~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[lourodrigis]

OH Yeah! Please, anyone who took pictures over the weekend, please forward me a copy, I'll PM you my email. I brought my camera with me & it stayed in the pocket of my jacket the entire weekend! Nice.

I second that. I'll PM everyone too because I didn't take any photos. Did anyone take a photo of us strolling down the Parkway at 6:30AM for the start? That's a shot I would love to have but don't remember anyone taking it.

 

[KeenHo]

Lou, et. al.

We should have a few photos from the Expo and the Lasagna Party to share sometime in the near future. Unfortunately, we need to solve a computer issue at home (a dead HD ) but when we are back up and running and all of the programs are loaded, we'll send them to the group.

Cam had the camera with her on Sunday but didn't know it so nothing was captured of Sunday's frolic in the cold. I am happy she and Andrew were there, that is much more important than a photo of me running slow with my mouth gaping open searching for max oxygen nirvana.

Howard

 

[SilverE]

Hi All!

Love the Philly race reports that are trickling in. I'm psyched you guys are already talking about the Reach the Beach Relay; the finish is only 45+ mins. from my house (almost a backyard race.) Obviously, I'm in.

The Miniature Van is already packed and stuffed with kiddos; gotta scoot out for Turkey Day. I'll check back in this weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[rKyDeX]

PHILADELPHIA MARATHON RACE REPORT PART TWO
How do I put the Bot Party at Cam and Howard's into a few words? Probably like this: It's amazing to how this little group has grown together. Without the internet and the W.I.S.H. team, I would have never become the acquaintance of such fine people. The 1,200 miles that separates us in our daily lives doesn't exist online and we instantly pick up from the last time we met in person whenever we gather. It was really great to meet Lou, Nicole and Louie in person in addition to reuniting with the MCM crew.

FOOD. I think everyone went back for seconds and thirds of Cam's lasagna. It was a great "stick to the ribs" homemade lasagna complete with salad and garlic bread. We also had cheesecakes and cookies for desert along with a decadent triple chocolate cake.

DIS BOTS. We all know how Jodi claims that Bruce is un-social and uncomfortable around groups of people. I don't believe that for one minute. Bruce may not be as big of a Disney fan as some of us, but he fits right in with our group. This was proven when he presented each of us with our very own bottles of BOT water. Bruce is hereby an honorary DIS Bot. We finished the party by making plans to meet in the Hotel lobby at 6:00am and saying our goodbyes.

RACE DAY MORNING. I woke up at 5:00am and took a quick shower to warm-up. Next, I had to figure out how I was going to layer up. Being from Florida, my cold weather running means that maybe I have to put on a long sleeve t-shirt. Philly would be a lot different. I ended up wearing my new compression shorts under Race Ready tights and on top wore my Race Ready W.I.S.H. sleeveless trail shirt under a loose tech shirt under my new wind breaker. I made up a pair of break-away warm-up pants to wear in the corrals and taped them together with lime green duct tape. On my head went an orange beanie and my University of Florida visor. After grabbing my Cytomax drink and blanket, I was ready to go.

I really hope that someone posts a picture of us gathered in the lobby. A picture will speak much better than words to describe our little group. But, I do have to say that Cindy in her fuzzy bathrobe ensemble won the prize for most fashionable.

We headed out as a group and walked up Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the start in front of the Art Museum. Cindy, Matt and I broke off and headed for baggage check-in to deposit some worm clothes to change into after the race. I ended up putting my blanket in the bag because I felt warm enough without it. I then headed over to the port-o-let lines.

It's a good thing that the race had wave starts, because I was still in line when the National Anthem was played. Insert interesting observation for Jodi here. Just before finally making my way to the front of the line, I glanced over at the port-o-lets for the line formed to my right. The end port-o-let had steam coming out of the roof vent. WAY TO GO JODI. I didn't even see her lined up over there.

Well, we get to leave at 3:30pm today, so it looks like the "race" part of the race report will have to wait for the next time. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE.

Signing off, this is


Chester
W.I.S.H. Half-Fast Marathon Team

 

[KeenHo]

Check this out... see if you can spot yourself!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEBh...og1/video-philadelphia-marathon-2008-youtube/


This one is good too. It catches a glimpse of the dude who ran in the pink fairy outfit (complete with wand). I had also spotted him running the Marine Corps Marathon last month.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZglOuSPnIS0&feature=related

 

[jbucci]

Howard: Sorry to hear about your computer troubles. I look forward to pictures whenever you guys can get them up. Thanks for the links to the cool videos-- I couldn't find myself or anyone I know but it was fun to watch

 

[Optimator]

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

I have a lot to be thankful for to be sure: A wonderful wife , 3 beautiful children , and a bunch of great friends here that have pushed and encouraged me to do more than I could have ever imagined only a couple of short years ago .

That's about as close to mushy as you'll ever get from me (but know that I mean it!).

Cindy - It's nice that your whacko training plan confirms it, but trust me when I say I didn't need it to tell me "No 20's". I did the RW Smart Coach thing again and it had me doing a 20 miler the weekend before race weekend . I quickly changed the 20 miles to 12 and printed that puppy off!

Enjoy the 5k (but take it easy) and have fun in with the new family.


Howard - Great that you, Cam, and Andrew will be running for such a great cause. My aunt that passed last week essentially died of complications from MS and two of her children (my cousins) were victims of MS as well. You take it easy as well. You've still got work to be done in a few short weeks and need to be able to dance with you lovely bride.


Jen - The miles may be the same but there is just something different about a race that takes a couple extra days to recover from.


Chester - Yet another riveting episode.

Will our hero make it to the starting line on time? Will his selection of layered clothing turn out to be the right choice? Will Jodi leave a trail of steamers along the course? Tune in next week to see!


Jodi, Steve, and anyone else on the road - Safe travels. I hope you enjoy your holiday.


Happy Thanksgiving again to everyone.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone: No running for me since Philly. I've just been enjoying time with my family.

Cam, Andrew and I will be running tomorrow morning at the PNC Bank 5K Run/Walk for MS in Wilmington. I use the term "running" very loosely here. I am not sure what I'll be able to accomplish out on the course with the bum toe, etc. I still have mildly sore legs. A very dear friend has MS and we try to support the charity as much as possible. The last 5K I ran was a PR, this one won't be. It's just too close to the Philadelphia Marathon for me to be healed and ready to rock.

Howard- Thanks for doing the MS walk. I have a close family member with MS. It's a horrible disease, and I think it's great of you, Cam, and Andrew to support the cause.

Mike- I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your Aunt last week, and that two of your cousins had MS as well. All my sympathies go out to you. On a lighter note, I do want to tell you about the DVC show in Rochester. I need to write up a report. It was a ton of fun. I was "this" close to buying 160 points, but I couldn't pull the trigger. DW and I have been getting anxious about our girls college savings, and I figured if I had extra money for DVC it probably would be better spent in the kids college funds. See, I was trying to be a responsible grownup.

Don't eat too much everyone.

 

[Optimator]

Dave - College schmollege! If they want an education they should figure out how to pay their own way. You've got points to buy!

 

[Jodi]

Happy Thanksgiving from Martha's Vineyard!!!

Just wanted to pop in to wish all my buds a safe, happy holiday. I have so much to write about last Sunday, but haven't had time. Might have to resort to the chapter approach like Chester. Ran/walked a quick Turkey 5k with the entire family this a.m & I'm happy to say that the soreness from Philly is officially gone. But it was real rough for a few days! Of course, Bruce couldn't help himself & took off @ the race, coming in an overall 4th with a time of 19:20 . I dragged our land manatee (aka our dog) for the romp & am happy to say she didn't code along the way ! I'll check back later today. Don't eat too much!!!

 

[KeenHo]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I will take the high road, not getting misty, to say that I am very thankful for the people on this and other threads that have been there for me for the past few years. Your impact on my life, training and running results are very evident. Thank you and God Bless.

Mike~ I am sorry that MS has touched your family in this way. Our very dear friend has MS and has been dealing with the disease for several years.

Dave~ I'm sad to hear you have a family member with MS. I hope that research can find a cure someday. In the mean time, we will support the cause and those with the dreaded disease. Prayers help too.

Cam, Andrew and I did run/walk the 5K this morning in windy and chilly Wilmington. It was well attended and supported by local businesses. I threw caution to the wind and ran (somewhat hard) for the whole race. Here are the results:

Miles: 3.18
Time: 25:01
Pace: 7:52

Splits: 7:48, 8:05, and 7:46.

This was not a PR, but a close second. I missed my PR by 38 seconds. Not as good as Bruce's Turkey Trot though.

My old blisters and/or toe issue were fine throughout, however I really flared up the pain with my PF issue. I have been hobbling around since I am afraid.

Dinner is almost ready and I am going to see if I can help get things ready. Have a wonderful evening, hug someone you love.



Howard

 

[Optimator]

Jodi - Sounds like you had fun. Give Bruce an "Atta Boy" from me. Pretty darn fast!

I can't wait to hear more about your race. Most everyone else was able to share after the race, but yours is still an untold story.


Howard - So much for discretion being the better part of valor (or however that goes). That's quite a pace, all things considered. I hope the PF calms back down for you. Don't forget the icing, stretching, rest bit.


Here's hoping everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and no abdominal muscles were torn in the process.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning Everyone: I hope all had a great Thanksgiving, and were able to spend time with their friends and family. Here are some photos I took with my iPhone during the Philly weekend.

Entrance to Expo

Chinatown Gate

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Here's the view from my hotel room at the Embassy Suites

When I got back to my room after dinner at Howard and Cam's Saturday night, fireworks were going off. They were setting them off from the roof of the Four Seasons hotel that was right next to the Embassy Suites. I didn't get great photos from the iPhone, but you get the idea.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Here are the couple of photos I took in the Embassy Suites lobby before the race started. [Unfortunately, I realized I don't have pictures of Sara, Colleen, or Howard. Hopefully, someone else got those pictures.]

Mike, Lou, and Chester

Matt and some homeless woman - oh wait that's Cindy

Back row: Cindy, Chester, Mike, Jodi
Front row: Matt, Lou, Dave

Final shot from the view of my hotel room after I got back from the race. You can see the finish line staging up by the art museum.

 

[lourodrigis]

Happy Black Friday everyone!!

Dave - Thanks for the pics! I look like I just rolled out of bed...oh yeah...I did.

Howard - Nice time on the 5K. Good to see you have recovered from Philly.

Jodi - 19:20! I might be able to put up a time like that on my bike. Sounds like a fun time.

Had 26 people over to Turkey Day yesterday! Nothing like trying to carve 2 turkeys with 10 family members standing around telling you how to do it. I was like, "where was this audience when I needed you on Sunday!". It was a good time but now I need to find a way to get outside and run these extra pounds off.

Lou

 

[jbucci]

Dave: thanks for the pictures

I'm impressed at the awesome 5K times coming out of this thread I'm ashamed to admit I took yesterday off and gave in to laziness and gluttony back to the TM tonight after work....

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave: thanks for the pictures

I'm impressed at the awesome 5K times coming out of this thread I'm ashamed to admit I took yesterday off and gave in to laziness and gluttony back to the TM tonight after work....

Jen- Don't be embarrassed at all. I haven't run a step either since Philly. I'm stuck at work today, and I'm going to try to get out for a run this afternoon.

 

[KeenHo]

Dave~ Thank you for posting the photos, they are great. Nice view of the city from your room. I think that homeless lady in the blue bath robe smoked me in the Marathon. They do have some pretty fit homeless people in Philly. No wonder Mayor Nutter is so proud.

Lou~ I am "mostly" healed from Philly. I still have blister remnants that look horrible, but are not painful in any way. The PF issue is with me still. I intend to begin a major stretching effort today and to keep it up until this goes away. During the 5K the other day I felt the remnants of soreness in my legs. It didn't slow me down much though.

Jen~

We are still continuing to have home computer issues, the techs are still attempting to do data recovery on the hard drive. After a day or two of working, all they got off were unusable program files. Hopefully something will happen in a positive way this coming week. In the mean time, I have my work laptop here to keep in touch.

I am hoping to put my Goofy (plus 5K) training plan together today. I need to get recommendations from our local running store about shoes and go from there. I did the Runners World "Smart Coach" training matrix for a 6 week program with both hard and moderate training that will lead me up to the half in Disney. The "hard" plan seems to have a lot of Rest/XT days in the plan (Mon, Wed and Sat). The "moderate" plan has Rest/XT days on Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri and Sat. It simply has tempo runs and speedwork on Thursdays and long runs (6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) on Sundays. That seems really mild to me.

Have an excellent weekend!



Howard

 

[KeenHo]

Howard - So much for discretion being the better part of valor (or however that goes). That's quite a pace, all things considered. I hope the PF calms back down for you. Don't forget the icing, stretching, rest bit.

Mike~ I think that goes...."The better part of valor is discretion, in the which better part I have saved my life." -- William Shakespeare, 'King Henry IV part I'

The icing, stretching and resting is high on my list of priorities. Thank you for being vigilant - keep reminding me! Hi to Kathy and the girls!

Howard