~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[wfloyd]

Jodi, Bill and any other DVCer's,

what were your deciding factors in buying into DVC?

Was there one thing that really made you think, yes, this is a good investment for us...?

Are the reciprocal agreements a good value? Jodi, I remember you saying using points for your cruise was not a good use of points.

The main factor for us was when we looked at what we were spending for hotels at Disney for the races. I think we figured that we were spending more than the dues would cost and we would get a bigger space.

We picked AKL because we like that one the best and figure we might get a chance at the conceirge level sometime. We could probably get OKW and SSR at the 7 month mark with less difficulty.

I am sure there are other reasons but these are the main ones that helped us decide to buy.

Bill

 

[Theta]

The main factor for us was when we looked at what we were spending for hotels at Disney for the races. I think we figured that we were spending more than the dues would cost and we would get a bigger space.

We picked AKL because we like that one the best and figure we might get a chance at the conceirge level sometime. We could probably get OKW and SSR at the 7 month mark with less difficulty.

I am sure there are other reasons but these are the main ones that helped us decide to buy.

Bill

Thanks for you info Bill! You are Lynnda are fortunate you are so close and you both enjoy Disney. Unfortunately, DH doesn't feel the love! He enjoys it everytime we go, but I wonder if he is just tolerating my obsession.

Your kids are at a perfect age too! It would have been a GREAT investment if we bought in the first couple times we were at Disney when the kids were 3 and 5, but they are turning 9 and 11 soon. At the time, I had NO idea we would be going so often.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning Everyone:

Thank you all so much on your sympathy on the loss of my step brother in law. I really appreciate it. I also like reading about all your activities. It takes my mind off of things.

I did run yesterday, and listened to the DIS Unplugged podcast. I got in 4 miles on the TM, and I ran the whole way without taking a walk break. First time I did that for a long while. My hip's feeling OK, but I still feel a little twinge in it every now and then.

Colleen- I got the DVC DVD mailed to me a month or so ago, and I was watching it while folding laundry. I was getting sucked into it, but I just don't have the money for the upfront cost.

 

[Jodi]

Yeah, DVC is a big investment...try looking on the resale pages if you're really jonesing to do this thing.

Dave - Read the ChiRunning book about that hip...glad you were able to get a run in during these difficult times!

Theta - My son will be 13 next week & still wants to go to DW. I'm sure that'll slack off soon . It's getting weird to watch him mature so much...I miss my babeeee . Allright, enough of the overbearing mom thing. My point is, soon he'll want to come down with his friends on his own. Bruce, as you know, is DONE with Disney (what a tool), so I know I'll be coming down without him most of the time . However, the years I don't think I'll use all my points I'll just rent them, no biggie.

OK, training....Mon. 40min CT, Tues. 7 miles Weds. NADA, today I'll go home in run in the hurricane-like winds as long as I can take it. Not sure about tomorrow...I think I'm going to do that LR thing...either tomorrow or Sat. I should go at least 18 b4 my ultra, no? This is gonna be such a joke Oh well, I'll take it easy after that...nothing concrete on my schedule after that except Philly

It seems as if everyone else is laying low with the training crap, too (except Cindy who's tempoing all over DC)!

 

[Cruella de mom]

Dave - Sorry to hear about your loss. I hate cancer.

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Dave glad you were able to run.

It seems as if everyone else is laying low with the training crap, too (except Cindy who's tempoing all over DC)!

I wish that were true. I actually skipped my 8 mile tempo run this morning because I was woken up at 2AM by the wind howling against the window. It was crazy loud. I don't think I've heard anything like it in the 4 years that I've lived there. I was really worried that it was so windy that our crappy Target chairs and table were going to blow off the balcony (not because I care about the chairs and table but because I don't even want to think about what kind of damage they could cause in their 19 story fall ) It was so loud that I couldn't really get back to sleep and there was no way I was getting out of bed at 5:15 to run in the dark with the crazy wind. Tomorrow is supposed to be cold but not windy, so I guess I'll have to run then. I'm really excited for the race next weekend!! I just wish DH was excited - he is really worried, his knee is still kind of bothering him and now his hip is hurting too.

Jodi - Good luck with that LR thing. Oh, and if you ever need someone to rent your points . . .

to everyone else. Must get back to work.

 

[msblrobs]

Jodi - I'm plugging away, just not with the miles. I run almost daily but no more than 5 miles at a shot. Yoga, Pilates and Fluidity have been keeping me more than busy on a daily basis as well . About Bruce and his lack of love for the Mouse!! Best of luck on your 18. If you want me to come cheer for you at the Ultra, I will do a road trip. Seriously... My crew would love to be your scream team . What's a couple of hours travel time between friends ?

Cindy - Your DH and I seem to be sharing the same ailments . If he figures it out can you please give me a heads up ? I called the doc again today for an appt. since my knee is in agony from speedwork last night . Glad you're psyched for your race. I hope you have a good run this weekend .

Dave - Thanks for checking in . Glad you were able to sneak in a run. for the hip.

Colleen - Jeff's not feeling any Mouse love either ?! If you do decide to take the DVC plunge, I'd have to agree with Jodi on the resale option. Yeah, with the kids getting older we're branching out with our vacation plans as well as opposed to WDW for every trip.

Bill - How are Timmy's ears ? So nice of you to drop in again with the helpful DVC info . It really is a luxury to live so close to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Mike, Chester, Lou, Steve x 2 -

I'm going to try to run 7 this weekend and my official training plan for the Lake Placid 1/2 begins on Monday. I am not 100% committed because, as stated above, the knee/leg continues to be a huge issue if I push the miles. I am back to the doc on the 4/5 to beg for an MRI. The leg is such old news and I just need to put it in the past real quick .

Happy training, tapering and blowing it all off to everyone HAPPY EASTER!!

 

[KeenHo]

Hi everyone!

Dave - Sorry to hear about your loss.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sorry this is so random and that I am mostly a non-entity around here (for now). I wanted to let everyone know that I participated in the Carol A. Ammon Case Competition this past weekend at the University of Delaware. My team placed 2nd out of 11 teams that competed!

The case was about a company from Cleveland named Lincoln Electric who is/was looking to expand into India.

I was the Captain of a team of four MBA students. We shared $1,500 in prize money. So I get $375 for my troubles, late nights and aggravation.

I guess that'll pay for a few race registrations though, huh?

Spring break is coming up in 2 weeks, I hope to get some runs in during break.

Happy training!



Howard

 

[Theta]

I was the Captain of a team of four MBA students. We shared $1,500 in prize money. So I get $375 for my troubles, late nights and aggravation.

I guess that'll pay for a few race registrations though, huh?



Howard

Cool! Yes, definitely, that is how I count money too...one registration, two registration, three flight, four hotel, etc...

Cindy, you live 19 stories up? Do you get nose-bleeds? DH live on the 13th floor when he was bacheloring-it! Yes, the 13th floor and I thought that was too high to have a balcony that was not screened.

Sara, hey girl, nice to hear from you. So good of you to offer to be Joddees scream team for her ultra.

Wow, MIke wasn't kidding when he said he wasn't going to be around much this week.

WE ARE ON SPRING BREAK!!! I get to wash windows and spring clean my house!!!

 

[wfloyd]

Bill - How are Timmy's ears ? So nice of you to drop in again with the helpful DVC info . It really is a luxury to live so close to the Happiest Place on Earth!

We went to the doctor Tuesday and she said that both ears were clear. Now if we can get his teeth to finally come through I think the painful stage will be over for a while.

Bill

 

[SilverE]

Hello Everyone!

Long post warning. I'm back; and trying to catch up on posts. I haven't done a whole lot of running, but I'm training vicariously through you guys.

Thank you for your "hellos" in your posts during my absence.

Allow me to lay it all out for you: I received a call on Feb. 13th that my 49-year old sister died of a heart attack. She leaves a husband and 2 DDs: a sophomore in college and a junior in high school. She was also the primary caregiver for my mom, who has Alzheimers. My other sister and I (and our families) have been busy comforting our neices and caring (and arranging care for) my mom.

This is just the latest blow for my family. In 1999 my 35-year old sister died in her sleep of an epileptic seizure. In 2000 my 67-year old dad died of a GI bleed.

I'm usually pretty private, and in fact I feel quite indulgent typing all this out; but several of you have expressed messages of concern and well-wishes during my absence, so I wanted you to know what I've been up to. My family is doing well; everyone seems to be settling into a routine, taking what each day offers and relying on one another for support.

So....on to my Philly Phamily:

Dave: My condolences to you; I'm sending positive thoughts your way. I'm glad you have been able to get some running in. Oh, and you absolutely have to run Disney when you hit 40; that was me last year!

Sara: I'm glad you are running again; sorry the knee and leg are not totally cooperating. I'm also sorry I missed your post where you asked me if I had any thoughts on your injuries. You must insist on the MRI! Seriously, if your physician does not approve an MRI, I would switch doctors. I'll PM some other thoughts. Ditto what I said to Dave: you must go run WDW when turning 40.

Mike: A congrats to Kathy on all her training (that includes her new-found ability to kick your a$# when you get out of line). I am way too jealous of your free shoes to post anything further at this time

Cindy: LRs, tempos, simulated races! You are cranking! I do not question your motivation--you are definitely putting in the work. I hope DH's knee is better; send him my way if he has any ?s (I'm a PT; Shhhhh , don't let anyone on the boards know. Of course, my specialty is brain injury; if people need me they are in way more trouble than they initially thought. )

Colleen: I'm right there with you on the current less-mileage thing. I have serious mileage-envy reading all these posts (and motivation envy; oh, and DVC owner envy). Enjoy your trip to Boston. I used to live near the bottom of Heartbreak Hill in Newton; there's nothing like a day of Marathon tailgating, slurring toasts to the super-fit as they head up the Hill .

Jodi: You have also been putting in the mileage, and at a nice pace too. Don't worry about the LRs: LR of 14? It's only an Ultra . Why tax yourself with too many long runs prior to a distance event; save the legs! Now if you and Mike could stop talking about your future purchase of the new Garmin Colon II I could get through these posts.

Lou: I hope the craziness with the new business venture settles down soon for you so you can find some balance. Great effort on your speedy half! (and with wind and hills, too!) Way to go on those long runs you keep cranking.

Howard: Congrats on the B-school team competition. Enjoy your $poils and your upcoming spring break. Thanks for the Philly updates. I'm one of those geeks who register early; I'm sure I'll register on April Fool's Day.

Hi Chester. Hello everyone else!

P.S. The Embassy Suites Philly Marathon discount is out ($169). You currently can not book online; call the Suites and ask for the Marathon discount when booking.

 

[KeenHo]

Steve~ I am very sorry for your loss. I will say a prayer for her DD's and DH.

Thanks for the note too. I'm looking forward to running in Philly.

Howard

 

[Jodi]

Steve - I am so sorry for you & your family's loss. What a tough time this has to have been for you. I appreciate you sharing yourself with us and wish there was more that I could say, but I'm afraid anything would sound trite. My thoughts & prayers are with you & yours .

 

[msblrobs]

Steve - OMG, I am SO deeply sorry for your loss. Words just don't seem sufficient. Lots of thoughts and prayers to you and yours and thanks so very much for letting us know . Please remember to take care of yourself as you expend lots of energy caring for so many others around you at this difficult time.

I'll post more later. I can't trivialize this post with crap about myself. I hope you guys are all doing well .

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Steve - I am so sorry. I wish there was a better word than sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Steve- Thank you so much for posting and sharing with us. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family has been through so much lately. I wish you strength in this time. We're thinking of you, and pulling for you. All my best.

 

[AmyBeth68]

With everything going on I haven't posted here but I do manage to read and try to keep up with all of you since your training is always inspiring and your posts are entertaining (jodi and mike!!!)..Even though I'm not an original or regular Philly/MCMer...I just had to post....

Steve: I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. It was heart wrenching reading what your family has been through. Keeping your BIL and nieces, as well as your entire family, in my thoughts.

Dave: I'm so sorry to read about your BIL . Again...you have been through quite a lot over a short period of time. You and your entire family remain in my thoughts! I'm glad to see you running again...I hope that hip injury is gone for good! Just rest assured that I had similar injury training in 2006 and it hasn't reared it's ugly head since...even throughout goofy training. So I wish the very same for you!

Also...still planning to run the Philly Half in November. That rate at the Embassy is actually quite good...I may grab that. Thanks for posting it!

 

[Jodi]

Good afternoon my McPhilly Dis-Bots - and how is everyone this lovely Saturday? Hmmm?

Hi Amy - Glad to hear you are still planning to run the Philly 1/2 in Nov! I look forward to meeting you!

Steve - How are you, bud? Thanks for posting the Embassy Suite rates...is this where we're all staying???

Dave - And how are you, my friend?

Mike - C'mon...you didn't really think I was gonna ask how you were, did you? You're too funny...so how're Kathy & the kidlings? Are you running? Are you excited for next weekend? It is next weekend, right?

Cindy - It is next weekend, right? How's your flying furniture? Our chairs were flying all over our deck, too. Sure, we should've done something about it, but I loved looking at my son's face every time they blew around out there @ night "Mom, what was that?" Ahhhh, good fun Did you run this weekend? If I have any points left over I'll let you know...

Sara - I always suspected you were a little nuts, but now I KNOW. You're so sweet to offer to come down & be my screamTeam I would NEVER ask that of you...well maybe you, but not your family. Your kiddies are too sweet & cute & it'd be a shame for them to have to use up some of those good manners they have stored up watching some tool (not their mom, this time ) run around a lake for hours on end. Thank you, though. Now about your leg What the heck?? We've gotta get this resolved ASAP!! Go get it scanned, MRI'd & whatever else they can do to it!

Colleen - Did you have a fun week on vacation? Hey, what are the dates you're going to Disney in June again? And did you find someone to shack up with for Minnie? How's the family? When're you flying into Boston? Is your hubby excited/nervous? How many marathons has he run? Is he as tall as you?

Howard - Congrats on winning your competition @ school, that's terrific! We're all very proud of you! Yay, more $ for running shoes!

Chester - Where ARE you my jungle swinging creature ? Isn't your marathon coming up real soon?

Lou - How goes the business? Is everything settling down a bit? Nice job on the run in Philly

OK, I CT for 30 mins. on Thurs. & since I didn't work yesterday I had every intention of going on a LR. Well Earl took care of those plans with winds up to 50mph, so I only went 4, swallowing sand from the streets the whole time. The only cool part was I got serious hangtime on my spit...not so much on the snotrockets But today I finally got my heinous self out there & did 18 miles It went pretty good, a little achy the last 2 miles, but otherwise uneventful w/ an avrg. pace of 9:48. So that's it, right? My event is in 4 weeks so I can taper, right? How'd the rest of you do?

Oh yeah, Happy Easter & stuff!

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Happy Easter!

Jodi - Nice job and pace on the 18 I'm impressed. Yes, the race is next Saturday.

Steve - Thanks for offering to advise DH on his random leg problems. Of course, he's a man so he has it all figured out.

Dave - Were you able to get any running in this weekend?

Cindy - Your DH and I seem to be sharing the same ailments . If he figures it out can you please give me a heads up ?

Sara - seeing as you've actually gone to the doctor, you seem to be a few steps ahead of him. I hope the doctor can finally figure out what is wrong. Were you able to get your 7 miles in this weekend?

Howard - Congrats on the competition.

Yes, the 13th floor and I thought that was too high to have a balcony that was not screened.

Colleen - That's funny - Actually A LOT of people feel that way, which I was kind of surprised by. More than half of the people who have visited my condo have refused to go out on the balcony. I hope you have a good spring break!

Lou and Chester - I hope everything is alright with you.

Hi Amy - Hopefully I will get to meet you at the Minnie.

Mike - I hope your taper is going well. Did you see that they are going to be giving out Red Bull on the marathon course? That stuff gives me the worst heartburn, I can't imagine drinking it while running.

As for my running, I did my tempo run on Friday (but I only ran 7 instead of 8), ran 4 yesterday and 10 today. All pretty good runs. I guess I am ready for the half!

DH was able to run 10 miles today but he has been popping LOTS of Advil and he was still in some pain. Apparenty, his knee is better but now his hips are really bothering him. I know the Advil is not the best idea before a run (and so does he), but he seems to think it helps a bit, so I think his plan is to just keep taking the max daily does of Advil until the half and then figure out what to do next after that. Hopefully, he won't end up hurting himself any worse, but his mind is made up, so there is not much I can do.

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Morning Philly Pholks,

Unfortunately, I have some less than happy news to report. DH's grandmother passed away last night. We are going to go out to Phoenix for the funeral and to be there for his mom (it was her mother). I don't know exact timing yet, but there is a pretty good chance I will have to miss the race this weekend. I wish I could say that I was a better person and that it didn't matter to me, but I'm not and it does. Obviously I am upset and sad about her death and I want to be there for DH and his family - especially my MIL who has always been great to me - but I can't say I'm not also upset about missing the half - I think you all know how excited I was getting about this race.

I'll keep you updated.