Team 6 - Team Ohana - Check in and introduce!

[shell78]

hi cousins! Long time no post, but I've been a-lurking reading every few days. I'm gonna throw out some smiley faces : for all those good things like finishing Minnie, anniversaries, and jewels and some sad faces for things like poor broken doggie toes as my effort at catching up.

I started my PT for my knee last week so add another 1/2 hour per day for exercises to an already busy schedule and you get an insanely busy schedule! I got the law laid down to me: no running, no elliptical, no swimming. He did not say no walking so I do that on occasion. We sort of "compromised" on softball - well I should say I think he knew there was no way I wasn't going to play so he gave me some things to try like playing 1st base and not really using my legs as power in hitting.

At Tuesday's doubleheader I was good. I really only hit with my arms so the ball went to the right side of the field every time. I played 1st (even though after pitcher & catcher, I think 1st is the next most intensive since you have to run back to the base on most every play and then contort yourself into interesting positions to make the play). Yesterday I wasn't good. Started out with a bum feeling knee to begin with since I was squatting at work to check some equipment out and my knee felt it the rest of the day. Then we had an overabundance of infielders show up so I was out in left centerfield. It wasn't too bad though, I really only had to run for the ball three times. Anyway, I'm insanely sore after 3 games in two days and am walking around like an old lady since my thighs/hamstrings are soooo tight.

Anyway, PT is kinda lame and I'm not fond of it. My favorite thing that I do is stand on a balance board for strengthening the quads. I call it my own survivor challenge. I get electrical stimulation which is really crazy feeling and apparently I don't have the tolerance for it like other people (I'm at half the setting that most people use). And I continue to do my exercises like a good girl and torture myself with wondering what's gonna happen at the next orthopedist visit in June. Hmmm... :

Hope everyone has a great weekend and a Happy Mother's Day to the Mothers of the bunch!

And OH P.S. I TOTALLY know which gladiator you ran with. Found a list, saw one that had a definitely potentially manly sounding name, went to said person's website and saw that they are into running & ran the LA marathon at one point. Hehehehehehehehe. The answers are out there people! And as Captain Jack Sparrow might say: Arrrrrrrrrrrrrr. (That's a clue to an initial at least if it is who I think it is).

 

[deekaypee]

Wow, wow, wow! It's been forever since I've been on the team thread. I've been trying to keep up with reading posts, as best I can, and kept promising myself I'd be back here as soon as things settled down in my little corner of the universe. Since that's not happening, though, I might as well catch up! Especially as I've certainly missed my cousins!!

First, CONGRATULATIONS to my fabulous & fashionable Team Ohana cousins on their showing at the Minnie! You all rock!

Second, thanks Jeanne, for reminding us of Jen's upcoming BIRTHDAY! (With Maria not too far behind--c'mon, girl, it'll be memorable!)

Third, thanks Maria, for the reminder to post HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WISHES! You're all deserving of all the love you receive, for all the love you give!

Fourth, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all who "qualify."

Nancy: I don't know if it's the effects of Pg being the as sootiest city but it turns out that Pgh has given me springtime allergies. I'm having a hard time breathing this spring when I walk, let alone run. It's all new for me, and I can either blame the city or my new age. I choose the former!

You and Jeanne both had great times, together, at the Minnie! But man oh man, do we need to start an Ohana bail fund for you two? How much alcohol did you consume?

I'm so happy you're doing the Race for the Cure, and I'll definitely be thinking of you on Sunday. (I hope your blister doesn't bother you.) We're looking at weather in the 40s and rain, so it might inspire me to move faster. I'm doing the untimed walk--it was supposed to be with my ILs but they're not showing. So I'll be moving with some of my SP Pgh teammates. But I'll be wearing my WISH shirt!

Julie: I'm so jealous that you were at WDW, Minnie or no Minnie. You know what I'm going to do in January when I see you. Grab your hand and drag you to ToT!! I'm stronger than I look--I'd have to be cause I look pretty weak--and maybe I'll get some handcuffs for leverage.

Maria: Again, congrats on the smaller size. Almost makes missing the Minnie worth it! (Of course, those two aren't related, but I'm looking for silver linings....) Bigger congratulations on the 15th wedding anniversary, which just stands in for your relationship as a whole. The bling band ain't too bad either! I'm so happy that you found your soulmate, and I can definitely feel the love in your post.

As for debauchery, yeah! I missed out on the tales when they were fresh. And there's no debauchery, fresh or frozen, in my current life...

Jen: I've seen some of the pics. The bandanas look so fantastic--and so do you! The bandanas really helped me find you in the bigger pics, too, and I thought they were almost as tasteful as grass skirts and coconut shells. In an odd way, it's good to hear that the Minnie has inspired you to lose weight.

I like the idea of Slim-Down accountability here, as I'll have a bit of time after Cleveland before training starts again. You, Nancy, Corrina, everyone can also join some of us over at the Lean Meaner thread--as if you have that much spare time! (We don't tend to do a weigh-in, though.)

Christa: OMG! Your 1/2 with your DSis (Hope) looked like it was so much fun. Loved the swinging bridge--and yes, I believe you can walk on water! It certainly looks like the type of event that brings the fun of running back to the forefront of your mind. I'm glad you did it and shared it with us!

Jeanne: I think it's a funny, sweet story of misunderstanding. Seeing as it hinges on misheard names and androgynous appearances, I think it'd make a great farce of a movie! And I'd really love to hear you and Nancy tell it, bouncing off one another's points of view. I'm sure it's one of those stories that will just get funnier over time--and can't imagine you would hurt anyone's feelings on purpose. (I also don't imagine her friend said anything.)

Ooooh, and congrats on the bib belt. I guess that means you're definitely ready for the Naked Race!

Corrina: I'm so sorry about your puppy's broken toe. From what you say, it doesn't seem to have curbed his general enthusiasm. (Ugh, even I groan from that one.) I hope he continue to be good so that he doesn't have to wear the cone, as that just adds insult to injury.

Shell: I'm glad you've started PT and appear to be listening (mostly) to your doctor, or at least getting him to compromise with you! Sorry to hear about your game, not only because it left you sore but because it sounds like you weren't happy with how your knee felt almost from the very beginning. The survivor challenge (i.e. balance board) sounds cool, but the electrical stimulation makes me think of Frankenstein for some reason: "It lives!" Thanks for the hint on Jeanne & Nancy's encounter; I'll go look it up.

As for me: I'll be doing the Race for the Cure, as I said above, as an untimed walker in the cold and possibly rain. That is, unless it's too cold and then I'll leave my SP teammates behind, in my dust while I run to get warm. Nawww, just kidding; I'm trying to be a good WISHer and spread the love to my SP teammates who are new to exercise. (Excuses, excuses...).

We're still looking for "the" apartment. We put in another app and a deposit on a place DOOD is more positive on than I am; I'm hoping to find another one, if I can convince DOOD to keep looking. If not, this place fits our big three requirements--location, price, cats--so I can deal with its small size, third-floor walk up, and alpha-male landlord; it'll be incentive to get going on buying a house sooner rather than later.

As for my pop-culture front, well I continue to be intrigued, confused, and annoyed by Lost; I finished every book in the Ender series (it got weaker the further away from Ender the books went, IMO); and I've started the James Patterson/Alex Cross books. And I saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall and its full-frontal male nudity. Meh as a movie, meh for the nudity. So apparently there's always time for escapist pop culture in my life.

 

[jeanneg]

Shell: just sent you a PM!


Debra: welcome back....we missed you! I finally sat down, looked at the menu and figured it out. We were each served 6 different wines. The first one was champagne and we each had 2 glasses and then for one of the entrees they filled our glasses twice. So that makes 8 glasses per person total which is just about 2 bottles each! YOWSA! No wonder we were staggering all through the MK!

 

[corinnak]

All right, Little Miss Mickey (Ashley) if you're out there. I'm still planning on the New Prague 5K in the morning. I'll wear my WISH shirt so you can't miss me, if you're there. I have to leave right after the 5K, though - won't be able to stay for the end of the Half, unfortunately.

That being said, I'd better get to sleep. Not that sleep is a requirement for a race, right???

Jeanne - that is a LOT of wine. I can't believe you guys were able to make it to the Magic Kingdom gates, even! Impressive. I had a Welsh Dragon at the Rose and Crown that night and I swear, I've never gotten so much mileage out of one drink. Glad you had fun, though.

Debra - his enthusiasm is not curbed at all with the cone off. Cone on, he's less keen on everything. The good news is it takes a lot less distance to wear him out. He was walking slowly after 3/4 mile today. Usually it takes....uh....I don't know - I've never run him far enough to make him that tired before.

I hope you can find the perfect apartment, but in case you can't, I'm glad you've got a workable back-up apartment.

Shell - it's good to hear from you. The OT sounds tough, especially the things you aren't allowed to do. I hope you see some benefits from it, at least.

Jeanne - I often have 3 layers as well, so I know what you mean. This girl seemed to have 2 layers and for some reason, her pocket or belt or whatever was attached to the top one, so every time she bounced, the thing boinged down and pulled the top waistband with it, exposing her under-layer. It would drive me NUTS to have that going on, but some people don't mind it, I guess.

Nancy - I'll also be doing the RFTC on Sunday. I may well wear a WISH shirt. I'll think of you and will put you on my In Celebration Of list.

 

[padisneyfan]

I'm sorry, I checked her(?) out on the web and I am still convinced she's a "he"!

I sort of think that to, but Norm still thinks it is all the testerone those women take. Even on Utube during interviews she looks like she is a he

Nancy: I don't know if it's the effects of Pg being the as sootiest city but it turns out that Pgh has given me springtime allergies. I'm having a hard time breathing this spring when I walk, let alone run. It's all new for me, and I can either blame the city or my new age. I choose the former!

You and Jeanne both had great times, together, at the Minnie! But man oh man, do we need to start an Ohana bail fund for you two? How much alcohol did you consume?


We're still looking for "the" apartment. We put in another app and a deposit on a place DOOD is more positive on than I am; I'm hoping to find another one, if I can convince DOOD to keep looking. If not, this place fits our big three requirements--location, price, cats--so I can deal with its small size, third-floor walk up, and alpha-male landlord; it'll be incentive to get going on buying a house sooner rather than later.

Deb--The pollen count in PA is terrible this time of year, that may be causing more of your issues than the soot. Everything in my area is coated in green.

If Jeanne's wine calculation is correct is is a wonder that someone didn't have to bail us out. If that is how much we drank we were actually in good shape and both of felt fine the next day. Jeanne and I and our husbands do have good times together. Our children are scared at how much her and I are alike. Plus our husbands get along really well also. Pretty much at MK they acted like they didn't know us.

You only have to move into an apartment. Poor Locke has to move an entire island. That should be interesting.

Debra: welcome back....we missed you! I finally sat down, looked at the menu and figured it out. We were each served 6 different wines. The first one was champagne and we each had 2 glasses and then for one of the entrees they filled our glasses twice. So that makes 8 glasses per person total which is just about 2 bottles each! YOWSA! No wonder we were staggering all through the MK!

Maybe we were Pirates in a previous life and can hold our liquor well. Yo, Ho, Yo, Ho. We will have to slow down our drinking on the cruise or we will have the wine package consumed in a couple of days.

All right, Little Miss Mickey (Ashley) if you're out there. I'm still planning on the New Prague 5K in the morning. I'll wear my WISH shirt so you can't miss me, if you're there. I have to leave right after the 5K, though - won't be able to stay for the end of the Half, unfortunately.


Nancy - I'll also be doing the RFTC on Sunday. I may well wear a WISH shirt. I'll think of you and will put you on my In Celebration Of list.

You are quite the women Corrina, last weekend the Minnie and two race this week. to you.

Shell--- Nice to hear from you. I hope the PT helps you. I'm impressed how many different sports you play.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Nancy

 

[corinnak]

You are quite the women Corrina, last weekend the Minnie and two race this week. to you.

Thanks, Nancy. And not only that....NOT ONLY THAT!!! I got a PR today.

And not only that!!!! I think I got my sub-30!!!!

The clock said 29:45 when I crossed the finish line. We'll see what the chip says later today, I guess, but I will absolutely take that clock time! I felt ill afterwards, which has never happened to me before. But I walked and felt better. And for refreshments, they had oranges, bananas and......ICE CREAM. What a race! I think I even managed to finish ahead of the Kindergartner I was running with for a while. She was a real speedster, too, let me tell you.

Hope everyone has a great Saturday!

 

[deekaypee]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all who fill that role in someone's life, regardless of gender, biological ties, the social labels already given to you, or the age of the "child/children." You deserve all the love, thanks, and for what you do and who you are.

Jeanne: I DEFINITELY want to hang with you and Nancy in January. You know what's really important about the weekend. But I don't think I can keep up with your drinking pace. Looks like I need to train.

Jeanne and Nancy: That's it. Ohana needs a bail fund. Gotta protect the family.

Corrina: First, congratulations on the PR and the sub :30 5K. I guess it happened for you once you stopped focusing on it. Is this a new happy pace--I already know it's a pace you're happy with. I think I need to take some running-attitude lessons from you. Second, I do hope your puppy is cone-free soon. It doesn't sound like he's going to experience much joy with the walkies right now. (And that's what I really want for everyone.)

Nancy: I do think my allergies are related to the pollen count--the trees here really dust everything. You know, if I thought I could explain the island to anyone, I'd consider moving there & setting up housekeeping. Polar bears, pirate ships, and Stepford Housing. I'm so in!

And I was SO happy to be able to write your name on my "In Celebration of" card for today's RftC; you're the only survivor I know, so it was really nice to carry you with me today.

As for me: Last LR before the Cleveland 1/2, and I still have no idea what next Sunday's race will look like for me. I'm tentatively planning 6/1 intervals. The knee has been a bit wonky recently, but nothing that will prevent me from lining up at the start--it just might mean I take it easy.

I'll try to post a picture and brief report from today's Race for the Cure later. To sum up, I went as an untimed walker because I was *supposed* to meet up with friends--more on that later--and ended up being surprised and pleased by my time: 42:50. I also avoided the rain, barely, although there were walkers still on the course when the skies opened. DOOD rocked the timed 5K run with 21:54, and that included maneuvering around walkers in jeans at his start.

Most of today, though, DOOD and I are going to be at the Carnegie Museum, enjoying a new exhibit.

 

[deekaypee]

Here's my "race report." It wasn't much of a race, so I'm not going to post it on the RR thread. I do have to say, though, that I was pleased with my walking pace of 13:46, especially because I'm not training as a walker. I guess all that pedestrian walking is paying off....

The Background/Warm Up
I did the Pgh Race for the Cure today (35,000+) as an untimed walker. Initially, I was going to walk with my ILs, then they cancelled their trip here. Apparently Pgh isn't any bigger of a pull for them than Fargo was. So I'd arranged to meet up with some friends instead, people whom I don't know very well yet. But when I got to the appointed time and place....no one? I waited, then wondered if I got my meeting time wrong, even though I was sure I hadn't. It was getting kind of close to the walk start, so I headed to the start line for the walkers to look for them. I was kind of annoyed because I had agreed to walk with them instead of running. And you know, getting stood up just brings back bad high-school memories.

Conflict at the Starting Line
Anyway, I get to the walk start and I'm looking at the start line. Which is already moving. Apparently, in Pgh, the walkers just start whenever they feel like it! Even though the walk course merges with the run course 1 1/2 miles in, and the walkers are supposed to start 10 minutes after the runners!

I'm thinking my friends have already started without me. Remember, I don't know them well enough to know if they tend to be early or tardy, but think it's the former. And I'm not carrying my phone because, well, I never carry my phone and it's too early in the a.m. for me to have thought about such things. So I begin walking, thinking I'm going to find them and, if not, then I'll just catch up to DOOD that much sooner. (He's running.)

The Quest for Friends and a Perfect Pace
So I'm walking, looking for my friends in the crowd. It's a lost cause from the beginning, but I'm too stubborn to recognize that until we merged with the runners and the 1/2 point. Race volunteers are telling walkers to stay out of the way of the runners and keep to the sidewalk, because they've entered the course waaaay early and there are still relatively speedy runners coming up behind me. It's utter chaos. Walkers are packing the sidewalks, runners on on the sidewalk, 5 yos are running past me.

At this point, I could have run the last 1 1/2 miles, probably should have. But I'm not being timed, I'm still hoping to see my friends, and--I admit it--I'd planned on walking and am curious as to what I can do in terms of time. So I commit myself to the walking, and the weaving in between walkers and runners, at a side-stitch inducing pace.

The Climax, AKA The Finish
The official time on the clock when I finished? 35:02. My watch time: 42:50. That's a great pace for me as a walker, as I've been training to run--and my legs are letting me know it. But the most important part of that story? The official race clock time tells me that the first wave of walkers must have started their race over 15 minutes before they were supposed to, with no race officials to stop them.

When I told DOOD about it, he just laughed. Turned out, he got near the front of the run start and ended up right next to a walker in blue jeans who was talking on his cell when the gun went off...also early! DOOD's time, btw, was 21:54. Not a PR, but pretty good given the conditions. We were both done well before 10:00, which was the best news of the day because at 10 the skies opened up and it started pouring. And there were STILL walkers just starting the 5K, 1:45 after the official start of the walk. Wow, no wonder they weren't regulating things.

The Moral of the Story
So while Race for the Cure seemed to be a huge party--although we left when the rain decided to stay--it was a strange race. I'd do it again, but not without making sure my friends were attached at my hip before I took off. The social aspect would have made things much less frustrating for me, I think.

As for my friends? I still need to catch up with them (they were headed to Mother's Day celebrations afterwards) and find out what happened. There might be some chastising going on, but I'm sure we'll all have a good laugh.

The Epilogue
I'm still glad I signed up for it--I've never done such a large Race for the Cure. And it was cool to know I was doing it with members of my Ohana family!

P.S. These are the only pics you're going to get, so enjoy them!

 

[padisneyfan]

Debra---How sweet of you to carry me with you doing your Race for The Cure. You picture made me get weep. It has been an emotional day. I think my event went off better than yours.

I really don't write race reports so will just give some of the highlights.

DH and I went down on Sat afternoon so we could spend some time being tourists. So we spent the day visiting attractions near our hotel and eating. Can't go to Philly and not have a Philly cheesesteak. Our hotel was about a half mile from the start of the race and from our room we could see the entire way over to the Art Museum (where Rocky ran up all those steps) and see all the pink ballons. Our alarm clock was the helicopter sitting over the area starting at 5:30am. We could see on the TV the live report from the helicopter. So after getting ready we started over around 6:30am. The weather was beautiful sunny and 52 at 6:30 when we left the room.

I didn't realize how big an event this was until they gave a news report. The race is huge they had pre registration of 45,000 racers and there were 100,000 people in the area according to the news. However, I saw race number up to 65,000 so more people signed up to race after the got there. There were many stands giving things away, but I really didn't want to be carrying things while I was walking. Next year I will bring a backpack as there was nothing left after the race. I really wanted the pink cloth reusable grocery bag.

They made an announcement for all survivors to gather on the steps for a group photo. I wasn't sure that I wanted to do that as I was afraid I would never find DH again. However we found a place we could meet after the picture so I went up. I had already been sort of weepy watching all the stuff on TV before we left the room and then to stand with thousands of other survivors was very emotional. There were so many young women in this group, in their 30's and early 40's. You just don't realize how many lives are affected by breast cancer until you see such a larger gathering in one place. As survivors we were given pink survivor hats and a special scarf made Lilly Pulitzer. So I was all decked out in pink, the color of the day.

After the group photo, I was able to find DH and we made our way to the race start. We were in the "competetive race" under 60 minute group. 8:15 was the start for this race, the next group over 60 minutes started at 8:25 and then 8:40 was the 1 mile walk. It was pretty crazy at the beginning because the photo session took longer and there was really only 10 minutes to get to the start line, so alot of runners were behind the walkers. It took a good 1/2 mile before things got better if you were a runner to get past all the walkers. I was planning to walk a faster pace, but with so many people it was just to hard to move around and my knee started hurting before mile 1 so I said the heck with it and waited for DH and he and I walked together. Let me tell you there was more entertainment on this 5K than at the Minnie last week. There were 2 bands, plenty of people cheering and more interesting sights. We made it to the finish line 57 minutes. Temple University Football players were passing out the water at the end of the race. Food wise post race they had muffins, donuts, bananas, sticky buns, sof pretzels, yogurt, ice tea, lemonade and juices. After eating we started walking back to the hotel. Quick shower and then headed home. The worse part of the entire trip is Philly traffic. There is no easy way to get in and out of that city. It is a wonder the British ever found there way out of there to fight George Washington.

Once home, we just dropped off our stuff and headed to Hersheypark to see the "Spinners". Most of you are to young to know them, but Jeanne will know who they are.

The day was a very emotional but fun filled Mother's Day. I might have to make this an annual event.

Corrina--Congratulations on your PR.

Happy Anniversary Jeanne and John.


Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's on Team Ohana.

Nancy

 

[corinnak]

Nancy - that was a great report. It sounds like you were at an amazing RFTC, and I'm glad you went ahead and got into the group photo. Can you even believe how large these events can be? I love seeing the survivors, celebrating and living life fully and I'm glad you got to be part of that group today, race craziness and all.

Debra, you sure had your share of race craziness. Glad you got through it OK, but too bad your friends were flakey. Your pictures are really cute, too.

So my Race for the Cure was kind of a series of issues.

The pre-race stuff yesterday was great. My younger son did the kids race and had a great time. He did it last year too, and has spent the past 12 months saying that he "Won the #1 race" because the little pink dog tag medal had #1 on it. He got another one yesterday. We enjoyed the pre-race dinner. I always think a big pasta dinner is a little bit of overkill for a 5K, but whatever. There was plenty of pasta and salad and cookies and the best garlic bread ever....and wine and beer was included. I'm not much of a drinker (ahem) but included wine, I couldn't actually pass up.

I had a hard time getting going this morning, and had to get my 9 year old son out the door as well. We left later than I was planning for, and as soon as I got out of the car, I KNEW I had underdressed. I really wanted a winter coat and gloves, and what I had was a technical t-shirt. My DS fortunately was wearing one of my jackets so I think he didn't freeze quite as badly. WE got a couple of cotton scarves from the Ford booth and a couple of pink bandanas from an oncology center. I tied the bandanas around our heads in lieu of hats and/or ear-warmers. It was better than nothing.

We then walked over to the start and found that not only had it been moved from last year (I had expected to see a growing crowd) but the race actually had started about 1/2 hour earlier - I was wrong about the start time. My son was devastated and ultimately we decided to jog a little ways and see if we could catch up. The road was still closed and there were other people also walking that way. After about a quarter of a mile, I said "Oh, if we can get in front of those people with the banner, we'll be IN the race." They were walking, so we just jogged on ahead of them.

After the first freezing mile, there was a left turn and that corner was called "Hug your mother corner" and so, of course, I got a nice hug. And then one of the volunteers said "Nice job, ladies!" Well, here's the facts. If you take a beautiful 9 year old boy (if I do say so myself) and put a pink bandana on his head....he might be mistaken for a girl. And then we turned and suddenly it didn't seem so freezing anymore. He asked if there would be any port-a-potties on the route and I said "Well, there they are!" And since we weren't trying to break any speed records here, we stopped. And I got custody of the jacket. Turns out after that, he didn't even want it back.

We then turned left at "hug a survivor" corner. I thought of you, Nancy, and my Aunt Lois who has been cancer-free for quite a few years now. We also remembered those we have lost to this disease. My son was running in memory of my Mother In Law, his Grandma Betty who had breast cancer, and then a few years later was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer which she battled for 5 years. I told my son that I thought she'd be proud of him for doing the race in her honor, because what she really wanted was to be remembered. I was also running in honor of my grandmother who died from breast cancer 5 years ago this August.

We walked some and we jogged a lot, and it wasn't the way I imagined it at all, but at one point, he reached out and held my hand as we were walking. A photographer took our picture and I really wish I had that photograph, cause it was a sweet moment.

By the time we got to the finish line, unbelievably to me, they had taken it down! We didn't even know when we had finished. Very strange. I don't know how many people were there this morning, but I did get the sense that it wasn't as crowded as it had been last year. The cold, windy weather may have scared some people off. It almost scared me off. If my son hadn't had his heart set on doing the 5K, I probably would have just headed back home.

I don't remember the last time I was so exhausted. It's been 30K in races over the past 9 days including the longest distance I have ever run at one time and the fastest 5K I've ever run.

 

[corinnak]

Is this a new happy pace--I already know it's a pace you're happy with. I think I need to take some running-attitude lessons from you.

No, this was not a new happy pace - this was a miserable pace, though I was happy with the result. Here's the professional picture of what I look like at this pace (and sorry it's just links - the IMG tag doesn't seem to work on these):

OK, this is at the start:
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=0VZQ0006000281&po=283

And this is approaching the finish:

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=0VZQ0006000154&po=156

Compare these with photos I've seen of me from the Disney Races - I am always smiling when I'm running at that happy pace. I did not have a smile for the photographers yesterday. Positive attitude or not working hard enough??...you decide.

One more thing I'll say - the neon green is not the most flattering color on me - in fact, especially when I'm all red, I think I end up looking fairly dreadful, but at least I have no trouble finding myself in a mass of race photos while wearing it.

 

[padisneyfan]

Corinna--- I didn't realize so many in your family had been effected by breast cancer. You had better be getting yearly mammograms. Thanks for the "hug". Sorry the weather was so bad in your area. I seem to be the only one in our group who had great weather. I notice in your New Prague photo that most people have long sleeve shirts on and there you are in your sleeveless WISH shirt. No wonder you ran fast you wanted to get finished to get a coat on and warm up.

Not sure what I am doing tonight, it is so dreary out and rainy that I just want to go home and cuddle up in a chair with a blanket and book.

Nancy

 

[corinnak]

Nancy - I am still unnder 35, and my mother is cancer-free, as is her mother, so they haven't suggested mammograms yet for me, though I am sure my time is coming very soon, and I will be dutiful about it, I assure you.

I am glad you had good weather, for sure! And glad Debra didn't get poured on. I actually said I'd be satisfied as long as it wasn't snowing.

You're right that most people were wearing more clothes than I in New Prague - but I do have my jacket tied around my waist. I wore it the first little bit and decided I didn't want it once I got going a little bit. I wasn't cold at all on that course.

A blanket and book and a quiet night in sounds heavenly right now!

 

[jeanneg]

Congrats to all our Ohana cousins that gave up their Mother's Day to participate in the race for the cure. I am so touched that we have formed such amazing friendships via this board that we can each other's survival. What an awesome group we all are!

Debra: your race sounds almost as disorganized as that one I did in Raleigh last month. Did you ever find out what happened to your walking buddies?

Corinna: Way to go on the new PR!

Nancy: I'm glad you got to do an event with Norm. Is he feeling better about doing the TofT now? I finally convinced Terry that he and Jenni should come in September and do the EE5K with Adam and me. I told him all about MNSSHP and he was really looking forward to it. So he checked his calendar and it turns out that's the weekend of the Celine concert. So much for that! Maybe they can do TofT. I may have created a monster....he absolutely LOVES Disney.....even joined the DIS board! I'm sure Brian will find that very amusing....Jenni just about DIED! (He IS closer to our ages afterall!)

 

[windwalker]

Hey y'all, I'm sending you a new player over. Please make sure y'all are dressed properly for company. Welcome your new team mate, Johanna, AKA, Jacobsmommy1102.

Recruiter Panda

 

[deekaypee]

Nancy: I thought of you during my race, of course, and that was the best thing about the event! I'm so happy you had such a great time in Philly--and it's made me seriously consider driving to Philly next year, even with the traffic issues. If you do make it an annual event, that's just another reason for me to do Philly! Btw, I didn't hate my race yesterday, it's just not what I expected. I've only done smaller RftC, and better organized ones, and always casually and with friends. So it was just kind of weird to be there walking by myself. Not that I was by myself, per se, as I was surrounded by people and had you on my mind, but you get what I mean.

But your day sounds absolutely amazing. I'm glad you had such beautiful weather, loads of live entertainment, got to walk with DH (and with that many people your time was fantastic), had lots of stuff to eat, and took part in the group photo. Your description of the photo and the whole day made me smile. You so deserved this, and on Mother's Day too! Surrounded by beautiful strong women and families!

As for Hersheypark, I've never been. But I hail from Detroit, baby, and so of course I know the Spinners. "It's a Shame" is on my iPod!

Corrina: Whoo hoo for your DS's race. That apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it? And your pre-race dinner sounds tasty--mine was Thai food--and very relaxing. I think Ohana needs to simply list wine as its recommended pre-race beverage of choice!

Loved your coping strategies for the cold. You made very good use of the free swag. So sorry about your mix-up with the start time. (Those start times seemed to be an issue for both of us.) But the hug a survivor corner is a great idea, and I'm so glad your DS got to honor his GM Betty and you your own GM. That made it extra special for you, and on Mother's Day. I'm happy for your for building this memory with your family. Now it's time for your well-deserved break. You've done a lot of races, and done them well--congrats on that PR. Again, that's why I call you hard core. I expect to hear great things in your training future, once you've recovered.

Also, loved the pictures--okay, you don't look ecstatic, but at least you're not doing your best KISS impression. And you just look kid of serious, not in the boot and rally stages. And really, who does look good in the green? I just think it's equally unflattering for all of us!

Jeanne: I'm still not sure what happened. Courtney says they were there at the appointed time, but somehow we missed each other? That said, it was a disorganized race, with the walkers field being the most crowded. I think we just missed each other and the landmark we chose was the one everyone chose. Eh, forget it and move on, right?

I meant to ask you more directly on the Lean Meaner thread, was there any big news for extending your family this weekend? Any, say, engagements that are pending?

Johanna: Welcome to the family, cousin. We're the next best thing to the mob--we're tight-knit, we're fierce, and we like our wine. So join your spot at the table and tell us a little about yourself.

As for me: Today I just took it easy with some XT. Even brought my book, finishing Along Came a Spider. I like that Alex Cross detective, I do. Very manly without being very hard-boiled. I'm getting a little nervous about the Cleveland 1/2. Not the race bit, as I've done what I can to prepare. But it's turning out to be a big family get-together. My ILs bailed on RftC to watch DOOD do the full, and DOOD has cousins there. So it's turning out to be a small family gathering with a jam-packed schedule. *sigh* At least they'll all be watching him and not me, as I've told them that I'm not part of their spectating sport. And hey, maybe lots of wine with the family dining will make my weekend and race that much better!

 

[jeanneg]

I meant to ask you more directly on the Lean Meaner thread, was there any big news for extending your family this weekend? Any, say, engagements that are pending?

Ha,ha....actually everything is on hold until my older daughter meets the Greek and approves of the match! What can I tell you, my girls are very close and one would not consider accepting a ring unless the other approves. My husband and I always joke that this will be the most anti-climatic engagement ever. BTW, I see you're from the Detroit area. He is in the Coney Island business there. Not actually Detroit, but the surrounding suburbs. John and I will be visiting in July.......kinda like a "Meet the Fokkers" trip, but we call it something else! He promises to take us to Greektown, have us dine at one of his restaurants, and visit the Henry Ford museum, among other things. We're looking forward to it.

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

Hey y'all, I'm sending you a new player over. Please make sure y'all are dressed properly for company. Welcome your new team mate, Johanna, AKA, Jacobsmommy1102.

Recruiter Panda

Hi all! Here I am! My name is Johanna, 34 and closing in on 35. I went back to school around 30 after working as a Certified Surgical Technoligist for 7 years, and I am now a Registered Nurse in an opthalmic surgery center. I have the perfect nursing job...no nights, weekends, holidays or call. I have been married for nearly 8 years to my DH, Jason...who is almost 35, too. We have 2 kids...Jacob(obviously, from my s/n) 6, and Abby, 4.

Before we got married, I was super fit. I had gone to WW, and lost nearly 70 lbs. Then we went on the honeymoon, and I came back 5 lbs heavier. No big deal, I figured. I could get that off. Well, the 5 became 10, and then I got pregnant with Jake and gained about 60 lbs and only lost 20. Then I got pregnant with Abby, and gained more and lost little. But I still wasn't where I am now. No, that came from lots of late night snacks and no exercise.

So, here I am...back on the wagon, so to speak. I am on W4 of the C25K, and I love it! I just started doing pilates on the off days. My eating is still a struggle, but I am working on it. Tomorrow is a new day, and with my new determination, I am feeling pretty good. I also ordered Marathoning for Mortals, and should be getting it on Wednesday. I am contemplating the Maine 1/2 in October, but I am not sure that is enough time. I want to do the WDW 1/2 soooooooo badly! I can still get a spot with Anthony Travel, but I am a bit nervous...not about the marathon, but about affording to get down there. We live in Maine, and airfare is pricey! I am willing to eat the entrance fee, but I need to find out how it would work with hotel, etc.

So, that's me in a nutshell! Now I just need to figure out how to put that super cool team 'Ohana logo in my siggy. Did I mention how happy I am to be on 'Ohana....I am a HUGE Lilo & Stitch fan!

 

[gatorphipps]

WOW! Sorry I have not been posting...but in my life, sometimes it is post or WO...and well, sorry guys...I choose the WO.

Loved all the race for the cure RR. Were all those on Sunday. Ours isn't until October. I walked it with my BFF who had BC. I had gone to all her treatments with her and walking the race seemed to be the very cool thing to do. B/c of the crazy cancer that runs in my fam...I have to get the big Mamo even though I am 36. They do the ones that you get the results right there b/c I have several "little cysts". AHHHHHHH!

Saturday I did a metric century ride. The mini RR is on my WO log on the Saturday day...if you want you can click on it but I won't bore you with the details. So now the real training for my MS century begins.

Johanna - A big WELCOME! You will love it here. Everyone is so supportive and kind.

OK, about the race photos...I always look 10 tons in these. I think it is the angle they take them from...and no matter how much pain I am in...I have trained myself to smile for the camra. If you look at my race photos from the WDW 07 marathon you will see big smiles...don't let this fool you...I was dying at the end.

But I would totally be for posting weight loss or whatever. Kinda like a WW kind of thing.

 

[corinnak]

Hello and welcome to the family, Johanna! It sounds like we are about the same age (I turn 35 in Novemner) and had similar pregnancies, weight-wise, anyhow.

I did c25k and finished up at about this time last year, so I'm glad to hear you are loving that program! I loved it as well, and the WDW 1/2 in 2009 was my BIG dream when I started. I definitely think you could do a 1/2 by October. Not that I've ever done one, but it seems like it's plenty of time, given most of

Oh, and a Lilo and Stitch fan - perfect! How does the Panda know? Is he an oracle? It could be....