Team 6 - Team Ohana - Check in and introduce!

[Jen117]

Life is rough this week, so I may not get in as much as I would like.... Booo Hooo. But the fact that I am trying is more than I can say other times of the year!!! With my home treadmill on the fritz, bad weather and evening obligations... I am sunk!!!

Jeanne - I LOVE GREEK FOOD! Can I come????

Ashley... WELCOME. We are glad you finally made it. If you have last weeks miles and hours, feel free to post them also (and if you did already...sorry)!

Debra - I am mitchy also!!! Must be the weather!!!! We are resuming our TM shopping, however I may not be getting the one I want due to cutbacks at work and the concern of spending too much right now. BOOO HOOO!!! My last one lasted 7.5 years, so I will be happy with 5 years!

AmyBeth - We Rock because we are Family!! Don't mess with Family!!!!!

 

[deekaypee]

Ashley: Welcome to the family. You post miles/minutes on the other thread, so you had it right! We're just chatty--okay, maybe it's me--and have two threads. It's great to get the background information on you, helps put names & stories together. Tell me, how do you like the Training for Mortals log? As Mel (chimera) says, The Penguin is pretty much a minor deity around here.

I see Jeanne has answered the questions about logging minutes & miles. You can always check our standing if you click on the spreadsheet link on the first post of the weekly thread. You'll see our tallies under the Ohana team; if you scroll past all the teams you'll see a link for 2008 totals, which shows us in comparison.

Also, it's informal, but we're encouraging each other to add charity events to our schedule, sort of a virtual team event. So if you've got one you're doing, let me know and I'll update our race schedule. You'll find the link to our calendar in my siggie. Remember, race events count double miles.

As for competitiveness, I think it really depends on individual persons. We're each challenging ourselves to try new things, to get stronger, etc. Sort of like your "Define Yourself" quote. But some of us are more competitive than others. I myself love the trash talk, but try not to level it at those who don't. It's all in good fun and non-too-serious, overall, but there are plans to celebrate the year at the marathon in 2009.

Oh, and Ohana's gonna take the bragging rights. Yes, yes we will! (Okay, all you cousins who are lurking--give me some of that good old trash talk now!)

 

[deekaypee]

Jeanne: You had me going there for a moment with the "we did NOT LIKE" the BF.... I'm so gullible. It sounds like he knows how to communicate with his possible future ILs. And your daughter is happy, I presume. How much fun. Will you promise to videotape everything if there is a big fat Greek wedding in the future. You could distribute it as a sequel. Now, if you could just find a cinematographer.... (Ashley, Jeanne's son is a cinematographer, quite good, too!)

Nancy: Thanks for the suggestion. I do try to read series in order because of the timeline thing. Especially the earlier ones in a series. I like to know all the characters issues before I start jumping around! Have you decided if you're doing the ToT? I think we're in.

Jen: I'm sorry to hear about work. Is your job safe, or is it too soon to tell/too sensitive to talk about? (If I remember correctly, your organization could save some $ by getting rid of that crazy assistant of yours.) And you are getting a TM, right?

Amy: Here's my current 2-week rotation of strength training, etc. It does vary a bit in practice because of schedules, but it's close enough. Now, some of these days I break up the WOs & double-dip, and this is my ideal schedule; things don't always work out like I plan.

Su1: Yoga, XT (Cycling, Rowing, Elliptical), Circuit Training
M1: R, XT
T1: Free weights, Core Work, Flexibility/Stretching
W1: R, Form Drills, XT
Th1: Free weights, Core Work, Yoga (Here I'm thinking of substituting Pilates)
F1: XT, Flexibility/Stretching
Sa1: LR, XT

Su2: Yoga, XT, Circuit Training
M2: R, XT
T2: Free Weights, Core Work, Flexibility/Stretching
W2: R, Form Drills, XT
Th2: Core Work, Yoga
F2: XT, Flexibility/Stretching, Circuit Training
Sa2: LR, XT

Su: Back to Su1

Now, I know it looks like I have no rest days, but really my T/Th are simply active rest days; I don't work as hard on those days & am really more interested in keeping limber. When I work with free weights, btw, I vary the emphasis between upper & lower body, doing a little of each but with emphasis more on one than the other.

I have no doubt that you'll have suggestions to help me improve my performance, so don't hesitate to offer them! And I hope to switch this around come summer--I hear the sweet siren sound of Rails to Trails calling me even now.

As for me: You can read all about the so-called adventures in running on the weekly thread. Let's just say that you know that phrase about running a mile in someone else's shoes? I just tried running a miles in my "other" clothes--in my jeans! I'm afraid I'm officially obsessed.

Speaking of obsessed, DOOD mentioned today that he'd be interested in doing the Expedition Everest Challenge!!! Even when I told him how much $$$ it was. Because it's an inaugural event. In addition to ToT. I think I need to reign that boy in a bit; he's beginning to associate Disney trips entirely with running, and that might interfere with my Dole Whip.

 

[Jen117]

Debra - My job is not in jeopardy unless the company shuts down all together. So lets hope the economy shapes itself up!!! My receptionist/assistant is GONE! But, now I have more to do. She went to trial and needed all this not approved time off... and then got slacky in the job and made a TON of mistakes that I had to clean up.

As for the TM, I was pretty set on one (well I really wanted the $4000 one, but that's not going to happen)... But the sales person was really irritating me because he didn't know anything about the sale going on and wouldn't check on the pricing that was listed in an advertisement we saw... so we are still looking. One more store and I may finally get one. It won't be the model I really want, but if it lasts for 5 years I will be happy. My previous one lasted 7.5, and it wasn't the top of the line.

 

[jeanneg]

Debra: great news about possibly doing EE! That's the one i'm doing with Adam since my husband can't get the time off. As of right now there are only a handful of WISHers doing that event. We definitely need to increase the ranks. I think it's going to be easy, but fun! BTW, check your PMs a little later......I'm sending you a photo!

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Team! I feel like I haven't been here in a while...

Jen - Sorry to hear that work is crazy. Do you still have snow there? I hope spring weather comes soon for you (and the rest of us in cold climates too)!

Debra - Your training schedule is amazing. I wish I had that much dedication/motivation. I'm lucky if I get out running 3 times a week - and that's all the exercise I get. I see you're off to WDW soon. Have a great time. We'll be there in 3 weeks! Oh, and my ankle is back to normal - thanks for asking.

Ashley - Welcome! I'm new-ish here too. I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

Jeanne - Glad to hear you liked your daughter's boyfriend. A big fat Greek wedding sounds like fun!

Maria - How are things going? I hope things are good, but if you need an extra day of hiding under the covers with a box of Oreos, that's ok too. I heard that we're getting snow tomorrow. Let's hope they're wrong!

As for me, not much is new. Got a little sidetracked by Easter, but I'm trying to get back on track and add a little more distance to my runs. I bought the Marathoning for Mortals book, but for some reason, I haven't been able to sit down and read it. I'm feeling a little anxious that I don't have a training plan yet, but Jan is a long way away, so I"m trying not to panic.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hi Everyone!

I'm definitely back, and doing great. I've worked out every day since Easter, and I've also been eating much, much better. Not an oreo in sight

Work has settled down to a manageable level, and my scale is headed downward again. Life is good

Julie -- I really like MfM, but the training plan begins 16 weeks out from your event, if I remember correctly. That means you are doing fine. The time before that, you are supposed to work on building your base, which you are doing

Jeanne -- I'm officially jealous you are doing EE! What a great time that will be. And I'm so glad you love the bf. That whole idea scares me. Good thing ds is only 10!

Debra -- How can you read your posts and not know you are a positively perky poster?! We love you just as you are, and you are eloquent, loquacious, and entertaining.

Jen-- Getting a new TM is going to be just what you need to get you out of the mitchies. As you know, I've been there, done that. I think we all have to visit from time to time, so we can appreciate when life is good!

Nancy -- I agree with you, just the thought of Christa's schedule has me wanting to crawl back into that bed...too late, I make it as soon as I get up!

Ashley -- I echo the Welcomes from everybody else! It's always great to have a new cousin!

AmyBeth -- That Easter basket candy is a killer, isn't it? I deliberately bought things ds likes that I don't this year.

Mel -- Thanks again for all your hard work with the shirts. I know it has turned into a nightmare, but you persevered!

Robert -- Sending you a ton of for a speedy recovery!

Jim, Denny, Richard, Shell, Kelly, Vanessa, Corrina -- Hope you are having a great week!

Maria

 

[LittleMissMickey]

Cousins! You are all so welcoming! I always wished that I would have nice cousins that I could talk to daily!!!

I am tallying up my time and miles -- since I was told I can backlog I get to add 10 miles of racing. Hooray! I am working on figuring the numbers. Luckily I've been keeping track in my planner!

I've had fun looking on here and reading notes to catch up. You all seem like a great group.

I am just wondering --- I thought I saw someone from Minnesota. Is that right?

Happy Thursday!
Ashley

 

[AmyBeth68]

Debra: Thank you for the link to your workouts. I have to say it's a VERY impressive schedule....I'm so impressed with what you do!

 

[Jen117]

Ashley - Corrina is from Minnesota (Twin Cities I believe) and I am in Wisconsin. We are getting a little midwestern group here!!!!

 

[LittleMissMickey]

Where in Wisconsin, Jen? I'm going to New Richmond this weekend I think.

Corrina, which area of the Twin Cities are you in? I'm in Savage/New Prague (I have a few homes that I go between, but not because I'm wealthy!)

 

[Jen117]

I am in Central Wisconsin, however I went to school and have family in Western WI (so I am familiar with the Twin Cities!). I also lived in Milwaukee for a bit when working my first job out of college.

Hey team, I had a wretched day today which included totally exhausting myself with stress. So when I finally got home I ditched the family and went to the Y for a workout! I did the TM and some bike. Still feel wretched, but worked out wretched now!!!

 

[padisneyfan]

Morning Team Ohana. I am so glad that it is Friday. It has not been the best of weeks at work and my workouts weren't that great this week. Since I started walking more outside instead of the TM, my lower back is bothering me. It must be getting used to do real hills instead of the incline on the TM. I am also trying to work on increasing my speed so I can finish the Minnie in the required time. I am most comfortable at 14:30 pace for long distances, but have been trying to do 14 minute miles but that might be contributing to the back ache. I have a scheduled 8 miler this weekend so that should be a good test how the back will hold up. I didn't do alot of cross training this week either and my miles aren't great. Plus someone needs to get that Easter candy out of my house or hide it from me. I am avoiding getting on a scale until I can get my eating under control.

Maria--- I'm glad you are back on track. I hope that I can say that about myself next week.

Jen--- Sometimes it really does help to get in a good workout when you are feeling wretched. Good job.

Julie--- Nice to see you posting. I used the MfM walking plan when I trained for the marathon and am using the half marathon plan as my training plan for the Minnie. I have never really completed reading the book though others have found it very inspirational.

Gosh Debra your workout schedule is so impressive.

I finished reading Judy Picout "Change of Heart" over the weekend. It was a nice change of pace from my usual murder mystery books. She is the author of "My Sisters Keeper" that is being made into a movie. Here books always have a different twist to them. I am working my way through a stack of books I picked up from the gym library and then I am going to try to find some Ann Rice books.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Nancy

 

[Creativebeth]

Nancy, have you tried Anne Rice before? She is pretty dark and gloomy....I have read two, and it was enough for me! They are some mean vampires!

Sorry your back isn't better....mine is stiff today, but not to bad. Where are you doing your 8 miler?

Have a good weekend!

beth

 

[gatorphipps]

Hey Ohana! So glad my work week is OVER! It have been out of control.

Anywho...My taper is almost over. I will post all my hours/miles tomorrow. I think I have survived the taper.

If you want to see my lame WOs for the week just check out my WO Blog.

Welcome Ashley!

Debra, WOW on your WO schedule....You rock.

Amy, thanks for the well WISHes on the tri!

Gotta go...will write a report after the race!

 

[deekaypee]

Jen: Thank goodness your job is safe, but grrrr. for the extra workload. I need more of your encouraging, fun-loving, and inspiring funny posts! You've got a great attitude about getting another TM, even if it isn't the dream model. And you definitely need one in your neck of the very snowy woods.

And hey, as long as you're going to be wretched.... Yeah for the determination to WO!

Jeanne: Adam is DS#1, right? And DS#2 did Mickey. Wow, what an athletic family. Now, if your DD's Greek Gentleman Caller is also an athlete.... Anyway, if you're doing EE, then I'm more inclined to encourage DOOD's daydreamy plans. He really is interested in an inaugural event--I'm just having problems getting over the fee!

Julie: No need to panic at all. Like Maria said, you're building your base. I have to say, I love MfM because it doesn't ask you to work out 7 days/week! And because Bingham's writing is accessible & he taps into a range of things--food, energy, emotions--that helped guide me through the Goofy last year.

Maria: Awww, thanks But never let it be said I have an accurate vision of myself--I often picture myself with a Groucho Marx glasses & mustache (Bugs Bunny style), for instance! I blame too many Saturday afternoon movies when I was a kid. And you are doing great! It just sounds like you needed a little break to coincide with the WTO!!! And you're back 110% it sounds like. I can't believe you bought Easter Candy you didn't like--you're a pillar of strength!

Ashley: I'm not from Minnesota, but did my time in Fargo. Loved the Cities.

Amy: Trust me, it's not as impressive as it looks on paper, as that counts as intentions & doesn't take into account execution, intensity, etc. It's like the padded resumes of my youth! I'm really just trying to offset my largely sedentary lifestyle. What is it called--secretary's butt? That's what I have.

Nancy: Oooh, these PA hills. How do you ever get used to them? My lower back hurts going up hills if I try to establish any pace whatsoever. I think I lean too much. Any advice? I just read an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune on SW PA, race & the national elections. Did you read it? You can always send your Easter Candy to me...I'll dispose of it properly for you.

Christa: You're one to talk about WO schedules. Yours, on taper, is mad, mad I tell you! Let's see: neg splits, enough swimming to remind me of a dolphin, 22 mph bike riding (and don't give me this, "But I quit early because I was hungry" modesty...22 MPH!), and an 8:28 mpm pace! You're going to do so well tomorrow. I can't wait to read your RR! Good luck.

As for me: Today was a long WO day. I had 7 miles to do for LR training, which I moved up a day to dovetail with DOOD's schedule. (For anyone who thinks my WO is a bit much--as I sometimes do--you should see DOOD's. He's pretty much the reason it is the way it is. Otherwise, I'd never see him and/or we'd have nothing to talk about.) Anyway, it was raining early this morning--so what else is new--and so DOOD & I went to the gym. (For anyone His schedule called for 18, so I got my TM time in plus another hour. Whew. The legs are sore and that chocolate in the kitchen is looking pretty good.

 

[jeanneg]

Debra: yes, Adam is my 28-yr old filmmaker that lives in Brooklyn. I don't know if I would call him athletic, per se, but he is in the habit of walking VERY long distances....mostly to save the transportation fare! That said, I'm sure he doesn't even have proper race shoes. I did just buy him a pair of the canvas Crocs and he loves them. They look just like a sneaker, but are oh so lightweight. Here's a link: http://shop.crocs.com/pc-668-4-vent...=41p&subsectionname=footwear&section=products
BTW, my daughter that did the Goofy (Jen, DD#2), is now starting to wish she had signed up for something in '09. During their visit she was trying to convince the Greek to sign up for the Donald and they could run it together. But I know my daughter....... if she does the half, she will also do the full the next day! Thank goodness there are travel agents that still have secured entries.

I have been very bad with my training lately. I have managed to get in some XT but very little else. The bad news is I have a half-marathon on Saturday and I feel like I am going in completely cold. Originally, my intentions were to try to get a PR during this event....now I just want to finish! Sometimes life just gets in the way, but I can't complain......it's a good life!

 

[Jen117]

Hey team.. in case you didn't see my TM post, I did buy one yesterday. It was so hard to find the one I was comfortable with that was in my price range. I had a Pro-form and it was GREAT for walking, but I hated running on it. So when it finally died I was a little happy. Then I fell in love with a Life Fitness, but they are so expensive. So I visited the 4 local stores we have that sell TM's and I cried after everyone... either they were too expensive, too cheap and wobbly feeling, or the sales person was an idiot. Then yesterday I went to the last store (totally forgot about this store).... and there it was, glowing in radiance. OK, not really... but it was EXACTLY at my price range, had enough features to make me happy, and when I ran at a 6.0 it felt OK! YESSSSS!!!!!! It's now in my basement and my back hurts from dragging the old clunker out and dragging this one it!!!

SO this morning I did 4 mile on the new baby (Cut back week and again it is freezing cold in Wisconsin). WOW, it wiped me out. So either I have been slacky or this new TM is challenging me. I wonder if I should name my new baby??

This week may be a little bit of a struggle for me. I am gone Monday and Tuesday for work and then family (kid) obligations the rest of the week. WAIT, I can do late night w/o's on my new baby!!!!!!!!

 

[shell78]

Greetings everyone...I'm back!

Vacation was super nice, although very lazy. We drove over 1200 miles in 8 days and sat through 9 baseball games and had one day laying on the lovely sand at a beach in Vero Beach. Basically I sat....a lot. It was so nice being in the 70-80 degree weather in FL as opposed to the 40s I came back to in NY. I certainly can't wait for summer now!

Hope everyone also had a great past week, I gotta go back and read about the highlights but I'm trying to catch up on so much already! I also took over 1000 pictures and need to sort through those. Insane.

Tomorrow's a big day - it's the visit to the orthopedist. I hope I get decent news. I don't think I'm getting good news - the knee was sore after walking on the beach and I twisted it somehow trying to get my suitcase out of the backseat of the car yesterday and it hurt - I'm just hoping for not very bad news!

 

[tiberius]

Hi guys!

I came up a bit short on my run yesterday after the heat and humidity rolled back into the area. My planned run of 3 minutes at 10K pace then 3 minutes at marathon pace (yes, it was an ambitious plan for me) fell back to a 3 minutes run at marathon pace and 2 minutes walking after the second mile. I also cut 6 miles down to 5.3 miles. My heart rate was pushing up by that time and I just want to be careful not to overdo it, lately I have seen several better runners in much better shape than me push too hard and get hurt.

I hope all is well with everyone out there.


Debra - I think you'll enjoy Speaker for the Dead, although the style of story is a change from the style of Ender's Game.