Announcing "The Incredibles"!

[PlainJane]

Hey everyone . My name is Amy (just to make things confusing). I'm a 20 year old full time college student. I was a dancer throughout high school, but had to quit because of a quirky medical condition (Hypermobility Syndrome). Anyway, since then I haven't been consistent at all with exercising. I have to have a goal to make myself exercise (and general health and fitness doesn't cut it).

I've been generally aware of the Disney races for a couple years now, but I never realized that they were friendly towards mere mortals (i.e. people who don't run 10 miles a day), that is until I stumbled upon the WISH boards. So, now I have myself a goal, the Princess Half next March (which I will happily walk, run, hobble, really anything legal that gets me over the finish line and not swept).

I've spent the last month building up endurance through walking on the treadmill and strength training to prepare my body for C25K (because of the Hypermobility I have to take everything slow to begin with) which I plan to start Monday.

To answer the food question, I think I just found my favorite indulgence this morning, the four cheese souffle at Panera.

 

[VernRDH]

Alicia-a big THANK YOU for making us the avatar!!! You rock girlfriend!

To Amy, Lauren and Stephanie-WELCOME to the Incredibles!!

smileyk8-thanks for popping in to say hi! Much appreciated.

Seems like a bunch of us are doing the DL half and another bunch are doing next years Princess. What a goal oriented group we are huh!

I myself have been sidelined this week with a terrible cold/flu thing. I am running this Sunday come he!! or high water. And next week I am on vacation, so I am planning to run as much as I can. I don't officially start training until 5/17, but I want to keep up as much running as possible.

 

[corinnak]

So great to see a new TEAM! And to see so many of my good Biggest Loser pals banding together as well!!!

I am obviously devoted to my own Team Ohana, but with so many familiar faces over here, I hope it's OK if I pop in to cheer your Incredibleness from time to time as well!

Room317 - you have plenty of time to train for that 10K - if you've got 4+ miles already, you are in great shape for a June race!

You guys definitely have some great goals for the year ahead! Excellent!

 

[VernRDH]

corinna thanks for stopping by to say hi!

You are welcome to bask in our incredibleness anytime!!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Hi Stephanie! I see you live in the Sacramento area.....well, I'm in El Dorado Hills.....just east of Folsom! I too am doing the DL Half Marathon. This will actually be my 3rd year for the DL Half. Hoping my husband will join me this year.... Where do you do your training runs? I love to go down to the American River & Lake Natomas to do mine....It is so pretty and makes the running a little more enjoyable. I've thought about doing the Zoo Zoom...we'll see. I am doing the 10K in Elk Grove this weekend - I think it is called the "Nutrition Fuels Fitness" and I'm planning on doing the Breast Cancer 5k in May.

Great to see ya here!

Ack! I had an entire response about upcoming races in Sac I've been thinking about and I accidentally closed the webpage I was on!

Okay, here's the short version. I'd love to do Race for the Cure, but don't you have to be on a fund-raising team? I'm definitely planning on doing the Nike Women's Fitness Festival in June. I've heard that one is a lot of fun!

I mostly run around my neighborhood in the evening, but sometimes I'll head over to the bike trail along the American River near Jesuit and Rio Americana High Schools. I also like to jog along Miners Ravine trail on Dry Creek up in Roseville when I'm up there just because it's such a pretty space and so quiet. Now that I'll be starting soon to do a longer run once a week, I'll have to find some other good spots. The bike trail on the American River is always a good one, though!

 

[Mickeys#1Fan4ever]

I mostly run around my neighborhood in the evening, but sometimes I'll head over to the bike trail along the American River near Jesuit and Rio Americana High Schools.

Funny that you mentioned this part of the trail.....I'm debating whether I want to get in a quick run my neighborhood in the morning before I take my son to Rio American HS to play some waterpolo or just wait and while he's playing for 2 hours go for a run along the river there. I love going for runs in my neighborhood but that is usually some serious hill workouts....I have to drive to at least Folsom to get some flat ground for running!! And I always head to Lake Natomas/American River when I'm trying to get in a long run.....the hills get way to difficult on the longer runs.

As for the Race for the Cure I don't think you actually have to be on a "team". I ran it last year and just signed up as an individual. I did get some donations though. It is a good flat course and any donations help.

 

[kelleydea]

Hi all! I am Kelley, and I want to be a runner! I am registered for the Disney World half marathon next Jan and I am going to really get started training this week.

I am a stay at home mom that lives in my car! I have 2 kids, my son Cameron (age 11) and my daughter Becca (who will be 7 on Sunday). I spend my hours driving children to baseball, drum lessons, softball, and figure skating. I live in Kansas City, and we are just now getting weather that is good enough to go outside and exercise. Last week we had a day that was 70 degrees and a day that we got 8 inches of snow!! LOL My husband is not going to do the half with me, but he has committed to doing the training. We will see how long he lasts!

What is my favorite food indulgence? Nachos. I have no problem passing up cake, cookies, or candy- but I have a serious weakness when it comes to nachos.

I look forward to getting to know all of you. Alicia, thanks so much for creating the avatars! Now I just have to figure out how to put one in my signature!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Welcome, Kelley!

Just finished Jillian Michael's 30 Day shred for the second time. Boy, that's hard for me.

 

[mikamah]

Well, I'm going to get out this morning and do w5d1 c25k, even though it is only 20 degrees out. We are heading to my brother's for the weekend, and I want to get it in.

It is so fun to hear everyone's plans for future races. We have a great, motivated group here.

Alicia-love the avatar you created. Thank you. So cute, and so fun to be a part of this team.

Kelley- sounds like our new england weather. I love spring, but wish the cold would stay away now.

Corinna- you were such a big inspiration for me to start running. It's great to see you here.

I have a question about being swept in a race. What exactly does that mean? Does each race have a time frame, and if you don't finish it in that time frame do they sweep you along, and clean up the race course? I'm guessing that they finish the race and have the closing ceremony without you, and you can still finish. tia.

 

[leeshiebean]

From what I understand, at least in Disney races, is that once the last racer crosses the start, they begin timing 16 minute miles. I think I heard they had people on bikes with flags maintaining that 16 minute mile pace, and notified you if you were getting close. I'm not sure how they go about actually sweeping you, whether they make you wait aside until the "sweep bus" comes along, or what. Hope that helps a little!

Also, I'm glad you all like the avatars! Go Incredibles!

 

[VernRDH]

I have a question about being swept in a race. What exactly does that mean? Does each race have a time frame, and if you don't finish it in that time frame do they sweep you along, and clean up the race course? I'm guessing that they finish the race and have the closing ceremony without you, and you can still finish. tia.

My understanding is that you have to be at a certain point by a certain time or else you get swept. So say you have to be at the 10K (6.2 mile) mark by x time. The timer there will have anyone who has not passed that marker stop and the bus will come get you. If you get swept, you do not get to finish or get your finishers medal. They bus you back to the staging area.

There was a blog I read of someone who got swept, don't remember where, but I think that was pretty much what happened.

No worries-the Incredibles will rock any race they run, so no sweeping here!!

 

[escape]

Hi all!

New to the group here but not new to "running". I put that in quotes because I'm more of a walker right now. However, I plan to incorporate some more running into my routines so I can get a little faster. In order to do so, I need to lose weight so that I can run more than 10 feet without gasping for air.

I was a couch potato until I turned 49 (consider me the old lady of the group). A friend of mine lost a lot of weight through WW and took up running. She completed the WDW half in 2006. She talked me into doing the WDW 2007 half. I couldn't even run down my driveway, let alone think about doing a half-marathon. I signed up for it thinking it would give me an incentive to lose weight. Unfortunately, I only got nervous about the mileage and started eating more.

In August of 2006, I decided to get serious. I joined a gym to help me get ready to train and started eating better. My training plan from the Marathoning for Mortals book (by John Bingham) had me start training on Oct. 1. I had 1.5 months to get in better shape before then. The first month of training was horrible. I could not break a 16-minute mile. Finally, in Nov of that year, I broke it. By December, I was doing a 15-minute mile (mostly walking with a little jogging). Thanks to all the training and eating better, I lost 40 pounds between Aug. 2006 & Jan. 10.

The 2007 half came & I was ready....or so I thought. I was not prepared for the heat. It was 100% humidity at the start of the race. The temps were in the 70's and got warmer as the race progressed. It was hot. I trained mainly in cooler weather. I finished the race but I felt miserable afterwards. I had developed 4 blood blisters on my feet from the sweat. It was the hardest physical thing I had ever done in my life. I swore that I would cross that off my list and never do it again. Two days later I signed up for the 2008 full marathon - the 15th anniversary. There was going to be a special medal. I had to go for it!

Now, I didn't tell ya'll about my miserable experience to run any of you off. Several of you have already completed a half so you know what to expect. What I didn't tell you is that it was truly a great accomplishment and something that I am so proud of. I NEVER EVER thought I could do something like this. Except for the race, the marathon weekend was such a blast. Meeting fellow WISHers, the Expo, the excitement of it all is truly worth it. After a few days, I forgot about the miserable time I had in the race. I couldn't wait to do it again. That's when I signed up for the full for the 2008 race.

Now, 25+ half- & 2 full-marathons later, that first race is still one of the hardest things I have ever done. As you go through your training, you will have good days and bad days. Count on it. That first race was a bad day for me. Most of my races have been good (or, at least better than that first one). Just don't give up. Keep moving forward. We'll be here to support you. That's one of the things I like about the WISH team. There is so much support from the members. It's like having your own cheering team - through your training and at the events!

Good luck to all as you get out there and train!

 

[escape]

From what I understand, at least in Disney races, is that once the last racer crosses the start, they begin timing 16 minute miles. I think I heard they had people on bikes with flags maintaining that 16 minute mile pace, and notified you if you were getting close. I'm not sure how they go about actually sweeping you, whether they make you wait aside until the "sweep bus" comes along, or what. Hope that helps a little!

Also, I'm glad you all like the avatars! Go Incredibles!

Yes, thanks for the avatar!!! It's great.

A note about the sweepers - after the last person crosses the finish line, the timing starts. There are busses at points along the course and if you don't make it to that point by a certain time, you will be asked to get on the bus. The bus will then take you to the finish line area so you can meet up with family, friends or whatever.

Really, don't worry about being picked up. If you train, you shouldn't have any problems...even if you are a back of the packer like I am. I just treat these races as another training day. Now, I do know people that have been picked up and I admire their efforts. Most of them had issues that prevented them from going as fast as they normally do but they wanted to try anyway. There is NO shame in being picked up. Our WISH motto states that it's better to not finish than not start at all. Of course, I say that with my fingers crossed because you don't want to start if it could result in further injury or illness.

 

[VernRDH]

Hi teammies!!!

I finally got to go out and run today-did 4 miles in 48 minutes, slow but steady. Since I haven't run in 10 days, I'll take it.

Welcome to the new members of our team. Wow we are growing into quite the group.

So here is another question to ponder:

What exercise do you hate/despise the most?

For me it has to be squat thrusts. UGH how I hate them. Mountain climbers would be my number 2 least fave.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

 

[donac]

Good Sunday afternoon everyone. I have just been assigned to this team. I will tell you that I have never run a race but I feel I need a group that can inspire me. I also fell in love with the name. I will introduce myself after I work on some quotes from you guys.

Hello all!

I just saw that I'm officially a part of The Incredibles, yay!

I'm 26, live in New England (but I'm from south Jersey) and work as a meteorologist. I used to run in high school, and then sporadically through college with my now fiance. I've written the whole story here, but to shorten it up, I started training in August for the 2010 Princess Half Marathon. The race was amazing and I am so happy I did it! I'm signed up for the Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon at the expo for the Princess half, so I'll be starting my training for that this summer. Until then, I'll be running regularly, of course, but doing some speedwork and hill workouts so I can improve my running for the Philly half!

I look forward to talking to you all about our training!

Where in Jersey are you from, originally? (Me too!)

I am from West Long Branch NJ. I have lived here for 32 years this Aug. Ds2 is now studying at Rowan outside of Philly. I am originally from Bergen county about 2 miles from the Meadowlands. Dh is from Newark but his folks now live in Toms River.

Alicia and Linda WELCOME to the Incredibles! Glad to have you along.

I am going to try to come up with a conversation starter question each week or so, if anyone has a suggestion, feel free to post up.

So here is question #1:

What is your favorite food indulgence?

Mine would have to be ice cream, especially soft ice cream. All the places are opening here now, so sometimes it can be hard to pass them by. Just have to run more/harder to make up for it!!

Chat it up people!

I would have to say chocolate. I have gotten more picky in the last few years and love dark chocolate. I have given it up for lent. Giving it up has helped my stomach to more settled than the lasst couple of months so I think there is a connection

Hi all!

I was a couch potato until I turned 49 (consider me the old lady of the group).

Good luck to all as you get out there and train!

Can I join you as being the old lady of the group? In May I will turn 55 When did I get this old?


I am a 55 year old math teacher who has been teaching for 33 years. I am now teaching AP Calculus to 4 classes and a geometry class. I have been in the same school for my entire career. AS of May 29th I can retire any tiime I want. I am not ready to go yet but it is a nice feeling.

I have been married to my college sweetheart for 32 years this Aug. We have two sons ds1 is almost 25, graduated from college 2 years ago and is still living with us. Has not found a job in his field yet but is working full time for JCPenney's. He is taking his girl friend of almost 6 years to DW in AUg to celebrate her graduation from college. DS2 is a sophomore at Rowan UNiversity studying Civil and Environmental Engineering (yes he is scary smart).

I have never done a race and I don't see a Disney one in my plans until ds2 gets out of college. If I am going to do a race it would have to be a local one because I don't think dh would think I could do it. (My dsis and dbil planned to do a DW half told everyone they were doing it and never did). I am also not a runner. I have had problem feet for many many years. Last JUne I had bunion surgery on my left foot and during recovery I hurt right knee. It has been a problem since and I am getting ready to find an orthopedist to look at it.

I joined this group as a way to keep accountable about my workouts. Since last summer I have have not been consistent with my workouts. Since I have been with the BL (Hello Kathy, and Lisa) my eating has been pretty good but in order for me to lose weight I need to workout and getting inspiration from you guys should help.

Thanks for letting me join. I will try to be on at least once a day.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

What exercise do you hate/despise the most?

Until nine weeks ago, it was running, but thanks to the C25K, I am learning to like it. Now that I like it, my legs are killing me from the knee down, and I am having to rest. Kind of ironic.

I can't really think of another form that I really hate, but I might think of something when I read what other people say!

 

[donac]

Hi teammies!!!

I finally got to go out and run today-did 4 miles in 48 minutes, slow but steady. Since I haven't run in 10 days, I'll take it.

Welcome to the new members of our team. Wow we are growing into quite the group.

So here is another question to ponder:

What exercise do you hate/despise the most?

For me it has to be squat thrusts. UGH how I hate them. Mountain climbers would be my number 2 least fave.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

It would have to be lunges. They bother my knees and ankles

 

[VernRDH]

Dona-welcome! No matter you run/don't run, we will help keep you accountable for whatever exercise you do if that is what you need.

55 is not old (neither is 49 there Miss Susie), my FIL is going to be 68 this September and is going for the Coast to Coast Challenge with me. He is a nut, but to him (and my dear MIL) fat is the worst thing that can happen to you. So they exercise like crazy. DIL teaches spinning 2x week, plays tennis 4-5 x week and runs at least 3-4 x week. MIL will run 6 mile hill routes to work off a corn muffin. They are trying to kill me I think, but its good to have them to train with, they do keep me going.

 

[ScubaMickey]

I made some signature avatars for our group! Luckily The Incredibles font was free.

You can go here to download them. I made each in 2 different sizes - the two shown are in the big sizes.

Thanks for the great pictures. This was my first attempt at updating my signature. What a great picture. Now I just need to watch the Incredibles movie

Thanks for the link.

ScubaMickey

 

[Mickeys#1Fan4ever]

Hi All

It's a beautiful day here in Northern Cali....participated in a 10K this morning....very pleased with my finish time...1 hr & 4 mins!!! That is a BIG improvement for me....I've been having issues with my feet but I've been seeing a sports injury chiropractor and I think I'm starting to see an improvement.

Getting really excited about our Disneyland trip this week....64 hours and we'll be heading to DLR!! My oldest son turns 18 on Friday and it just happens to be spring break.....so Disneyland here we come!!!

What exercise do you hate/despise the most?

I would have to say for me this is push-ups with those horrible mountain climbers in a very close 2nd!

Well....headed off to get some laundry done so we'll have something to wear at Disney this week! Keep your fingers crossed for NO RAIN!!!

Have a GREAT week Incredibles!