RUN TO VICTORY - Half Marathon

[NYcpa]

Lynne has purchased the airline tickets for us to do this race on Dec 2.

Here is the website info. http://www.runtovictory.org/ Wendy (gettinthiner) did the race last year and had a very inspiring race report. It is a 'Penguin' race so the time limit is 4 hours.

If it fits into your schedule, come and join us.

[Creativebeth]

I am already planning on that one! It's my son's 11th birthday, and he is looking forward to it!

Beth

[WDWFAN9]

Oh I really want to do this one!! Don't think I can swing the finances though. Darn! And isn't the course hilly? I am used to flat-as-a-pancake courses!

[getnthinr]

Randleman is in the foothills of NC. The race is entirely rolling hills -- not steep, quad-and-hamstring-eating hills, just slightly up-and-down all day hills. I train solely on a treadmill (flat) and I found the course a good workout, but not a killer (like Baltimore or Cincinnati or Raleigh or other HILLY courses). In fact, I've always maintained that sort of course is easier than a flat pound-pound-pounding course where your muscles get no variety of use during the race.

Having said that, you may either love me or hate me at the end of the half because I think of Disney as virtually flat (as a lot of folks do) while others complain about how hilly it is (with the overpasses and the one stretch of unforgivable sunny uphill highway). I learned long ago that "hilly" is a much more subjective judgment than you might think. ;)

The best things about last year's race were the opportunity to run rural roads with almost no traffic (I saw two cars the entire time, I think), meet the NASCAR folks for autographs or photos before the race, get a high-five from Kyle and his wife Pattie at the finish line, and see firsthand their remarkable summer camp for these health-challenged kids. Because I did some fundraising, I also got a chance to go to a pre-race meal and speak with the Pettys, tour their race shop, and get lots of celeb photos (with me in them!). (John Bingham and his wife, Jenny, were there as well.) It was a great experience. This year I do not plan to go because I have races on two November weekends already. I heartily recommend it though.

Here's my race report from last year:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=15824999&postcount=1

Hope this helps.

[HMHunters]

Thanks for the info! I am now considering doing this half instead of the Raleigh half. Cheaper, the money goes to a good cause and the timing is better for me. Hmmmm....:scratchin

[WDWFAN9]

Ok, how far is Randleman from the Raleigh airport? IF I could catch a fabulous DING, and IF I could find a cheap place to stay I'd love to do this. BUT I would have to be able to use public transportation because I don't do rental cars. It does sound like a great race and a great way to get my steps in for the Jan full.

[getnthinr]

Randleman is a good ways from the Raleigh airport, but if you get a good fare, let me know and I'll give you a lift. No problem. I'll PM you with details.

BTW, change of plans for me -- I just realized this race is the first weekend in December, so I'm in! (For some reason, I thought it was a November race and I'm pretty booked in November.)

[Big Vic]

I may have to talk with the DW about this.

[getnthinr]

Do it, Vic! The more the merrier!

I will say this is a very low key race. Very few runners and virtually no spectators -- but the course support was great and they really look after everyone. The finish line food was even still abundant when I got there -- near the end. And where else can you high-five Kyle Petty and Pattie at the finish line?!?!?! Makes for a great finish photo!

And for you 50-staters, if you're looking for a half in NC with a neat medal, this is a pretty good one.

Check out the video (click to go there) (http://www.victoryjunction.org/video04.html) on the race's web site and you'll get a feel for the race.

[WDWFAN9]

Oh, I am definitely interested.

[getnthinr]

Thanks for the info! I am now considering doing this half instead of the Raleigh half. Cheaper, the money goes to a good cause and the timing is better for me. Hmmmm....:scratchin

Come on, Renee! This is practically a party now!

[MouseDogMom]

You guys are killing me! My Galloway group leader sent an email a couple of weeks ago encouraging us to consider this race. She ran it last year and is planning to do it again. Since I can't do Raleigh I was planning on waiting until January to make sure I'm completely healed, but I'll probably be okay by December if I don't push myself. And if there's going to be a whole WISH contingent...

Wendy, the biggest issue is that the Galloway end of season party is that night. Can I really run this half and be alive for the party that night? Oh yeah, I'm supposed to coordinate a reception at my church that evening too!

Jackie

[WDWFAN9]

Ok, I am in! Have to work out a few minor details, but I am registering for the race tonight. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!

[getnthinr]

You guys are killing me! My Galloway group leader sent an email a couple of weeks ago encouraging us to consider this race. She ran it last year and is planning to do it again. Since I can't do Raleigh I was planning on waiting until January to make sure I'm completely healed, but I'll probably be okay by December if I don't push myself. And if there's going to be a whole WISH contingent...

Wendy, the biggest issue is that the Galloway end of season party is that night. Can I really run this half and be alive for the party that night? Oh yeah, I'm supposed to coordinate a reception at my church that evening too!

Jackie

Wow, Jackie, coming off an injury, going to a party, and coordinating a church reception -- Maybe you should contact Dave about a YARC membership! :)

The good news is the race starts at 10AM (I didn't remember that from last year -- I wonder if that's new) so you don't have to get up really really early (like the 2:30AM drive I made to Greensboro a couple of weeks ago!) even if you drive in from Raleigh that day. But if you have a lot going on that night -- that's a tough call. I don't think the race is that bad, but it's a lot of driving without a lot of resting.

How do you normally feel after your LRs? I guess that would be your best gauge on what you'd be up to doing that night. We'd love to have you, though. Like I said, this is a really low key race in the middle of nowhere. It's a lot like a training run alone at home, except that there are a few cool celebs and the medal is nice and the cause is heartwarming. (That camp blew me away! I had no idea we had something like that in NC.)

Your call -- but you're more than welcome!

[jeanneg]

I live in NC and never heard of Randalman. Exactly how far is it from Raleigh?
Sounds like a fun event......maybe .......just maybe......we could do it.

[WDWFAN9]

I live in NC and never heard of Randalman. Exactly how far is it from Raleigh?
Sounds like a fun event......maybe .......just maybe......we could do it.

I have no idea about the distance, but I agree with Wendy - the more the merrier!!

[jeanneg]

I just found it on the map.......a little south of Greensboro....looking good!

[jeanneg]

Mapquest puts it at about 105 miles door to door, which is under 2 hours. Being that close and with the 10a.m. start, we probably would just drive there that morning. I have to check with hubby, but right now it's looking good.

[getnthinr]

I just found it on the map.......a little south of Greensboro....looking good!

Yep, it's roughly an hour-and-a-half drive, depending on where you are in Raleigh, time of day, etc. And with the race starting at 10, that's not too bad. Even at my pace, you're talking about wrapping up by 2PM (including getting your medal, grabbing some postrace snacks, and so forth).

Think about it. If you're doing a long run that day anyway, might as well do it among friends, right?

[getnthinr]

Lynne has purchased the airline tickets for us to do this race on Dec 2.

Here is the website info. http://www.runtovictory.org/ Wendy (gettinthiner) did the race last year and had a very inspiring race report. It is a 'Penguin' race so the time limit is 4 hours.

If it fits into your schedule, come and join us.

Kathy, see what you and Lynne started?!?!?!?

[getnthinr]

And if the race alone isn't enough to lure you... Seagrove Pottery has its annual Christmas Open House (http://www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com/se_events_004.html) that weekend. For those of you unfamiliar with Seagrove Pottery, it's described as "more than 90 potteries in a 20-mile area. Meet eighth and ninth generation potters in a place rich with a 200-year old tradition."

And just a "short" 2.5 hours away is Biltmore Estates (http://www.biltmore.com/visit/default.asp), America's largest privately owned home, all dolled up for Christmas.

And there's always the Richard Petty Museum -- right in Randleman.

Don't delay -- sign up today. :lmao:

[WDWFAN9]

Didn't have to twist my arm!! I just registered! This is going to be great!

[xterratri]

Kathy, see what you and Lynne started?!?!?!?

Actually it's all your fault. Your race report from last year is the reason that I put this race on my to do list:thumbsup2

[getnthinr]

So, is there any chance we'll be able to squeeze in a WISH meet? Even if we don't do anything more than meet for a photo before the race starts?

As it gets closer to the date and folks know when they are arriving and leaving, I'll be glad to try to coordinate something. I'm not really familiar with the area, but I'm sure the hotel admin can point me to a local restaurant for a breakfast or dinner or whatever.

Any interest?

[WDWFAN9]

So, is there any chance we'll be able to squeeze in a WISH meet? Even if we don't do anything more than meet for a photo before the race starts?

As it gets closer to the date and folks know when they are arriving and leaving, I'll be glad to try to coordinate something. I'm not really familiar with the area, but I'm sure the hotel admin can point me to a local restaurant for a breakfast or dinner or whatever.

Any interest?

Oooh, I would love it!!

[NYcpa]

Wendy - Lynne and I would be up for a WISH meet.

[MouseDogMom]

Once I finish talking myself into this, I'm in for a WISH meet!

Jackie

[getnthinr]

Once I finish talking myself into this, I'm in for a WISH meet!

Jackie

You know, Jackie, you could always come as a scream-teamer. I know you'd be able to do that and still make it back in time for the Galloway party! ;)

However, whenever -- it'd be good to see you!

[HMHunters]

Once I finish talking myself into this, I'm in for a WISH meet!

JackieMy thoughts exactly! :rotfl:

[jeanneg]

We're in! I spoke to hubby and he was all for it, so I will register tonight.
We will drive over that morning which should give us lots of time for a mini-meet since the race starts at 10 and you need to pick up your packet by 9.
I was scheduled to go 12 miles that weekend anyway, so it will just make my training walk more interesting. Sounds like a fun event!

Jackie: with the 18-minute minimum pace, it shouldn't be too much of a strain on your foot. Hope you decide to join us. :thumbsup2

[getnthinr]

My thoughts exactly! :rotfl:

Come on, Renee -- Remember what the Borg say: "Resistance is futile." :lmao:

[jeanneg]

Yeah, come on, Renee!

[getnthinr]

I am already planning on that one! It's my son's 11th birthday, and he is looking forward to it!

Beth

Beth, I'm so sorry I missed this when you first posted -- your son's birthday? Is he doing the shorter run through the camp?

I'm am so excited I could jump up and down at my desk! :yay: A WISH gathering in MY state! Whoopee!!!

[Creativebeth]

I am not sure what the boys 'plans' are, but I will bring it up. They would probably like that.

I have to get it in gear......I am planning on fund raising for this one!

Beth

[HMHunters]

Can't take the pressure! :scared: :scared: :scared:

I will (gently) bring it up with DH this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that he's in a good mood!

Renee

[WDWFAN9]

Can't take the pressure! :scared: :scared: :scared:

I will (gently) bring it up with DH this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that he's in a good mood!

Renee

Fingers AND toes crossed!! Remember - it is for a very good cause!!

[getnthinr]

Can't take the pressure! :scared: :scared: :scared:

I will (gently) bring it up with DH this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that he's in a good mood!

Renee

If there's anything we can do to smooth things for you -- give you a ride, etc.....

[MouseDogMom]

If there's anything we can do to smooth things for you -- give you a ride, etc.....

I'm kinda seeing a Triangle carpool!

I told my committee at church last night that I would coordinate the reception, but wouldn't be there for the event. DD had a great time working at the last reception, so she's going to take my place. I also told my Galloway leader I was considering running this one and she of course thinks it's a great idea, so all that's left is actually registering. I'm holding off until after my first real post-injury run tomorrow...

(Like you, Wendy, I'm so psyched about a WISH gathering HERE!)

Jackie

[getnthinr]

I also told my Galloway leader I was considering running this one and she of course thinks it's a great idea, so all that's left is actually registering. I'm holding off until after my first real post-injury run tomorrow...

Jackie

Got fingers and toes crossed for you too today, Jackie. Hope that run goes really well.

Since Pat's coming all the way from Chicago, I'm going to try to show her a little of NC while she's here. On the agenda as possibilities are:

Old Salem (http://www.oldsalem.org/index.php?id=275) where they are having their annual Christmas music day on Saturday with Puddingstone (love this group -- traditional Christmas music played with a combination of old and new instruments -- think synthesizer with hurdy-gurdy) and other musical groups
Seagrove Pottery (http://www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com/) and their Christmas Open House (Never been there before)
A Christmas Candlelight Evening at Biltmore (http://www.biltmore.com/visit/calendar/holiday.asp) to wind up Sunday evening (Biltmore is actually more a definite, as I've already got the tickets and prepaid for the hotel room)


Old Salem we could actually hit on the way from the airport to the host hotel in Archdale (depending on the time of Pat's flight). Obviously we wouldn't want to do a lot of walking (because that would be before the race), so we'd probably just drop in at a couple of performances and have lunch there. (And perhaps do any obligatory shopping at the bakery or gift shops. ;) )

I have tickets for a 7:15PM entry to Biltmore on Sunday to give us ample time to clean up and eat -- hopefully with some WISHers somewhere :woohoo: -- before the drive to Biltmore. We'll spend the night in Asheville before heading back to the airport on Monday.

Other than the driving, which I'll be doing, I'm planning to take everything at a pretty leisurely pace, or whatever pace Pat wants to set. It just seemed a shame to have someone come here to visit and only see Randleman. (Not that Randleman is bad -- as a country girl myself, I love it -- but I'd like for her to see more of a cross-section of NC.)

Anyone who wants to join us on these excursions -- or suggest alternatives -- is more than welcome. I know most of us are "local" -- more or less -- and may be planning to drive in for the race and then drive home on Sunday. But I thought I'd let you guys know what I was considering in case you wanted to join us.

I definitely think a group photo before the race is in order, and if we can't all get together at a restaurant afterwards (nowhere to shower post-race could be a problem :upsidedow ), we could certainly meet at the camp where the race ends. Last year there were tables in what I assume must be the camp's cafeteria where you could sit and enjoy your post-race food. Not that anyone would be obliged to wait, but it's an easy option for gathering us together.

Again, chime in with your ideas and interests, group!

[getnthinr]

Use code RTV2008 to save $5 on race registration on active.com.

Sadly, I've already registered, but I thought I'd pass this along for those who haven't.

[getnthinr]

Ding fares are available today to RDU from Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City, Orlando, and Austin -- among others. Hope one works for you!

[HMHunters]

:jumping1:

I'm in! Turns out DD has the state cup soccer tournament the weekend of the Raleigh half, so it has to be this one! Woo hoo -- can't wait for an NC Dis/WISH Meet!

:jumping1:

Renee

(and thanks for the discount code, Wendy!)

[WDWFAN9]

:jumping1:

I'm in! Turns out DD has the state cup soccer tournament the weekend of the Raleigh half, so it has to be this one! Woo hoo -- can't wait for an NC Dis/WISH Meet!

:jumping1:

Renee

(and thanks for the discount code, Wendy!)

Awesome!!:banana: :banana:

[getnthinr]

Great news, Renee! (Glad the discount code helped!) I can't wait to see everyone. This is going to be fun!

[jeanneg]

OK, it's done.....we're officially registered! We even got our bib numbers already: 305 and 306! We would like to leave Raleigh at around 6 am, so we can pick up our packets and get a bite to eat. If anyone needs a ride just let us know.
Wow, TofT, City of Oaks and now this.......all these events are helping to make my training for the Mickey more fun than work.

[getnthinr]

OK, I was counting heads and it looks like we have:

Creativebeth (Beth)
getnthinr (Wendy)
HMHunters (Renee)
jeanneg (Jeanne)
NYcpa (Kathy)
wdwfan9 (Pat)
xterratri (Lynne)

And we're waiting on news from BigVic (Vic) and MouseDogMom (Jackie).

It's looking pretty good, y'all!

[WDWFAN9]

OK, I was counting heads and it looks like we have:

Creativebeth (Beth)
getnthinr (Wendy)
HMHunters (Renee)
jeanneg (Jeanne)
NYcpa (Kathy)
wdwfan9 (Pat)
xterratri (Lynne)

And we're waiting on news from BigVic (Vic) and MouseDogMom (Jackie).

It's looking pretty good, y'all!

What a great group!!:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[MouseDogMom]

I am 95% committed, but am holding off on registering for a couple more weeks just to make sure the ankle is really healed enough to support the distance. I ran 5 miles Saturday and the feet were okay but the lungs didn't want to finish, so I have to be sure my body can get back to the mileage before I commit 100%.

Who's walking, who's running, and who's run/walking?

Jackie

[getnthinr]

Jackie, take your time making the decision -- still keeping my fingers crossed for your complete recovery.

As to who's doing what... I know I'm walking (well, I may run 500 feet total because sometimes I like running down a hill) and my guess is that Pat is walking. I'm not sure who else is running or run/walking or what pace they are hoping for. Gang?

[Big Vic]

OK, I was counting heads and it looks like we have:

Creativebeth (Beth)
getnthinr (Wendy)
HMHunters (Renee)
jeanneg (Jeanne)
NYcpa (Kathy)
wdwfan9 (Pat)
xterratri (Lynne)

And we're waiting on news from BigVic (Vic) and MouseDogMom (Jackie).

It's looking pretty good, y'all!

I'm sorry to say, you will have to count me out this time around. :sad1:

Hope you guys have a great time!

[Creativebeth]

I will be running (slowly, of course, but running!) :cheer2:

Beth

[HMHunters]

Running here; probably walking the water stations.

Renee

[jeanneg]

Hi Renee,

I kept asking people at the start if anyone had seen you, but nobody in our little group had. Nancy and I were the ladies with the witch hats! It will probably be easier to spot you in December......not too WISH shirts then.

Congrats on your great finish!

[HMHunters]

Hi Renee,

I kept asking people at the start if anyone had seen you, but nobody in our little group had. Nancy and I were the ladies with the witch hats! It will probably be easier to spot you in December......not too WISH shirts then.

Congrats on your great finish!Sorry I missed you!! Like I said my main focus at ToT was on DD -- at the RTV I'm SURE we'll meet up! (By then I should have my WISH shirt!)

By the way, I officially registered today. I figured after ToT was so easy for me I had no excuses! Guess now I'll have to do some long runs on hills, though... :headache:

[WDWFAN9]

Definitely walking for me!

[Creativebeth]

Is anyone else fund raising for this event? I started a fund raising page thru the victory junction web site, and I am doing bake goods to raise money. The whole family is involved!

I have hardly any time to run due to all the baking!!!

Beth

[WDWFAN9]

well, last night I started training for NC by adjusting the incline % on the TM. Hey - it's a start. As I've stated before I am used to flat as a pancake courses, this will be a real challenge for me!

[Lexxiefern]

Ok, I have a few questions. First, the link is not working for me and when I do a search I can only come up with the registration at active. can anyone help? How far is this race from charleston, sc? I am thinking drive up the day before and stay one night in a hotel?

Wendy, I thought you were doing Kiawah? Isn't that the same day?

TIA!
Becky

[jeanneg]

Pat:are you a runner or a walker...or a little of both? And (please don't be insulted) did I meet you at the TofT breakfast? I'm old and I forget alot, but I know there were some ladies there that were doing it.

[jeanneg]

Becky: the link isn't working for me either....maybe they are updating the site.
We had originally planned to drive down that day since it is less than 2 hours away. The more I think about it, we may decide to spend the night before in a local motel. That way we can pretty much take our time in the morning. I'll have to see which motel provides a free breakfast!

[Lexxiefern]

Ok, what is the correct date? On active it says dec 2nd, but on the randolph road runners website it says dec 17th. I am having such a hard time finding out info about this race, I am searching everywhere!

Becky

[WDWFAN9]

Hi Jeanne, I wasn't at the ToT breakfast, but I think I saw you in passing the night of the race.

I almost exclusively walk, with an occassional happy wog thrown in once and awhile. My pace is usually just ahead of the sweepers. I'm not used to rolling hills at all, so this event should be interesting - I am very glad there is a four hr time limit!!

I am looking forward to this WISH meet!!

[Creativebeth]

The site is RuntoVictory.org, all the information is there. The date is 12/2/07 (my son's birthday). I also am fund raising through that site (Beth Myers/Creativebeth). I am looking forward to it!

Beth

[WDWFAN9]

Beth, I haven't been able to access that website, or any of the John Bingham Racing sites. I wonder what is going on.

[Lexxiefern]

I might be able to do this one! It looks to be about a 4 hour drive, so if we drive up on sat and spend then the night it might work. I will have to talk to DH about it. He just did the Richard Petty driving experience at WDW, so he may be intrigued to meet him or see him anyway.

Becky

[Creativebeth]

I think that maybe the site is down right now. If you go to the main web site www.victoryjunction.org you will find a page about the race by hitting the Run To Victory logo in the middle of the page. Try later for the web site, maybe they are just having some issues today.

Beth

[jeanneg]

I can't get on either, so it must be them.

Beth: if you do the fundraising and get invited to the dinner, will your husband and son be allowed to attend also?

[jeanneg]

Pat: you can hang with us. I am doing this one nice and easy!

[Creativebeth]

Jeanne: Yes, we contacted John Binghman regarding that since this is defintely and family fund raising event. The entire family with be included at dinner if I make my goal......we'll see. It's been hard work, that's for sure!

Beth

[Creativebeth]

The sites are down. John Bingham racing sent me the email below.

November 7, 2007

The server on which all John Bingham and John Bingham Racing sites are hosted has been down for at least 4 days. As a result, none of the web sites are working. This is a system-wide problem and good people are trying very hard to get it fixed.

Also, no email addresses at "johnbingham.com" or "jennyhadfield.com" are working. [for example "thepenguin@johnbingham.com"]

If you have tried to access any of the sites, or have tried to email John, David, Jenny, or Beth, I apologize for the inconvenience.

You can reach us at the following email addresses:

John Bingham: jjbingham@earthlink.net
David Babner: dwb@abglawyers.com
Jenny Hadfield: jlhadfield@ earthlink.net
Beth Salinger: beth@endurance-marketing.com

We hope to have this resolved soon. Thank you for your understanding.

John

[swim-mom]

Everything sounds great, but it is way too soon considering that I am going on vac and I have just started a back to running plan.

Does anyone know of any other ones north of NC and between NJ or PA???

[jeanneg]

The one in Allentown PA is very nice. It is a half-marathon held the last Sunday in April. Nancy (padisneyfan) and I did it this year and my daughter has done it for the past 3-4 years. It was our first event ever and seemed to be a nice easy course. It's called the Lehigh Valley Half-Marathon. I won't be doing it this year because we are doing the Minnie the following weekend, but it is nicely organized and close to you.

BTW, where in NJ are you from and what is your child's swim team? We lived in Bergen County for about 15 years and my childen swam on various swim teams, but mostly the Ridgewood Breakers.

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hi WISH Team! If you are interested in listing your participation on the WISH Team calendar please stop over there to do so.

I've only got Pat listed as of this moment. We'd love that you list yourself so we can add you to the list and cheer for you on the weekend participants thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16623550#post16623550

[swim-mom]

The one in Allentown PA is very nice. It is a half-marathon held the last Sunday in April. Nancy (padisneyfan) and I did it this year and my daughter has done it for the past 3-4 years. It was our first event ever and seemed to be a nice easy course. It's called the Lehigh Valley Half-Marathon. I won't be doing it this year because we are doing the Minnie the following weekend, but it is nicely organized and close to you.

BTW, where in NJ are you from and what is your child's swim team? We lived in Bergen County for about 15 years and my childen swam on various swim teams, but mostly the Ridgewood Breakers.

I am in southern NJ, near Cape May, nice to see another NJ person well former NJer:)

I am thinking of doing the Minnie, but I was at WDW in Sept for 9 days and we are leaving next week for 5 more days. So the only thing keeping me here in NJ is the $$ going back down 6 months later. I think Allentown is close to 2 hours a way, but it is an option.

I would like a race to train for. I have done several 5K's and I wanted to do something different. I think there is a Philly 1/2 too, but I am not sure either.

[MouseDogMom]

Unless something changes drastically, I'm going to pass on this one. I kept hoping the pain in my feet/ankles would subside and I'd go ahead and register, but since it isn't, we're now thinking I need to cut back on my mileage between now and Disney. Running a half marathon between now and then probably isn't considered cutting back! Maybe, just maybe I'll come and scream team since it's so close. I hate to miss a WISH meet in my home state!

Jackie

[HMHunters]

Jackie - Sorry to hear you won't be able to run, but you totally have to focus on January!!!

I am now considering also doing the half in Pinehurst next weekend. I have to run 12-14 anyway, so why not do it somewhere nice? It's only $25, but no medal.

Renee

[jeanneg]

Jackie: we will certainly miss you, but it seems like you're doing the wise thing. Gotta be in tip-top shape for January.

Renee: What! no metal? Surely you jest. Don't you know it's all about the bling! :rotfl2:

[Tiger Lily 03]

I thought I'd stop by and cheer everyone on a bit! Go WISH Team!

Jackie, I am sorry to read of your pain. You are smart in cutting back. I do WISH it will make it easier for you January....I am now considering also doing the half in Pinehurst next weekend. I have to run 12-14 anyway, so why not do it somewhere nice? It's only $25, but no medal.

Renee:scared1: :confused3 Nope, no bling, no event. It is so all about the bling I'm thinking! Though it is a good idea of adding in the incentive of an event for your training run. That does sound like a much more fun thing to do.

[Creativebeth]

Boy, this race is coming up fast! I did an 8 miler on Sunday, and then started to think.....geez, it's right around the corner! I have to move on the fund raising.....I need $300 more!

It will be fun though.....I am looking forward to it!

Beth

[getnthinr]

Ok, I have a few questions. First, the link is not working for me and when I do a search I can only come up with the registration at active. can anyone help? How far is this race from charleston, sc? I am thinking drive up the day before and stay one night in a hotel?

Wendy, I thought you were doing Kiawah? Isn't that the same day?

TIA!
Becky

Sorry, Becky, I've been MIA for the past couple of weeks. My mom's in the hospital and we had a huge tradeshow to get ready for at work. Trying to catch up today. Kiawah is actually the weekend after the Run to Victory. And yes, I'll be doing that with some folks from the Raleigh Galloway running group. Funny thing is, we've never met, but I've had such good fortune with the runners I have met that I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be walking the full; everyone else in our condo is running the half.

[getnthinr]

I am now considering also doing the half in Pinehurst next weekend. I have to run 12-14 anyway, so why not do it somewhere nice? It's only $25, but no medal.

Renee

I've done that one, too, Renee. They usually have a pretty nice longsleeved t (it was cotton the year I did it). I like it, but I'm already signed up for a trail race that weekend that's a lot closer to home. It's another rolling course so it's a good training run.

[jeanneg]

Wendy: sending pixiedust to your mom in the hospital. I hope all is going well for her.

So let me get this straight......you're doing a FULL just one month before you're doing the Goofy???? I am truly in awe!

[getnthinr]

Wendy: sending pixiedust to your mom in the hospital. I hope all is going well for her.

So let me get this straight......you're doing a FULL just one month before you're doing the Goofy???? I am truly in awe!

Yep, Jeanne, the Kiawah full is my last long training "run" (walk) before Goofy. I discovered a long time ago it's a lot easier for me to do the long ones when I get a medal: Why do 22 on the treadmill when I can do 26 on a resort island and get a medal? :rotfl2: And Kiawah is very pretty -- and splitting the room several ways makes it quite affordable -- no more expensive than many races I've done on my own. And then there's Charleston -- so many great things to do there. It's a fun time, really.

[Lexxiefern]

I was going to sign up to do the Kiawah half, but when I looked the beginning of October, it was full :( I thought the same as you Wendy, might as well get a medal for my LR! Oh well, maybe next year.

Becky

[jeanneg]

OK, I'm a dummy......where is Kiawah? Sounds like somewhere in Hawaii!

[HMHunters]

Kiawah is an island near Charleston, SC and one of my family's favorite places. It is really beautiful!

[MouseDogMom]

Have a new thought - there's a 5 mile race in conjunction with the half. I may come up there and do that Sunday morning as my weekend run just so I can hang out with all my friends. Most of my Galloway group is doing this as well as the WISH group, so I need to be able to scream team!

Jackie

[HMHunters]

Yay Jackie! Just read you did a 10 mile run today -- that is great news! It would be terrific to have you out there.

WISHer,s do we have a plan to meet up?

Renee

[jeanneg]

Yay, Jackie, we will finally get to meet. We just booked a room at the official race hotel (Archdale Hampton Inn, I think) for $99. I realize we have to check out before the event but they have a free shuttle which means we won't have to deal with parking. If anyone else is coming up the night before maybe we can meet for dinner.

[NYcpa]

We are coming in on Saturday. We are staying at the Holiday Inn Express.

[getnthinr]

Had you guys given up on me? Sorry to have fallen off the face of the earth...

I haven't forgotten about you! I called the Hampton and sadly there are no major chains near the Hampton in Archdale (race hotel). The closest restaurant that they recommend is the Pioneer Steak House. Otherwise we need to drive to Winston Salem for dinner -- about 30 minutes away.

Anyone interested in meeting in the hotel lobby around 5:30PM and just seeing what we can decide? I have a minivan and can offer to drive 4 folks (plus Pat and me). Sadly Saturday night is not a very good time for "shopping around" for restaurants -- it might be quite crowded anyplace we try to drop in. I'm not local to the area, so I don't know what to suggest beyond what the hotel folks came up with.

BTW, I can PM you with my cell phone number if you like.

[WDWFAN9]

I am so excited about this event but a little nervous about those rolling hills - it will be a very different experience for me!!

[getnthinr]

Pat, I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised. I avioded hills like the plague, then discovered some of my best times were on hilly courses -- even though I never found them as easy as some folks (who fly by me) seem to. :)

I'm so excited about seeing everyone -- and about the very cool medal!

[jeanneg]

Count us in for dinner. We are staying at the Archdale Hampton Inn. We will go along with whatever everyone else decides...we're easy. We can also take 3 more people with us (5, if you want to really squeeze) and are happy to do so. Just let me know where and when so I can get the appropriate directions. Signing off the internet for the rest of the day......hosting book club for 12 women tonight.....I have to bake.....AND my house looks like s#&t from all the company last week. No time to waste!

[getnthinr]

OK, for those who requested addresses:

Pioneer Family Restaurant, 10914 N Main St, Archdale, NC 27263

and the closest Olive Garden to Archdale:

Olive Garden, 3000 High Roint Rd, Greensboro, NC 27403

I'm open to other suggestions, too. Just looking for someplace easy to get to, with decent food and service, and offering something we'll like for our pre-race dinner. Maybe we should back our meeting time up to 4:30 or 5PM just to make sure we don't arrive at the restaurant at "rush hour" on Saturday night. Since the race doesn't start till 10AM, we've got a little time to play with.

If you don't have my cell and you think you'll need it, feel free to PM me.

I won't have PC access at all after Thursday night, so try to get your suggestions/intentions posted by then. If we know who is going and where they are meeting us, we won't need to worry about leaving anyone who wants to be included or waiting around for someone who is not planning to go. Sound good? :thumbsup2

[WDWFAN9]

Sounds awesome to me!! This is going to be a blast!!

[HMHunters]

I am so jealous! I wish I was going out Saturday night!! I will just have to hook up with you all Sunday morning. What time are you planning to be there? (I'll be driving by myself from Raleigh so I'll probably leave extra early to allow myself time to get lost!)

Renee

[Creativebeth]

I actually made my goal for the fund raising, so I will be dining with the Penguin and Kyle Petty!

Beth

[WDWFAN9]

I actually made my goal for the fund raising, so I will be dining with the Penguin and Kyle Petty!

Beth

That is so awesome! My DH is a huge NASCAR fan and is so jealous! I told him that if I survive the hills we will have to come back when he has time to do the fundraising so that he can go to the dining experience with the Pettys.

[MouseDogMom]

Renee - Wish I could carpool with you Sunday morning, but since I'm only planning to do the 5 miles, I'll probably head back so I can make the 4:00 reception that I'm in charge of at our church! Like you though, I'm planning to leave really early to allow lots of time to find my way and hang out with everyone before the race(s) start.

I checked the routes for both the 5 mile and half - they appear to be the same for the first couple of miles, so I can at least start with everyone! Now if I'll only register...

Jackie

[getnthinr]

Though the hotel provides a race shuttle, I'll probably plan to drive to the race start. Everyone has to catch a bus from the finish back to the start, and the thought of catching another bus back to the hotel doesn't appeal to me. I typically arrive pretty early myself -- and I plan to attend the "NASCAR-style worship service" before the race in the school gym. I enjoyed it last year. As to exact time, I'm not sure -- but it was a pretty small race last year, so I hope we won't have much trouble finding each other.

Congrats, Beth, on raising the money -- that tour and dinner was really neat last year -- and I loved the extra goodies you get too. Be sure to tell us all about it in your race report!

[MouseDogMom]

Wendy, Renee, Jeanne - Are you planning to go 40/85 towards Greensboro and then down 220, or 64 toward Asheboro? I'm playing on Google Maps and am totally confused, and I'm even from Winston-Salem and can't figure it out!

Jackie

[MouseDogMom]

I DID IT! I finally registered, so I'm now committed to running the 5 miler on Sunday. See everyone there!

Jackie

[HMHunters]

Wendy, Renee, Jeanne - Are you planning to go 40/85 towards Greensboro and then down 220, or 64 toward Asheboro? I'm playing on Google Maps and am totally confused, and I'm even from Winston-Salem and can't figure it out!

JackieHere's my route:
+ 85S
+ exit 122B to US 220 S (toward Asheboro) - stay on this for 12.5 miles
+ Randleman exit
+ Left onto W Academy - .4 miles
+ Left onto High Point - .2 miles

This is from Mapquest and matches the direction on the RTV website.

I'm so excited you officially will be there!!!
Renee

[NYcpa]

Lynne and I should be getting in early afternoon. We are staying at the Holiday Inn in Ashevale. We would like to meet up for supper. We will also have a rental car as we are flying in.

Hope to see everyone Saturday and Sunday.

[WDWFAN9]

weather forecast for Sunday - mostly clousy with a high in the low 60's!

[jeanneg]

Congrats, Beth, on meeting your fundraising goal! I'm sure you're hubby and son are also thrilled.
Weather reports sound pretty good.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

[getnthinr]

Okie dokie -- Jeanne and her DH, Pat, and I will plan on meeting in the Hampton hotel lobby at 4:30PM or shortly after Saturday night. If you want to meet us there, great -- if not, just give us a call on my cell to find out where we're eating. General concensus seems to be the Pioneer if it looks okay (just because it's close), otherwise we'll head to the Olive Garden at 3000 High Point Rd in Greensboro, which seems to suit everyone. (Warning: there are 3 Olive Gardens in the area, but this is the closest one.) I have driving directions to the OG from the Hampton, but Pat and I may bum a ride with Jeanne and her hubby since Jeanne thinks she already knows where it is (and I'm only going on Olive Garden's directions).

I'm so excited!!!!!!! :banana:

On race morning, I'll try to snag a spot on the bleachers just to the left of the entry to the gym (all seating was on the left last year, but rather than being in the middle close to the speaker, I'll sit closer to the door so any late arrivals can find us) for the "NASCAR-style worship service". I believe that it was after the service last year that a few lucky folks got their photos taken with the Pettys and John Bingham -- there's not a lot of time between the end of the service and the race start -- maybe we can get a group photo with them in our WISH-wear. Fingers crossed!

I'll be off the computer (probably) for the remainder of the weekend. Good luck everyone!


Lynne and I should be getting in early afternoon. We are staying at the Holiday Inn in Ashevale. We would like to meet up for supper. We will also have a rental car as we are flying in.

Hope to see everyone Saturday and Sunday.

[HMHunters]

FYI - An email response for a question I'd asked:

We do have a gear check for you at the middle school. Bring your dry items
with you, check them at the middle school and they will be waiting for you
at the camp at the finish line.
Can't wait!

Renee

[jeanneg]

Geez, I didn't know there were 3 Olive Gardens in Greensboro! Now I have no idea if we're thinking of the right one. Just bring your mapquest directions from the hotel to OG and we should be fine. Hopefully it will still be light when we set off. I'll call my daughter later (she's in CA so I have to wait for the time difference) and see if it was the one on High Point that we used to go to. If so, there are about a dozen restaurants on the same street.
Actually, we'll probably also go to the service. I will be missing our regular Sunday Mass and right now, with all my aches and pains, I certainly could use a little bit of God's blessing. If you don't think parking is a problem we will take the car....otherwise we'll leave it at the hotel and take the shuttle.

[Creativebeth]

Geez......I not ready for this!!!

Beth

[WDWFAN9]

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go.....actually I'm at work until noon, then my awesome son-in-law is taking me to the airport!

I'll be in NC soon. I've never been to that part of the country before and I am very excited!

See ya all real soon!

[gatorphipps]

HEY! I just posted this on the other thread...but here is a race report from Ron with pics...Wendy you are in them and I saw other WISHers, but could not tell who they were....Here is the link!:goodvibes
http://tricharlotte.com/12-2-07_victory-junction-gang/12-2-07_victory-junction_p0.htm

Hope it works!

[getnthinr]

Thanks, Christa! It was a blast seeing Ron -- as always. And for any of you who haven't seen them, be sure to check out the photos of the WISHers at the Run to Victory in the weekly race thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1650055

[HMHunters]

HEY! I just posted this on the other thread...but here is a race report from Ron with pics...Wendy you are in them and I saw other WISHers, but could not tell who they were....Here is the link!:goodvibes
http://tricharlotte.com/12-2-07_victory-junction-gang/12-2-07_victory-junction_p0.htm

Hope it works!That's me in the background of the first picture on the third page!

Renee

[getnthinr]

Official race photos are up! I had a lot of fun entering the names of WISHers and peeking at their photos -- What fun! Enjoy!

http://www.runphotos.com/

[jeanneg]

Great photos, but so expensive! They said in the email that all proceeds go to the Camp, so I'm wondering if I could consider it a charitable donation?:thumbsup2