Official Introduction Place

[windwalker]

We have a lot of new people on the boards and I remember when I came over here it was confusing trying to keep everyone straight. I thought it would be nice to introduce our selves to them and to each other, I still don't know very much about a lot of you.

I'll go first:

My name is Dave and my lady Erica and I live in Southern Ky, 60 miles north of Nashville. She is a nurse, works weekend nights, her area is Telemetry and ICU. I'm an optician and night mgr at a Lenscrafters. I'm also retired from the USAF.

We are walkers and do several races a year. Our last race together was the Flying Pig in Cincinnati. We met several of the WISH Team there. We also met some WISHers at the 2007 DisneyWorld marathon weekend. We were brand new there but we felt welcome. The WISH Team does Scream Team right.

Our goals for near future are to do the ToT adventure in Oct, then the Goofy Challange in January. We just this week decided to do the Minnie in May since it's the last one and Erica needs the medal. We drive down to WDW.

I have been given the honor of being "Poster Child for the You Ain't Right Club" I have a hard time keeping myself out of trouble.

Now it's your turn, tell as much or as little as you want.

Dave

 

[Duanerice]

Duane here. I live in South Florida but still have a LONG 3 hour drive to Disney. My wife Denise doesn't run or walk so I am a loner in this. Although I do get support. I just turned 50 with no kids at home so our schedule is pretty flexible.

I ran indoors for a year the treadmill then graduated to outside. Can't stand running on the treadmill anymore. I have been running outside for almost a year now, although it is pretty hot and humid. So as you can see, I am relatively new to this running thing.

Training for my first marathon at Disney in January. I am training with the Marathon for Mortals plan. Up to now I have only run 5K's locally. I am also signed up for the RFTT and the ToT, both in October.

We own a real estate company, so you can see why I have time to run. Duane, keep telling yourself "the market is getting better, the market is getting better"

My first goal is to make it to the start line. I figure if I can make it to the start injury free I have a great chance of finishing. Second goal would be running a 5 hour marathon if all goes well (I'm not fast). But, I will be happy with whatever time I have as long as I finish!

I guess that's it for now.

enjoy and stay healthy.
Duane

 

[Creativebeth]

WWDave, this is a great idea! I have a very difficult time keeping everyone straight!

My name is Beth and I live in York (PA). I just joined the dis group within the past several months on the encouragement of PADisneyFan (Nancy) who is my co-worker. I am a WOC nurse at a hospital and I work part-time. I am a wife and mother of 2 boys (who are very busy!) who are 9 and 10 currently.

I have been running for about 2 years and have completed 6 1/2 marathons and am currently training for my first full marathon at the end of the month in Toronto, Canada.

I have gotten such encouragement from my fellow dis-sers, it's been great! And great advice too!

Beth

 

[windwalker]

Duane, now I have someone to call when Erica and I get ready to buy our retirement home in the land of dreams.

Beth, nurses are my heroes, along with teachers, police and firefighters and of course our nations warriors.

Dave

 

[andromedaslove]

Ok, I'll go next since I am sitting at the computer being lazy today!!

My name is Dana, I am 28 years old, been married to a wonderful man named David for almost 7 years now and we have 2 wonderful boys (6&2). I ran almoost all the way through high schoold and up until I got pregnant with my oldest son. Gained more than 75lbs while I was pregnant with him, and afterwards lost most of it again by running. Then came DS2, again I gained more than 75 lbs, and just got back to where I was after DS1 within the past few weeks, took almost 3 years!! I had always dreamed of running the Disney Marathon. Disney was my favorite place in the whole world. I mean DH and I honeymooned there. I finally completed the training and ran the WDW full in January 07!! Now I can't wait to run it again this year. I am also running the TOT 13k in October, and trying to finagle a way into the Minnie next year also.

 

[windwalker]

Dana we decided we had to do the Minnie also. Since it's the last one and we don't like to regret not doing something.

Dave

 

[scoolover]

At least that is what my friend who has been sober for 18 years thinks.

I am 32 and have a 5 year old son. In December of 05 I had gastric bypass surgery and lost 140 lbs. I have since put on about 10 but have been pretty steady for a year.

My first race was in June of last year and I was kind of hooked. I ran the Disney full this year (and lost my chip) to a time of about 5:40. A month later I ran the Hyannis Marathon in 5:20. As soon as I got home from this years Disney trip I signed up for the Goofy and now I wonder why. Perhaps I will figure it out after.

We are staying at the Pop again this year. My ex-wife is comming and get this -- so is the new girl friend. Tell me how I am going to pull that one off??? Wish me luck.

Scott

 

[windwalker]

I am 32 and have a 5 year old son. In December of 05 I had gastric bypass surgery and lost 140 lbs. I have since put on about 10 but have been pretty steady for a year.


We are staying at the Pop again this year. My ex-wife is comming and get this -- so is the new girl friend. Tell me how I am going to pull that one off??? Wish me luck.

Scott

You da man!!!!!! That's amazing, the weight loss that is. Your ex and your girlfriend together, dude!

Dave

 

[TnTsParty]

Hi my name is Tricia. I am 34 (will be 35 in the end of November) and live in South Florida (Palm Beach County) born and raised, so I have been going to WDW my entire life (except a 10 year break - but since 2004 I have made up for that!!) I haven't been running that long but have become inspired by everyone here on the WISH event board to keep running and get my distance up. The first time I ever did any kind of long distance running was in 8th grade - I was on the cross country team. Had one cross country meet (around my old high school) and thought I was going to die in the middle (actually sat down and my sister dressed in jeans and long sleeve shirt ran the rest of the way with me!!) In high school I was involved in dance but no running for me until February of 2006 my DH and I went to WDW for his bday. We were on the bus going to the MK and I happened to overhear a conversation between another passenger and a "spare" bus driver. The passenger had just done the 2006 marathon and the spare bus driver was planning on signing up for the 2007 marathon. This talk got me excited at the thought of running at WDW (well beside the fact that I thought (and still think) 26.2 miles is a crazy far distance.) I went home and started running. 1/2 mile at first then up to 3 miles (of course with walk breaks in between) I competed in a 5k run race in April of 2006 and then in May of 2006 we went again to WDW. I didn't run on my trip and when I got home I just kind of stopped running all together. Throughout the year I have seen local joggers/runners as I am driving and I got the longing back to go run again. I started running again officially June 13, 2007. Since then I ran in a 5k run/walk on June 28 and another 5k run on July 27. My main reason for stopping running last year was because I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and stuck at 2 miles - I had a hard time actually doing a run of 3 miles - forget anything more than that. Now my main distance I do on my every other day run is 3 miles and it was getting into the hot part of the year. I am signed up for the TOT 13k in Oct as well as just signing up yesterday for a 5k run on Oct 13 and a 5k walk on Oct 20. I am also planning on doing my first 1/2 marathon in either Dec or February (just not both!!) So I overcame my fear of running more than 2 miles and started running again just as the hottest weather started and I got a treadmill to get me through those really hot days. Now that I have spent this kind of money (for shoes, treadmill, race entries, etc) I can't stop now!!! LOL

 

[bekkiz]

So fun! What an awesome idea Dave, thanks so much

I'll be 27 in October, my DH (of almost 4 years) and I live just north of Seattle. He works from home as some sort of techy guy, and I do a bunch of stuff from one on one teaching to coaching water polo.

I've always been active because of playing polo and coaching, but since stopping playing, I've had a hard time motivating myself to work out. So much easier with a team, and the fact that I cannot function on land. I'm a water based creature My lack of activity only got worse when I started having some major back issues. Long story short, I had spinal fusion surgery in January.

My doctor ordered me to walk as my only PT and so that's what I've been doing. Spine is doing well and is at least 95% fused. And I decided back in March or April, if I'm gonna walk, I'm gonna walk with a goal in mind. Thus began my quest for the 1/2 in January. It takes place exactly 1 year from my discharge from the hospital and I can't wait to send a picture of me crossing the finish line to my surgeon.

The last 2 months, I've been on sort of a downswing w/ my training due to travel, injury (bruised my kneecapp--the bone part, pretty badly in a fall on a big hike--see above RE: inability to function on dry land ), and general laziness. But now that my schedule has settled down into a better routine, I'm getting back in the swing of things. I CANNOT wait for January. It's going to be awesome!

 

[ironz]

Partial cut and paste from where I first started to introduce myself (after starting some funny banter on my 1st thread)--Vic and Patsfan sound like the fun crazy guys!

I'm in F40-44 AG, been running since 1998, and triathlons since 1999. I'm not fast (I see some speedy times posted here!) but I have fun. One day...oh, please Tinkerbelle send some Pixie Dust...I will go sub-9 min. miles for a 5K. I was close last year, but not quite there.

I'm just getting back into a training routine after doing an Ironman race (my 5th!) this summer. I slacked off for a couple of months, but now it is time to get ready for my first Goofy! (have done the 1/2 3x and full once there). TOT run just got put on the schedule, too...just in the nick of time!

OK...so that's me! Happy training and racing!!

a bit more Dis-ish stuff...first WDW 1/2 marathon in 2000, went back in 2001? or maybe 2003 to do the full but turned into a 1/2 because I was sick. Finally got my Mickey in 2004 with a marathon PR of 4:44. Went back in 2006 for 1/2 marathon. Signed up for Goofy 2008.

Have done the Florida 70.3 triathlon 3x.
Will run TOT 13K.

Get to WDW fairly often as I have several friends in FL. I'm single, no kids, and work in health care.

 

[windwalker]

Partial cut and paste from where I first started to introduce myself (after starting some funny banter on my 1st thread)--Vic and Patsfan sound like the fun crazy guys!

No dear, I'm fun, Vic and Patsfarn are just crazy! Be careful of them they are only allowed to do the half marathon as part of their patient release program, they have to wear these ankle things that go beep.

I to would love a 9 min mile. I've only walked a sub 10 min mile once. Maybe next year.

Dave

 

[ultramickeymouse]

My name is Robert and I am a Disney addict

I did my first marathon in 92(Portland OR), my first 50K in 93, and 1st 50 Miler in 94. I did 40 + marathon and 40 + ultras between 92-2001. Attempted 100 miler in 97. Blew out Achilles in 2001. Nothing at all(no races) until Goofy 06. Second races were Goofy in 07. Did Minnie double and soon ToT 13K. #rd Goofy in 08.

I am 42 and it's not the years but the miles. I did about 25,000 miles in that decade. While training for WS 100 and in PT I was still doing 90+ mile weeks

I am a slow walker compared to what I once was, I do races just to finish and enjoy. Times mattered in the past but not now. Being on crutches for 6 weeks, wheelchair for 8 weeks, and back on crutches for 6 weeks teaches you there is more in life. Live everyday as it is your last. There is no guarantee there will be another.

I also enjoy helping fellow Disney fans and racers with my website and forum. Labors of love. Thanks to all who help make them what they are

BTW, we own lots of DVC points which we plan to use to live at BWV during the winter. We hate the snow at Tahoe.

Great thread Dave! Race on!

 

[Green Tea]

I'm an early 40 something who has gone from being 'just' an overweight mom to an athlete. Still a mom, but 50 pounds lighter and in training for a marathon, half marathon & ten miler. Right now I am recovering from an injury and am miserable. First race in 2 weeks and I'm off the road completely.

I am where I want to be, physically, except for the tendonitis of course, and mentally too. Never considered myself strong before. Now, in addition to being a pretty darn good mom, I am a pretty darn good athlete too.

I will never win a speed contest, but I can likely outlast many. Definitely better in distance. I'll never run a 5K, but maybe an ultra marathon of some sort!

I think finding the athlete in me has made me a better person, mentally as well as physically. I am strong, confident and ready to be anything I want to be....well, as soon as the physical therapist gets me back on 2 feet!

 

[windwalker]

I'm an early 40 something who has gone from being 'just' an overweight mom to an athlete. Still a mom, but 50 pounds lighter and in training for a marathon, half marathon & ten miler. Right now I am recovering from an injury and am miserable. First race in 2 weeks and I'm off the road completely.

I am where I want to be, physically, except for the tendonitis of course, and mentally too. Never considered myself strong before. Now, in addition to being a pretty darn good mom, I am a pretty darn good athlete too.

I will never win a speed contest, but I can likely outlast many. Definitely better in distance. I'll never run a 5K, but maybe an ultra marathon of some sort!

I think finding the athlete in me has made me a better person, mentally as well as physically. I am strong, confident and ready to be anything I want to be....well, as soon as the physical therapist gets me back on 2 feet!

I'm thinking an ultra someday myself. I'll know after this Goofy if I want more. We can get ultra pointers from Robert.

Dave

 

[smileyk8]

Well i've only just discovered this board after using the general forum for a couple of years. I'm Kate, a 22 year old from England and since graduating from uni I've worked at an adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit, which i absolutely love. I've been majorly inspired by all of you guys so thought i'd take this chance to say hi and thanks!

Just about recovered from a foot injury 4 years ago and hoping to get the all clear to move from the gym to running in a couple of weeks (I have my asics ready !). Just facing a bit of opposition from parents who are concerned i'll re-injure, but don't want to be afraid of doing things at my age.

Looking at either doing the 15k minnie marathon or DL half next year. Really want my first major event to be at disney somewhere as I know the magic will help Any tips on getting started will be greatly appreciated- feel a bit like a sponge; ready to absorb everyone else's experience

 

[escape]

Hi! My name is Susie and I'm a Disney addict too!

I actually worked at DisneyWorld for two summers while going to college in the late 70's/early 80's. That was when the Magic Kingdom was the only park. During those years, we had to buy and present tickets to enter an attraction.

I am an instructor at a local university and I've been extremely busy lately working with ~150 students and showing them how to use software that doesn't work properly. It's been a lot of fun. Not! Is that bonfire still blazing, Dave (the one we had to throw in our evil foods list)? I've got some software to add to it.

I will be participating in my first full marathon at WDW in January, '08. I couldn't think of a better place to do my first. Up until last August, I wasn't much of an athlete. A friend encouraged me to get off the couch and train for the WDW half-marathon last January. I trained, I walked/ran, I conquered the half with 14 minutes to spare. I was slow as Christmas and I still am. I really haven't improved much but my goal is to just finish. If I would just lose more weight, I could probably get a little faster, I suppose.

Lately, I've been riding my bike a lot. It's just a comfort bike but after the full-marathon I'm planning on purchasing my first road bike. My goal is to complete a 100K bike ride at the Hotter 'N Hell 100 event in Texas next summer. This is one of the largest of it's kind in the US with over 12,000 riders during this year's event. For all you cyclists out there, it really is a lot of fun. Eventually, I want to participate in century rides and triathlons.

My DH, Steve, is a cyclist. With two bulging discs in his back, he is not able to run but he does some walking although he doesn't enjoy it much. However, he got medal envy when I got my Donald in January and my few other medals for other races. He is now going to train for the WDW half this next January.

ToT here I come! Can't wait to see DISers then and in January!