Team 6 - Team Ohana - Check in and introduce!

[padisneyfan]

Mel--- It would be nice to have something for our Team. Wonder if wrapping the leis around our head would work. I have one hanging by the computer that if I double it around it fits good on my head even with my visor on. Actually I just looked at myself and it is a very attractive look if I do say so. Just my suggestion.

Nancy

 

[corinnak]

Hi Team
Sorry I've been so MIA lately - life has truly taken over. I feel like once I fall behind with the thread, it's hard to sheepishly jump back in, but I miss you guys, so here I am.

Last weekend, I made a big mistake and ran 2 miles, then 7.5 miles, then the next day walked the dog for 3.5 miles in the same shoes I'd done the long run in and ended up with an owie foot. It was not good. Fortunately, between icing, advil, massage and some help from my chiropractor, I am feeling back to nearly 100% in the foot department. I have a little residual soreness, but it's not feeling at all acute anymore, so I count my blessings and hope that doing the rest of the training for the Minnie doesn't push me back over the edge again. I'm going to go a little easy on myself and really pay attention to the way my foot is doing, and I'll be liberal with the ice. I really want to get to the start lines HEALTHY and ready to go. It just feels like my training for this has been way more sporadic than I would have wanted.

Mel, I would also like to have some sort of Ohana representation at the races - I was thinking of maybe putting a hibiscus flower or attaching a silk lei around my WISH visor. Or maybe my water belt. I'll have the shirt as well. I agree, a lei around the neck for 9+ miles would get annoying. But then I'm a wimp - there's that guy who runs looking like a spartan, helmet and all, so maybe a lei wouldn't be that big of a deal.

 

[deekaypee]

So, Mel, am I hearing that running in a grass skirt is out? How about an Elvis jumpsuit? Or with a ukulele?

Like Corrina (good to have you back, girl!) says, I'd like to have some sort of team representation that enhances & doesn't interfere with the WISH gear. I've thought about Hawaiian shirts/board shorts. But those, with the WISH visors and/or shirts might be a bit much. If the leis could be worked out so they wouldn't be itchy that would be cool, so I'd play with Nancy's suggestion. I tried wrapping the lei around my wrist, but I'm a sweater (and not cashmere), so I don't know if it would work for me. Wrapping it around an ankle? I'm leaning toward your sticker suggestion at this point. Plus, I really like our logo.

But I think we would try to brainstorm a team icon, for the Minnie & through the other races; thanks for bringing it up--I just wish I had a better suggestion. I'll keep thinking & in the meantime hope folks smarter than myself can come up with something.

Corrina: I'm so glad your foot is feeling better. Be careful and go easy on the training; remember that it's better to go into the race under trained than over trained (my personal mantra, regardless of injury ). The most important thing is to have fun, right? (Pretty much a given with all you folks going!)

As for me: Speaking of taking it easy, I ditched my run today. Saturday's LR was my worst yet, in terms of both how I felt & the time it took me to finish. Heavy, heavy legs, sore joints and a little shin pain, and an overall sluggishness that showed up again for Sunday's XT & reared its ugly head again today, when I bagged the run. Strangely enough, even XT, with the elliptical, or slow neighborhood walking has me tuckered out. I'm not sure what happened, but I'm taking a bit of a breather. And lots of naps.

I'm a little worried, as I have a 10 miler scheduled on Saturday, so I'm hoping that lightening up on my foot-impact training this week will help; I'm also going to cut back on the other cardio. And I'll be resting & icing this week. It should work for me, right? Something about under training as a personal credo.

 

[corinnak]

Oh, thank heavens. I thought I had killed the thread!

Debra, are you getting enough iron? And other vital nutrients? I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist or anything really, but if you're feeling that sluggish, along with rest and ice, it pays to think about fuel at the same time, I guess.

I could not resist the weather this morning while DS was in preschool. CASH had taken the dog for a walk earlier, but I took him with me as well, and now he's nice and exercised. I did a 2 miler - I really am trying to ease back in AGAIN. Seems like a constant - Corinna is easing back in.

I came back home and did another of those iced-foot baths. It seems to me it's not so bad if I put my foot in the cool water first, then add the ice, and when my toes get too cold, move my foot so it's resting on my heel and the toes get a chance to thaw a little.

I also think I have found the root of my problem, and its something I've had all my life - a long second metatarsal, also known as.....Morton's Foot. Well, it maybe didn't cause THIS particular problem all by itself, but it seems like it could be a factor in, well, all my physical challenges. Apparently something like 25% of all people have this, and it is easy to check for and correct for:
http://www.triggerpointbook.com/mortons.htm

I feel a brainstorm coming on:

Oooh, a grass skirt....actually, fashionable as that would be, I'm thinking we might all end up very uncomfortable. I'm with you, Debra - nothing on the wrists for me. I think I can attach a lei to my hat in such a way it won't be a problem, but not sure that will work for everyone. An iron on for the sleeve of a WISH shirt might be really cool, if people were bold enough to do an iron on....I don't know how that would work on a tech shirt, truthfully.

Tatoos? Well, temporary tatoos anyhow - that would be the coolest, wouldn't it? Probably would take more lead time.....

How about bandanas? The perfect fabric might not be in stores right now, but then again it might. I'd be happy to scope that out - you'd have your choice for how to wear it, anyhow. That wouldn't be too expensive, and I'd be willing to do the shopping, sewing and mailing/delivering at the Minnie. There is Hawaiian fabric out there - for instance http://www.hawaiianfabricshop.com/#new

OK - end of brainstorm.....hope everyone else is having gorgeous weather this week too!

 

[chimera]

Tatoos? Well, temporary tatoos anyhow - that would be the coolest, wouldn't it? Probably would take more lead time.....

http://www.beldecal.com/tattoo_paper.cfm

I like the bandana idea too!

 

[corinnak]

Mel, what an interesting product. I can't tell if the ink is on your skin or away from your skin....and I wonder about sweat, too.

There's this one that we could, theoretically order - 100 for $15. Plenty for the year's upcoming races. Not sure how the gentlemen on the team would feel about this one, though. I will go and scope out a fabric store or two tomorrow....

http://www.tattoosales.com/TattooFullView.aspx?productID=4712

 

[padisneyfan]

We can only do grass skirts if we are also doing coconut bras. I actually have a complete set at my house if someone wants to be brave enough to wear it. Maybe one of the guys from our group.

Corinna--- Take care of your foot, we don't want you to miss the Minnie. Interesting article about Morton foot, I do have a much longer second toe so will have to try that test at home. I have had problems with PF especially my right foot where the second toe is much longer than on my Left.

I think we have alot of good ideas.

Nancy

 

[curiouser]

I like the temporary tattoo idea! At the 5k I did this past weekend I wore a temp tat on the inside of my wrist and it held up just fine. Jeff bought me a birthday card with Hello Kitty temporary tattoos on the inside so I wore one "for luck"

 

[shell78]

Ah I'm jealous of all you Minnie runners (and walkers as the case may be)! The temporary tattoo idea sounds way fun! Keep the Ohana spirit going at the races!

Losties! Don't forget it's back this week at 10pm EST!

Well, I had my orthopedist appointment yesterday. I can't say it went very well. Mainly because the MRI came back "inconclusive" as to what is wrong. It shows some damage where I am having pain and there is some fluid inside, but it does not show a tear. But this also means that a tear could exist and it just can't be seen. So no surgery....yet. I have been assigned to 8 weeks of PT, 3x a week and go back to the doc in June to see what's up. There are some people I've talked to who are like "Yay you should be happy you don't have to get surgery" but I lost confidence in the whole thing yesterday because I feel like it is just prolonging the inevitable.

When I was at the doctor the first time, he said how cartilage doesn't "heal" because there is no blood supply. So really the only way to fix it is to cut off the torn parts. But then yesterday he said how PT will help strengthen my quads/hamstrings to help support the knee and also no swimming with leg kicking (I can use a kickboard to support my legs) until PT has given my knee some time to "heal". I don't know I think it's an oxymoron. How can cartilage not heal, but PT will help it heal??? Also when compared to the general population I do have pretty strong quads/hamstrings already! Before I got hurt I was doing 1-2 days of leg work w/ weights in the gym with pretty heavy weights (sometimes more weights than some of the not-as-strong guys!) and now for the past month and a half or so I've been getting in 1 day a week of leg work. Now I realize this isn't 3x a week like PT, but I don't feel like it will help (Sorry those of you who ARE Physical Therapists!) A lot of my problems now is more with rotational pain - like swimming = bad, hitting a softball = bad (especially since it is my right leg which all the force from the push off is on while swinging).

That said, I'm not wimping out and I'm gonna go and pretend like this isn't physical therapy but "personal training" and do everything I have to. I just am annoyed at the prospects of still having to have surgery in ~July. After surgery/recovery I start to cut it waaaaay close to when I would need to start seriously training for next year's Half. I haven't booked a hotel yet because I was hoping for resolution at this past appt. Now I have to wait until June. I am also very conflicted over my chances for running the Half next year.

Hope everyone else is staying UN-hurt. Because this just sucks about now.

 

[Jen117]

Hi Team... Just thought I would pop in and say "hi". I have been quiet lately... just being a lurker.

Last night the family and I went on a bike ride. DH with DD7 attached on the tag along and me and DD4 (5 next week) in the trailer. She is 45 pounds and getting to be a bit much in a trailer, but can't ride a bike yet. DD7 can't ride very well either, so she is on the tag along for our "real" rides. So anyhooo... my legs were a burning when we hit the little hill.... Great cross training!!

Shell - DH had knee surgery last June on the "bad" knee. They cleaned out all the fragments that were causing pain. He also had problems because there was a tear in the cartledge that caused his knee to lock (he fell down the stairs because of it). The surgean/doctor said that he should PT the other knee. That knee "should" be done also, but the doctor felt it wasn't anywhere near as bad as the other one. So DH went through PT, laid off it for awhile, noticed the pain came back. So the last couple of months he has been back on doing what the PT recommended and he said he is really noticing that he is getting stregth back in his knee. He also notices less pain. Some days after workouts he is sore, but icing and rest helps with that. DH has thunder thighs (as I call them), he bikes and has built legs. But he still needed to build strength. Anyway, good luck to you. I just wanted to let you know a perspective on the whole knee/cartledge thing.

 

[jeanneg]

Shell: sorry about your knee troubles.....sending pixie dust your way.


I'm trying to do a lttle assessment of all the Ohana members that are doing the Minnie.......so far I have yours truly, Jen, Mel, Corinna, Denny and Nancy.
Did I leave anyone out? I'm so sad i won't be able to attend the WISH meeting, but I hope to see you all at the start.

 

[Jen117]

If any Minnie-ers want me to sew up some Hawaiian Bandana's, lemme know. I am sure I can find some fabric and whip up a hem in them in no time! Ohhh ohhhh, I could also add a lime green Mickey head to each, tho maybe just ironed on and not sewn since my time will be limited. Lemme know... K!

 

[deekaypee]

Corrina: Actually, I'm not sure if I'm getting enough iron. I take multivitamins, but haven't looked at my food intake recently. I'll do this tomorrow. I do think fueling has a lot to do with it, as I've been inconsistent since I got back from Disney. (Shame, shame, I know.)

Interesting about the Morton's foot. I need to look at my metatarsals, but I know my second toes are longer than my first. And I have several of the conditions the site mentions. (And I always thought I just have ugly feet!) Anyway, I'm glad you're resting, icing, and self-diagnosing, and it's a relief to know you're getting better every day.

Morgan: Awww, Jeff sounds sweet & it sounds like the Hello Kitty tattoo worked well in the "for luck" category. Btw, I read your blog entry about your race & I think you and Jeff should be quite proud of yourselves. One 2008 goal down, one race down, and more successes to come in both areas. And on the birthday/racing loot!

Shell: I'm so sorry to hear about your doctor's appointment & the frustration. I have to admit, I'm not quite sure what is hoped for by the PT & the healing either. Maybe it's like what Jen suggested, or something to do with the rotational situation, and/or strengthening & balancing all the muscles that support the knee? Maybe the PT will help with a faster post-surgery recovery. Heck, I'm not a doctor and don't pretend to know, but I guess I'm sort of happy that your doctor is trying to be super cautious with things, even though I know the schedule of things is all off.

Jen: What a great WO for you, and some fun family time. You might be getting really developed leg muscles from all that biking!

Jeanne: I'm NOT doing the Minnie. But I'll be with you all in spirit!

Re: Ohana Team Identifiers: I like both the temporary tattoo & the bandana ideas, and would go for either or both for future, post-Minnie races if that's an option. The temporary tattoo is possibly the only way I'll ever have one, and I think it would be really cool to sport one on my calf muscle (I actually have those now). But as my avatar suggests, I tend to run with a bandana on my head and wouldn't mind one of those; of course I have a new WISH hat & visor. In short, I could go either way. I have no sewing skills, nor a sewing machine, so I hesitate to offer a strong vote in that direction.

And if we could convince the guys to run in coconut bras I'd be more than willing to run in a grass skirt. I don't know if I could do the bra myself, even as small as I am. I do need some support while on the road, after all, and DOOD runs so he can't be on my crew.

 

[scuba diver]

Shell: sorry about your knee troubles.....sending pixie dust your way.


I'm trying to do a lttle assessment of all the Ohana members that are doing the Minnie.......so far I have yours truly, Jen, Mel, Corinna, Denny and Nancy.
Did I leave anyone out? I'm so sad i won't be able to attend the WISH meeting, but I hope to see you all at the start.

I'm doing the Minnie with DW and DS.

 

[corinnak]

Well, there's some decent, 100% cotton blue Hawaiian fabric at Wal-mart. I was in the neigborhood this morning so popped in for a look. Probably a better selection at a for realz fabric store....

Jen, have you looked at all yet? So you want to make something up? I'd be happy to help or do some if we could get the same fabric - not completely out of the question, but could be hard to coordinate. I think it would be kind of fun, but time is getting short. Your ironed on LGMH sounds cool - not sure I'd be able to pull that one off....

I looked more at that print--your-own tattos site and it looks like the printer ink does not contact your skin - it's more like an enclosed transparent sticker, not like a regular temporary tattoo which needs to be made with FDA approved inks. Do we have time left to order in tattoos/tattoo paper?

 

[padisneyfan]

Corinna and Jen--- If we are going with Hawaiian Bandana's I do want one. I can't even sew on a button so I am no help with doing anything. However, I am willing to help pay for the cost of material and your time.

Nancy

 

[Jen117]

OK everyone. Here is what I will do. I have a Joanns coupon (eeek, I think I do) for 40% off. I will take a look there and see what I can find that is Hawaiian. I will also look for some Lime Green Fabric and iron on a mickey head. You can wear the bandana anywhere you like, around your head, around your arm, tied to your water belt... etc. Another place I am going to look is the dollar store. DD's b-day party is this weekend and I have to pick up a couple of things there tonight. They had a Luau section and I will see if they have any pre-made bandana's. If so... super easy, if not, just a little more work. Just note that the Mickey head will be put on with Wonder Under and will not be sewn because of time. In case you don't know what I am talking about, it may peel or fray with washing. If I have time, I can try to sew them down, but I am not guaranteeing that.

Let me know if you want one and I will have them at the Minnie. If you are NOT at the WISH meet, I will try to bring them to the start. If I don't see you at the start... well, I guess I will be wearing a lot of bandanas.

Is anyone doing just the 5K??? I am not doing the 5K, so will not be able to get your bandana to you before the race unless I mail it. Let me know and I will make the arrangements.

Corrinna... thanks for all your wonderful "checking it out". I have a Mickey Head template and can easily put one on the bandana.

 

[jeanneg]

jen: that's a wonderful idea about the bandanas! I definitely want one, but I insist on reimbursing you for the cost of the materials at the very least. I don't think Nancy or I will be able to make the WISH meet, but perhaps Corinna will? If so, she can get our bandanas because we are sharing a cab the next morning. Or we may even be able to pick them up from her that evening since we are all at OKW. I'm not sure if we will see you in the morning because Nancy and I are walkers and will probably be in the very last corral.

Thank-you so much for taking this on! TEAM OHANA RULES.....and now everyone will know it!

 

[Jen117]

Jeanne - From what Carrie told me, there are no corrals, just time markers. I am sure the WISH group will meet up at the start kind of like we did at the marathon. I will make sure I find you and the bandana's to you (unless Corrinna takes them). I remember both of you from the marathon and I am good with faces.... I can track you down cousins!!!

 

[padisneyfan]

Thanks so much for doing this Jen.

Gosh, the things I learn on the WISH thread. Know I know how I am getting to the start of the race.

Nancy