WISH'ers walking, running and "other"ing in 2012--General Discussion thread

[jmasgat]

2012 UPDATED: INSTEAD OF STARTING A NEW THREAD, LET'S JUST KEEP THIS ONE GOING

So I thought I'd start an open-ended thread for the new year in the tradition of the previous monthly threads.

First....Happy New Year to all. I hope it is starting off the way you would like. I ran 13.1 today as the first LR of my marathon training plan. Yes, the extra 0.1 was for everyone doing the races next weekend. I will be thre in spirit to cheer you all on.

Second, I dredged out my running goals for 2010. Here's what I put.

"Run healthy and strong all year
Run a sub-2:00 half
Maybe try and BQ in the fall
Learn to enjoy races and recognize that not every race is going to be a PR."

I actually managed to achieve them all. The most challenging one, at times, is the last one. No matter what race I'm at, I always manage to get sucked in to thinking about my time. Plus I am a "take no notice" runner--I run looking down around 10 ft infront of me. But I did try in every race to look around, to sing to the music (yup-aint always pretty!) and not just wish it was over!

So the question is--for me and everyone else--what's in store for 2011? I'm not sure yet, but I do know that I want to expand my race horizon and see new places. Plus, it might be cool to go somewhere where WISH'ers were racing and JUST CHEER. There's a concept!

So anyone else want to share?

Maura

 

[FFigawi]

Well, since you asked, I'll share what I've got planned this year. My primary goal is to finish the Texas Marathon Challenge (run 5 marathons or longer in the state between 10/1 and 5/31). I've got two down and three more to go. After that, I want to take a break for a month or two and then start some serious training to build a base to BQ next year. I'll probably hit Disneyland again, too, to get another Coast to Coast medal and see if I can come up with an even better costume than this year.

 

[hockeygirl]

I was just actually thinking about this the other day....my goals for the year include getting back into running shape after my baby is born in April. I applied for the NYC marathon, so if I get in, I will be running that. And then get ready for the 2012 Goofy. I also would like to do some more local shorted races in the fall to keep in shape. We shall see how all this pans out with the baby coming hope it all works out!

 

[joan4mickey]

Well, I started my Princess Half training today and my girls are running with me again this year ( they ran 2009 skipped 2010) and they want to PR. They ran 2:28 in 2009 so my first goal is to get them over the finish line sub 2:15.

Next I'm going to try some trail running. I started my running journey three years ago and now it is time to try something new. I want to do a multi day stage run some place beautiful.

I may do C2C if DDs want to. Yes I'm the sucker that pays for it all.

And I want to do the full Disney marathon in 2012. Haven't done that one yet.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I've already registered for 4 halfs in different states. Shamrock in VA and RnRs in Providence, RI; St Louis, MO; and Savannah, GA.

My goal is to train a bit more for them and be better prepared than for those I did in 2010.

WISH me luck.
Good luck to everyone working through theirs.

 

[deleckidesign]

I'm already signed up for 3 halfs this year - WDW, Mini Marathon in Indy and Disney Land! My first and only half was last year in Indy...my training was not where it should have been and I finished in just under 3 hours. I'd like to finish in 2:30:00 or less sometime this year. I'd also like to be more committed to my training and actually get in more than 6 wks of training prior to all my races! The big goal is to run the WDW full (my first full) in 2012.

 

[ksoehrlein]

My main 2011 goal is a biggie for me: I'm going to be the program director for the brand-new Birmingham (AL) Galloway Training Program, which is set for launch this spring. The training isn't anywhere near as daunting as is the fact that this formerly shy wallflower is going to be taking charge and actually leading a group instead of just following. WISH me luck!

 

[verticalchaos]

I'm running my first half at WDW in 6 days!! That's the biggie as of now!

I'm also registered for the NYC Half in March. I'm going to do the Disneyland Half, but am going to hold off on that registration until probably the Expo at WDW Marathon Weekend to (hopefully) avoid the online fee.

I threw my name into the ING NYC Marathon lottery, but given that I'm in the tri-state area and the odds are stacked against us (we might in theory have more slots available to us, but there are FAR more who apply for those percentage-wise than out of state or internationals - example, with the half, only 12% of those in the tri-state area who applied got in vs. over 80% for out of staters and internationals because of the differential in people applying) and I got a slot in the NYC Half, I'm thinking I used up any luck I had with that one. So odds are I'll hold off until 2012 when I'll have guaranteed entry thanks to the NYRR 9+1 thing. My friends and family love me and are supportive, but I can barely raise $250 for the Komen Race for the Cure, so there's no way I could raise the $2500 or more that the charities require.

Beyond those...nothing is scheduled. We'll see what happens though!!

~beth

 

[livelovelaugh06]

I am in the process of "getting into shape", so why not a half marathon? Disney seems to be a good and happy place to start, so a group of high school friends (from 20 years ago) are meeting up for the race. I plan on doing a 1/2 marathon in march, so I can test the waters before September's race.

If I am still alive and not hospitalized after the disney race, I would like to do a full marathon in Las Vegas in December. Good luck to all!

 

[Pumbaa80]

I've already registered for 4 halfs in different states. Shamrock in VA and RnRs in Providence, RI; St Louis, MO; and Savannah, GA.

My goal is to train a bit more for them and be better prepared than for those I did in 2010.

WISH me luck.
Good luck to everyone working through theirs.

You're going to be in my neck of the woods for that savannah marathon! we havent' decided yet about entering, though...

 

[FFigawi]

My main 2011 goal is a biggie for me: I'm going to be the program director for the brand-new Birmingham (AL) Galloway Training Program, which is set for launch this spring. The training isn't anywhere near as daunting as is the fact that this formerly shy wallflower is going to be taking charge and actually leading a group instead of just following. WISH me luck!

Good for you to step up and lead the group like that! I'm sure you'll do just fine.

 

[Bephus]

Mind if I join in?
My biggest goal is the Dopey that i start in 4 days! Just writing that makes my tummy flip over! I then want to find a half to run with my best friend who just ran her first half this fall. I want to run a sub-24 min 5k and a sub-4 hour marathon. I have a chance of doing the second on Sunday, but if I don't I will run another marathon this fall. I am torn between putting my name in the lottery for Nike Women's in SF, OBX, or just doing the Jax Bank here in town. Will most likely come down to $ and if we go to Alaska this summer for my cousin's wedding. If we do go to AK I am going to try to find a race there.
I will be putting my and DH's names in for NYC again but planning on running that 2012 either on guarentee from 3 years of lottery or deferment.
I want to sit down after this weekend and pick my races so I can figure out training schedules. So much fun!!

 

[Millenium Mickey]

Apparently I have not logged into this site since 12-17-2009 (although I do read occassionally), so posting here is a good start!

My 2010 running goals were to complete 10 half marathons in at least 3 states I had not run in before and complete the NYC marathon. I completed 9 half marathons in 2 new states and finished the Chicago and NYC marathons. After NYC, I was officially burned out and stopped running until about 2 weeks ago. I have decided to take a year off from marathon training and focus on 1/2's and attempt a tri.

My 2011 running goals are to complete 11 half marathons (ideally 1 each month beginning in February) in 9 states (at least 4 that I have not run in before), receive another C2C medal (Princess/Disneyland - why not, I've done all of them!), and complete my first (sprint) triathlon.

And to check in here more often and become an active participant on these boards.

 

[jmasgat]

John 5 marathons? How much more of a base can you build! It will be interesting to see what changes BAA makes due to the sell-out this year. Seems like a change in standards is bound to happen--I think it will affect women more than men.

Laurie Here's hoping baby arrives healthy and happy. And hope your bounceback into shape goes well. I am thinking of Goofy for 2012 too--don't have that medal yet, so that would mean more marathon training for me too.

Joan I like your ideas for trail running and the multi-day race. I was just mentioning this to friends at dinner last night (non-runners). I think it could be fun, but first I'd have to find a group of people. Maybe a WISH group could happen?

Lily You are definitely going great on your different states. Makes me want to travel!

deleckidesign Yeah for you....you get the Coast to Coast medal (it's big and heavy--which I like). Good luck getting in the training.

Kim Way to go! You will do great with your Galloway group. And congrats for becoming a leader,

Beth Good luck with your half, and I hope you get into NY. Seems like it's a real toughie.

livelovelaugh06 I had the same feeling 2 years ago when I started to run--why not do it at Disney. So good luck with your training and hope you get there!

Beth Hey....I recognize those goals! I also was looking for the sub 4 marathon and just did a 23+ 5k last month. Hope your Dopey goes well. That is one that I can't quite wrap my head around yet.

Lisa Wow! You are one ambitious person. I hear you about the 1/2 vs full. Seems like there is so much more you can do if you are doing 1/2's. And for sure try the tri. If I can do it, you can too!

I love reading everyone's goals. Mine are still developing. Still open to a Feb and Mar 1/2 to fit into my training plan. So many races!

Maura

 

[stampingoddess]

I'm turning 50 this year, so my goal will be to complete a half marathon each month of 2011.

I'm starting off this weekend with the Disney Half Marathon followed by the Princess Half next month. In addition, to keep me motivated and accountable, I'm blogging about my 1/2 century adventure at www.walkincolleen.com

 

[MouseDogMom]

My main 2011 goal is a biggie for me: I'm going to be the program director for the brand-new Birmingham (AL) Galloway Training Program, which is set for launch this spring. The training isn't anywhere near as daunting as is the fact that this formerly shy wallflower is going to be taking charge and actually leading a group instead of just following. WISH me luck!

Congratulations! As a 4-year member of the Raleigh Galloway group, it's always fun to welcome a new group on board! (We're the largest in the country - 495 members in 2010) Hope you have a wonderful, successful season.

Everyone has terrific goals for this year. I'm envious! I'm two weeks post-op from hip surgery to repair torn cartilage, and have to wait 3 months until I can run. So my 2011 running goals will be severely curtailed based on losing the entire winter of training. I do tentatively intend to make another run at the Marine Corps Marathon - the 2010 experience was less than desirable, and I'd like to first enjoy the course, and second achieve my time goal. As long as I hit the ground running in late March, that will be my primary goal for this year. (A much less aggressive year than 2010, which began with Goofy followed with 3 more spring halfs before MCM in October.)

Jackie

 

[deleckidesign]

I may do C2C if DDs want to. Yes I'm the sucker that pays for it all.

Nothing wrong with that. My mom is my "manager" and finances all our trips

 

[deekaypee]

These are all terrific goals - I'll have to go back and steal a few after I get back from marathon weekend. I totally fell off the fitness wagon, and disappeared from here, for most of 2010. LTO in several different areas.

I tend not to make fitness goals until after marathon weekend - too much to stress about. But I know my first goal is to get back into fighting shape. And by that I mean trim fighting shape for some running, not the bloated fighting shape of boxing movies.

And Maura, you started another thread in which I mentioned doing a non-Disney WISH race. I think that has to be a priority in 2011. Without a longer distance, destination race to plan for besides Disney I got slack. 2012 should be the Goofy/Dopey, although the race fees & Disney trip expenses are a double killer.

So, not very specific of planned out. But great intentions and enthusiasm. Like all my New Year's resolutions!

Oh, I will say this - Thanks to Lily, I've joined the 100 Days Challenge by John Bingham. 30 minutes a day of intentional exercise, for 100 days straight. I already hit more than that most days, but I want to use the challenge to push me to more variety (especially non-cardio) so that I get into better shape. There's a link on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thank-You-Walt-Disney-Inc/104323136277564?v=info#!/event.php?eid=151291521589885
or just track on your own. Anyone can join at any time!

One last resolution that I'm bound to keep. More WISH time, especially on the general thread. The cost of being disconnected from my fitness buddies played out physically and mentally. You're all a lifeline! Don't make me turn to my lonely life of bourbon and ice cream as recovery foods. Keep me accountable!

 

[FFigawi]

And Maura, you started another thread in which I mentioned doing a non-Disney WISH race. I think that has to be a priority in 2011. Without a longer distance, destination race to plan for besides Disney I got slack. 2012 should be the Goofy/Dopey, although the race fees & Disney trip expenses are a double killer.

Maybe we can all pick a fun race like Napa Valley, Vegas, Grandma's, or Flying Pig to run together. I was going to suggest Bourbon Chase but it's already full for 2011.

John 5 marathons? How much more of a base can you build! It will be interesting to see what changes BAA makes due to the sell-out this year. Seems like a change in standards is bound to happen--I think it will affect women more than men.

I've got a great base for running long and far, but not a very good one for running fast. I need to do a lot more speedwork in order to become a better runner. I can run at a 10 min/mile pace forever and a 9 min/mile marathon with some effort, but have never put in the training, cross training, and strength training required to get me to a 8 min/mile marathon. That's the base I need to build. I think you're right about BAA changing the qualifying times. The women's times are 30 minutes slower than the men's for most age groups, and I think they'll change that sooner or later.

I've really liked reading everyone else's goals. The 100 Days Challenge really interests me. I make sure I hit all my workouts but tend not to do much on my rest days. This will not only help me be active, I'm sure the dogs will appreciate some extra walks during the week too.

 

[jmasgat]

Colleen Good luck with that plan. It is much more ambitious than when I turned 50 (in 2008). I decided to start running that year as an antidote to boring "workouts". Did the (dearly departed) Minnie 15k as my first race and only after that worked up the guts to do a 1/2. BTW, I liked reading your blog.

Jackie Hope the recovery is proceeding well. Are you able to do some kind of rehab exercises now?

Debra I am similar in that I have nothing planned....til after April. I also am in need of a goal to keep me honest and moving. And so far, they have all been "progressive", i.e. do a 15k, then a 1/2, then a full, then a faster full, etc. But that can only go so far (since I won't say out loud that I will do a 1/2 IM), so now is the time to go for variety, I guess. Don't worry, we will keep you accountable...as long as you share the bourbon and ice cream!

John I read a recommendation that BAA use age-graded times and set the bar at 65%. If they were to do that, then younger women would have tighter time, not so much for older women. I like the age-graded idea. As for speedwork, I like the workouts in my training plan from "Run Less, Run Faster". One workout is speed, one workout is temp, and one is a LR. The variety is good and the pace is challenging.

And since it is Tuesday, it is time to go to do speedwork and then yoga. I am still waiting for my pulled rib muscle (I think that's what I have) to heal. Apparently it's going to take its sweet time, so yoga may be "interesting" today.

Maura