early in case of weather issues that delay flights). Wait until 2010 and do the Goofy Challenge at Disney with a plan to enjoy the parks for a day or so afterwards.
Really, let me know what you think. This has been completely consuming me and I need to make a decision, make the plans and be done with it.
Thanks!
