Oh No Not Again!!

[windwalker]

YES AGAIN YOU HAVE BEEN CAPTURED BY THE EVIL PANDA


You have entered the maze of the Evil Panda, abandon all hope, unless you are willing to pay your ransom.

We are a third of the way through the year. One of the corner stone goals of the WISH is to "Be inspired to stay healthy and to inspire each other to stay healthy".

The questions you must answer to gain your freedom are:

How do you feel about your fitness level this year, compared to last year?

Do you feel that being on the WISH Team has helped you?

What type of instruction posts and discussions would you like to see more of?

And last of all what tip would you pass along to someone who is getting ready to do their first race?

Don't try to slink out of here without paying your ransom, everyone saw you come in here.

Evil Panda

 

[GrumpyinNY]

Ok, you caught me. I guess when DW is in WDW for the weekend and I am home playing Mr. Mom, I am easily tempted.

1. I think that this year I am more fit, but my level of activity has stayed about the same, not as much as it should be.

2. I think that WISH has helped. I probably would have done nothing this year so far otherwise. The board has made me accountable for what I am doing and not doing.

3. One discussion that I would like to see is ways that some of you squeeze a quick workout when there is no time.

4. PREPARATION!!!!! I did the half in January and was definately not prepared. I finished, but could have done it easier if I was better prepared. Also I think that my recovery would have been easier. I was a mess that afternoon and next day.

Thanks Panda!

 

[blizzard]

Wow, the boards are slow with everyone having fun at the Minnie. I'll take your challenge.

How do you feel about your fitness level this year, compared to last year?

Much, much better. Of course at this exact time last year, I was 9 months pregnant. Anyway, I've made the commitment to become healthier, and decided to take up running. The first few months were hard, but lately it seems to have become easier.

Do you feel that being on the WISH Team has helped you?

Yes, although I do not post regularly on the weekly thread, I do a lot of reading for inspiration. I love race reports the best. I also like to read about different things people have tried in their training that could possibly be incorporated. I try to post helpful things when I think I can help. I'm not much of a "rah-rah" type of poster, but I tend to get and give through information (if that makes sense)

What type of instruction posts and discussions would you like to see more of?

I like the idea of having some "mentorship" groups, where a senior or more experienced WISHer would help a group through something for a set period of time. (for some examples, there could be a C25K group, a "first marathon" group, an "Intro to Chi Running" group, an "Improve my Diet" group, etc.) I know there are informal groups now, but this would be a little more formal with a mentor or two thrown in to facilitate and answer questions, and with a set time period. (that's my idea of what I would like to see anyway - only an opinion )

And last of all what tip would you pass along to someone who is getting ready to do their first race?

OK, I've only done one race, but I have done other competitions in other sports. My tip would be to relax and let it happen. Your training and preparation are all done (or aren't, but you can't change that now!) Just relax and most of all have fun with it.

 

[windwalker]

Carol and Jeff thank you for your responses.

Jeff, good luck with your positive changes, remember the past is gone but our future is ours to mold. I think you are going to accomplish amazing things.

Carol, some of us are looking at a mentor program now, you will hear more about this in the future. We have some wonderfull athletes here as well as people that are brand new to activity, getting them together for information sharing is a super idea.

Even though someone is new to being an athlete doesn't mean that they don't have something to share. There is an old country saying, "If your green your growing but if your ripe your rotting". Which means we need to realize we have to keep learning and growing or we will begin to stagnate. The technology of exercise is one of the fastest growing of the sciences, but one of the things we can't get from a test tube is the motivation and the desire. Without those things you are only going through the motions.

Evil Panda

 

[Duanerice]

Crap! I am just too nosey. OK since I am stuck here I'll throw a few answers around.

1) My fitness level is probably a bit better than last year. I am running a bit more than I did this time last year, I weigh less and hope to add some additional cross training like Pilates and bicycling.

2) I probably wouldn't have run the marathon without the WISH team. Seriously, they played a big part in encouraging me that I could do it. Heck when I signed up my longest run to date was 5 miles and I thought that was long. Getting the encouragement, gaining some tips as well as listening to other people experiences, good and bad. It made all the difference in the world.

3) Let's see, instruction posts and discussions. I have to be honest, I don't visit as much as I used to. Since we started the competition threads with the teams I don't find the board as interesting. There are not nearly as many threads as before. People seem to talk within their teams which is OK but if you don't go into the other team threads you don't find out what's going on. As long as others like it and benefit from it, that's what counts. So to make a long answer longer, I'd just like to see as many threads as we used to see. I do like the core thread.

4) Tips - enjoy the first time. I know I sure did. Heck almost every weekend from September through December I was running a new personal best for distance. It was pretty exciting. Not to mention the festivities at the race and the actual race. Keep you eye on the prize and enjoy the ride.

Again, I seriously doubt I would have run the full without this board. I might have tackled he half but not the full. All I can say is thanks!

enjoy,
Duane

 

[princessrunner]

Darned panda traps!! Could you use less honey next time????

1. I am far more fit and healthy than I was last year. Heck, I think I am more fit and healthy in my 40s than I was in my 20s!!!

2. The WISH team has helped me overcome a lot of my fears, worries, injuries and have made me a better runner with all the wonderful advice and experience there is to draw from. I have also made some lifelong friends.

3. I think I would like to see more posts that could involve everyone without making people feel overwhelmed with the size of the thread. Sometimes I get information overload from the main thread. There is so much to read and take in that I lose it all trying to remember to answer one person.

4. I think my best piece of advice is relax and enjoy yourself. Your best times are when you are not obsessing about your PR and just enjoying the race. I run far better relaxed than I do tensed up because I am off my timing. Second best, listen to your body as far as fueling. I didn't do this at my last half and payed a painful price.

Thank you Dave for inciting these thoughtful threads. They bring out some of the best advice and suggestions!!

 

[windwalker]

Lisa and Duane thank you for your inputs and thought provoking answers.

Yes I think more instructional and mentoring threads are in the works for the future.

Evil Panda

 

[Steffwalks]

Shooooooooooot! Caught again. How do I always end up in these Crazy Panda Traps?????

1. Better, way better!!!! Races feel easier and easier. I guess I am going to have to train for a marathon, just for the challege. Since my DH is now encouraging me to try it......2010 Goofy looks inspiring!

2. Without WiSH there would be no magic, no fun, no teammates to watch for, no one to listen to the silly things I say and think all day long. Wait, scratch that last part. I can talk to the cats!! Seriously, I love the magic of Wish. You are just what I was looking for! Oh yea, there is that life long friends part, I really, really, really like that part.

3. I like that mentoring thing. I volunteer! I can mentor something......I just know it.

4. The best piece of advice, there are just so many. I guess, trust your training and be prepared for any kind of weather. If you are prepared, the elemets can't beat you!

Thanks Panda!

 

[windwalker]

Thank you for your input Connie. Glad to hear you are feeling some results from your training and racing so well in difficult conditions.

Evil Panda

 

[Raenstoirm]

YES AGAIN YOU HAVE BEEN CAPTURED BY THE EVIL PANDA


You have entered the maze of the Evil Panda, abandon all hope, unless you are willing to pay your ransom.

We are a third of the way through the year. One of the corner stone goals of the WISH is to "Be inspired to stay healthy and to inspire each other to stay healthy".

The questions you must answer to gain your freedom are:

How do you feel about your fitness level this year, compared to last year?

I am defiantly in better shape than last year. I am walking at least 30 miles a week and running 3 times a week.

Do you feel that being on the WISH Team has helped you?

Yes, there is a huge accountability factor here that has changed my personal requirements since I cant let the team down

What type of instruction posts and discussions would you like to see more of?

What is not in here, is in general WISH, so I am pretty happy.

And last of all what tip would you pass along to someone who is getting ready to do their first race?

I have yet to run one, so I am the person receiving said advice, not giving it! lol

Don't try to slink out of here without paying your ransom, everyone saw you come in here.

Evil Panda

 

[joan4mickey]

1. Fitness level...About the same, but different routine. I moved in Jan. 07 and had been teaching fitness classes and wasn't going to do that here and my DH wasn't coming until May so I was concerned, but kept exercising by myself. This year I started running which is new, but basically the same....I get my aerobics in and strength training.

2. I started running as a challenge from my 22 year old DS. Yes, this board help me to decide to run the Minnie. I was running, but had gone back to power walking until I read about the Minnie race. Posted a question about it and everyone said come join the fun. I did wonder about the fun somewhere between mile 7 and 8 Sunday.

3. When I ask a question about running or training there is always someone helpful or pointing me to where I can find more info. The Hal Higdon 10 weeks to a 15K intermediate was a great lead.

4. The biggest tip is to just do it. Set goals and train. I set a top goal (1:20:00 and a low goal 1:30:00) and made it in between. Remember some days you just have to tell yourself to get up and do it and other days you just want to.

After yesterday I told myself I would not do anything today, but by after lunch it was so beautiful outside I went out and did a couple miles at about a 20 min. mile pace.

 

[hoosmi]

Sneaky panda!

I'm a million times more fit than I was last year. I shaved 5 minutes off my Minnie time from 2007, and I'm 20 weeks pregnant!

I came in DLF at my first 5k. I was depressed until this group I'd just joined told me not to be silly and that my time was great! I signed up for the Minnie and the Goofy with everyone's support. My family and friends thought I was crazy, but not my WISHers! I'm almost to the point where I can get a curtain rod for all the medals I've won with the encouragement of WISH.

As far as discussions, I'm not sure. There's always something to learn on these boards!

Tips for a first race? Don't panic; don't start too fast; remember how you were before you started running and be proud of yourself; double tie your laces; bring a small water bottle just in case. Do not let other people intimidate you. Have fun! Go ahead and finish and say "I'm never doing that again!" then just get over it and sign up for the next one- that's what I do everytime!


Jen in GA

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I should have known the sneaky Panda was at it again!

Hmmm. Well, I'm a paradox. I know I weigh more than I did at this time last year, but I also think I can do more athletically. I should weigh alot less, but I guess I'm improving in a weird way?

Being on the WISH team has helped, and particularly the smaller team. I've done workouts I would have skipped because I don't want to let the others down.

I guess what I need to see more of is how to improve when you are not brand new, but wouldn't call yourself a veteran, either. Sort of early middlin'...Like, if we had a new item each week or month -- this week we're all working on _____, but at your own level, but trying improve by %, # of workouts, lbs., etc. I've discovered I do well when I'm working with a team, which is really kind of ironic because I was the bookish, unathletic kid all my life.

My tip is to expect to have fun. I was genuinely surprised that I enjoyed myself during my first real long race, the Disney Half. It was a very pleasant surprise!

Maria

 

[wdw4us]

How do you feel about your fitness level this year, compared to last year?

I’m much better than last year, less pounds on the body, able to do more miles with less effort – keeping in ½ marathon form has helped me a lot.
Do you feel that being on the WISH Team has helped you?

Oh yes, I feel extremely guilty if I don’t work out and keep up with the team even though my contributions are less than the runners.

What type of instruction posts and discussions would you like to see more of?

I don’t know but will think about it.

And last of all what tip would you pass along to someone who is getting ready to do their first race?

Work hard during the year, and build your confidence. It will pay off! Enter as many local short races that you can to get used to walking/running with a crowd, trust me you will be with a LARGE crowd at Disney. When it was hot, cold, rainy, I was tired, cranky I still trained – why because I thought of my mom who would have been so proud of me, who I knew was whispering in my ear, you can do it. When I fell on the first mile, I knew it was a test to see what I was made of, head down, determined, brush yourself off and keep moving YOU CAN DO IT. Never increase more that 10%. My way of training, do your miles, say 3 when your done and you don’t need a nap, that will be your weekday training miles, increase that to 4 on the weekends when you can rest afterwards, when you don’t need a nap after that – increase your mile to 4 on the weekday and 4.5 to 5 on the weekend. etc. Train on a Track, Street, Trail, mix it up, do some hills, use the track for speed, Trail for shade. Get some great moving music and put them on a shuffle.

That’s enough for now.

denise

 

[CarolA]

The questions you must answer to gain your freedom are:

How do you feel about your fitness level this year, compared to last year? Much better, I would never have attempted the Minnie last year.
Do you feel that being on the WISH Team has helped you?

Yes, you guys have 'inspired' me to do this! ​

What type of instruction posts and discussions would you like to see more of? Not really sure?

And last of all what tip would you pass along to someone who is getting ready to do their first race? As I chanted to myself on my 10K in Feb...Dead Last beats Did Not Start!
Don't try to slink out of here without paying your ransom, everyone saw you come in here.

Evil Panda[/QUOTE]

 

[windwalker]

Denise I like the "take a nap" method of gaining fitness. It actually makes a lot of sense.

Maria, there are more things like that in the future. How about your own personal Drill Sgt, like in Basic Training?

Carol, yes DLF does trump DNS. DLF is a great motivator for it not to happen again if you can help it to.

That's awesome that you shaved off 5 min even being 20 weeks along. Jen you are doing a great staying in shape during your pregnacy to.

Joan teaches fitness classes. We need to talk.

Raenstorim, you will amaze yourself how well you do in your first race.

Evil Panda