Team 6 - Team Ohana - Check in and introduce!

[FatElvis]

Hi everyone! Just a quick check-in from me.

So, I've been a big ol' crybaby whiner about my calf for a few weeks. I finally went to my doctor on Wednesday - he thinks it's a minor calf tear, possibly just the fascia and not a major muscle tear. So that's good news. He told me to keep up with the elliptical and I won't lose any cardio endurance. He did refer me to a physical therapist for a few sessions, just to make sure I'm getting properly warmed up & stretched (which I admit I really don't do).

I'm definitely feeling much better and more positive now! Although I do have a silly confession - you know how in Marathoning for Mortals, John Bingham talked about how he was weirdly excited to have an actual sports injury? Yeah, I'm kind of feeling that about going to the PT. How dumb is that?! I guess it's just because it IS just a minor injury and this PT will be more preventative rather than rehabilitative. Kind of like when I had a black toenail after my half marathon in June - I was so proud of that nasty thing! Wearing sandals with no toenail polish, actually SHOWING people. Good grief!

I wish everyone here could go to my doctor - he's just so great. He's a runner and is a huge proponent of exercise as a first defense against most everything. Plus he's so encouraging and motivating. He asked me how my race went in June (the really hilly half where it was a humid 80 degrees at 5am) I told him I felt good and enjoyed it even though I was slow. Boy, he jumped all over me for the "slow" comment, much like everyone here would have! "Does the time matter? You ran 13 miles! How many people do you know who were out there running 13 miles that morning? I don't want to hear the word slow again! You should be so proud of yourself - I am!"

He also said he didn't think I'd have any problem at all running my fall races, and that I could probably even be ready to do a full in November if I wanted to. Right now I'm planning to do the half at the Kansas City marathon in November, and then another race in November (also here in KC). I was wavering back & forth on doing the half or just going ahead and doing the full. Still not sure. Or another option is the full at Disney!

That's it for me, hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Cooler weather around here & I'm loving it! We're off to the Iowa State Fair for a few days, our annual Fried Foods on a Stick pilgrimage. Right now I'm planning on a few corndogs, cheese curds, fried pineapple (that one's new) and a nut roll. They do have salad on a stick and grilled pork chops - may have one of those just to step away from the grease for a few hours.

 

[deekaypee]

Hello, cousins. Sorry to be MIA but I've been sick. I won't go into detail here, but it included a migraine (my first in a long time), which has prevented me from being on the computer, watching movies, and even pleasure (and work) reading. (That's how you know it's serious, when I have interlibrary loan books waiting for me.) And let's not mention my poor workouts and aborted workouts.

But to catch up with you all:

Julie: Thanks for the question about my dad. Treatment (seeds) starts in about a week. He's still cranky and scared, but doing better emotionally. I love the Yoga for Dummies (and Pilates for Dummies) DVD; it does a good job of explaining the moves/posture, etc. As for over/undertraining--follow your plan to the best of your ability, but remember it's better to be undertrained (and without injury) than overtrained. I've posted my resort hotel, below.

Jeanne: Ouzo/licorice (or whatever the real spelling is). I knew that--forgot it totally. I had ouzo once, many years ago. Didn't care for it, and know I know why. I'm anxiously awaiting your seafaring stories (with Nancy).

Jeanne and Nancy: Enjoy your trip!

Maria: Reading-wise, I think you're very clever to follow the Stewart and Colbert gurus. I get most of my insightful new analyses from them. You're doing a fabulous job with your workouts. Leg muscles are sexy--and more team miles are always good, too. Question regarding how many seals can you tolerate dying on Shark Week. Are those baby seals? It might make a difference in my viewing interest. Just saying... (Sick and twisted, I know. Welcome to my dark side. My sense of humor just proves you could NEVER offend me by tweaking me about my marriage or anything else. Go ahead, try!!) Yes, my Netflix queue is a little unmanageable. Sometimes something will come up and DOOD and I will look at something and ask, "Did you put this movie in the list?" Because it's been on there so long that we've forgotten why it's there. It explains the Bergman series right now. Such summer fun.

Mel: Suggestions for Netflix? Does anyone have suggestions for Netflix? Hah! You make me laugh. Recent or older stuff? Preferred genre? Favorite directors, actors, cinematographers? I have tons of opinions--go figure--and a heavy interest in noir, thrillers, science fiction, Hong Kong cinema, animation, and the ever-popular zombie film. For starters, I really, really liked There Will Blood and thought it--or Michael Clayton--should have won for Best Picture over No Country for Old Men (which was also very good). Juno and Atonement both had their moments, but weren't as strong, IMO. I'd recommend any of the first four, if you haven't seen them, and Atonement if you like war pictures and costume dramas.

Richard: Podcast folks have a shirt??? I've never looked into the podcasts--what's so appealing about them. (Not challenging you, just curious if I should try them out.) I know I'm late to the dropping-the-marathon question. But have you considered signing up for the inaugural RnR/Seattle marathon--it's in June, I think, and not in your racing season. But maybe it would be a good sub/reward for dropping the November marathon and ensuring your recovery. (I would drop November because of such concerns.)

Jen: Good news about your mother. to her and you and your family. You definitely deserve some ME time and balance in your life. What's particularly great about your ME time is that you think about running and physical activity. So cool. And it's just a side benefit if Sadie enjoys your happy time, too.

Johanna: So glad to know we have a matching set of dorks, er, DHs. Your indoor-track running experience with the talker does sound creepy. I guess his presence gave you incentive to try a little speed work, huh? Take care in such situations, as such people can be unpredictable (as you know).

Kayci: Good news on the minor calf tear (better than the major, anyway). And it sounds as if your doctor is working closely with you to ensure you get PT and stay in CV shape. I'm glad you have a doctor who is so positive about running and exercise--he's definitely a keeper. Ahhh, people say that confession is good for the soul, so do you feel better about owning up to your Penguin moment regarding the injury bragging rights? So long as you don't go seeking out injuries and you work on avoiding them, I say you're fine with feeling a little proud of earning the aches and pains that go with your status as an athlete. Oh, but there's no need to show me any black toenails. (I do have my own to avoid looking at. )

As for me: Awww. now you're all making me wish I was staying in POFQ for marathon weekend. DOOD and I decided on POP because we're tentatively planning on a long stay. Still no ADRs yet, as who's traveling with us is undetermined. We know we'd like to do Boma for the pre-marathon feast. That worked well for us last year.

I'm still fighting back from last/this week's illness. Not sure what was wrong, in addition to the migraine, but it definitely has disrupted my routines. I'm never really conscious of how much detail work/eye strain I put myself under until I get a migraine. Ugh. But I'm able to work on a computer today, without blurred vision or nausea, and so all is right with the world. (Although I'm limiting my exposure). Now, who's up for Tropic Thunder?? (I'm a bit on the fence with this film, not because of Robert's Downey's blackface performance but because of disability advocates' protests. I'll have to see what the critics say about the use of the "R" word in context.)

 

[windwalker]

Debra is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!







Happy Panda

 

[deekaypee]

Debra is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!







Happy Panda

Oh, you make me blush. It's GOOD to be back--and to be missed.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Debra is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!







Happy Panda

What he said! So glad to see you posting again, and I hope you continue to improve each day!

Maria

 

[laughinplace199]

Kayci - Glad to hear that your calf tear is minor and that you'll be fine for your fall races!

Debra - So glad that you're back! I'm glad to hear that your dad is doing better emotionally. I hope his treatment goes as smoothly as possible. I'm sorry to hear that you were sick. Migraines are the worst! Thanks for the advice on overtraining and undertraining. You always have such words of wisdom!

Maria - I saw your post on the miles and minutes thread. To quote my favorite sea turtle, "You so totally rock, dude!"

I hope that the rest of my cousins are doing well. My DH, my dad, & I are going to a concert tonight to see an Irish folk/rock band called the Saw Doctors. We go every year and it's always great fun - hopefully not too much fun since I'm planning on doing 3.5 tomorrow morning. Maybe I should make myself be the designated driver tonight so I'll be in decent shape to get out and run tomorrow morning. Speaking of running, I'm almost afraid to say this for fear of jinxing myself, but I have been running injury free for the last week (I'm knocking on wood as I type). I'm hoping to get a 5 miler in this weekend, which will be huge for me. I haven't run more than 3.5 miles at a time since the hamstring issue. Wish me luck!

Have a great week everyone!

 

[padisneyfan]

I really don't have time to read through all the posts. Just a few comments for the quick glance that I did make.

Jen---Hope your Mom is continuing to do well after her surgery.

Deb--Glad you are feeling better.

A big Hi to all my other cousins. I promise once I get back I will do better at posting.

As for me I am leaving tomorrow for my big vacation with Jeanne and John. I'm going to DL for a few days before getting on the Magic for the 15 day PC cruise. I was able to upgrade to business class with my AirTran rewards so at least I won't be cramped in a regular seat for the 6 Hr flight. Have Breaking Dawn packed on my carry on so I can abosrb myself in the book. Beth said she read it in a day and a half. I worked hard and was able to lose 6 pounds. Now I'm sure it will be easy to find it on the cruise, but I plan to workout on all the sea days. So hopefully I can maintain the weight I lost.

So folks as the song goes "See you in Sept"


Nancy

 

[tiberius]

Hi all!!

No real message, just hadn't been here in a while and wanted to catch up on the posts.

Debra - The allure of podcast listening is that I can include a little Disney in my work commutes sometimes.

 

[jeanneg]

Hello Team!

It's been busy here.......I'm feverishly trying to tie up all my loose ends before we leave early Saturday morning. As you know, Nancy leaves tomorrow so she can spend a few days at DL.

Debra: so glad to have you back! Sorry you have so miserable lately. Ahh yes, that tracking shot in "Children of Men".....my boys rave about it all the time. I must admit, it's not the sort of thing I would ever notice on my own.I personally love movies that look beautiful. My faves are "Girl with a Pearl Earring" because it so captures the essence of a Vermeer painting. Also "Eve's Bayou".... a little known film from the mid-90s that is visually stunning.

Jen: hope your mom is on the mend

Maria: I saw those miles....you REALLY rock!

Please remember to keep posting the miles and minutes. I just sent another email today to the person who is in charge of adding new members. I realize it must be frustrating to our new cousins to see that they are nowhere on the chart. I will post all I can through Friday. After that, Jen can fill in....but only if she feels up to it. If not, I'll just take care of everything when I return. We are still missing a few reports from July. Tomorrow I plan to PM all the cousins that have not posted recently........You don't want to get 626 after you!

Safe travels to Nancy. I hope she doesn't get sloshed on the plane with all that free booze in business class!

 

[Jen117]

HI team - I will be disappearing in 2 DAY for WDW. I will be gone a little over a week.

My mom is having a lot of downs lately. She is very mentally down also. Her heart is not doing well at all and is making recovery difficult now. They are supposed to be putting her on treatments for her heart as she is not a candidate for surgery, however I don't believe they have started it yet. I talked to my dad about it yesterday and he was unsure at this moment and they are pushing to get her off the tube, but she keeps regressing.

SOOO... That is what keeps me away from the boards lately.

DEBRA - Stop disappearing!!! I hope you are on the mend. I am battling allergies which I think is now a cold as I feel rotten in the head. Too much stress and too little sleep does it to me. Oh and we had to make a grandparent switch for Sadie since my mom is not doing well. She is now going to the "other" doggy grandparents. They have never ever watched her, so this will be a challenge. They are not the best care givers, even tho they have 2 of their own... one is a puppy and the other is blind and deaf . Sadie may need a set of her own prayers to make it through the week without going doggy crazy!!!!

Mel - I rented an interesting flick off of Netflix last year. It is called Maria Full of Grace. It has sub titles so don't get it if that bothers you. It is about drug smuggling out of Mexico.

OK gotta get some work done!

 

[Jen117]

Jeanne - I just saw your post, not sure how I missed it. I am gone all next week, but will have my computer with me. Do you want me to post the totals or should we just wait until next week??

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

Richard: I am in love with Goldens. I would love to rescue one, but none of the rescues around here every have any. I have found one in Memphis that transports to Maine on a monthly basis, but I haven't been able to make the commitment yet. Maybe when the kids are a bit older. Any sorry, I have no ideas for you on the training. I am still trying to figure the whole thing out myself!

Maria: I am a nurse, so either fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, I see a whole bunch on crazy people every day. I don't know what that says about me. I guess it seems normal to see them while running, too.

Julie: I wish I had a hotel booked for the marathon :::sniff sniff::: Next year!

Kayci: I love state fair type things. We don't really have a state one, but rather lots of little ones. They are a blast. And congrats on the sports injury!

Debra: Sorry about the migraine . I get them monthly, for about a day, and man do they suck! So I sincerely hope you are feeling better. Yeah, I was a little worried about the crazy guy...the indoor track is elevated on the second level of the community center, and it has a railing waist high all the way around, and it looks over the gym. Crazy guy was running in the outside lane, and I was convinced every time I went to pass him that he was going to push me over the edge.

I am doing well. Eating, not so great. Exercise is rocking! I have been doing a ton of cross training and not just running 3x a week like I had been. I have decided I want to train for a triathalon next August. ..the Tri for a Cure. Its an all womens event, and the kids and I watched some of it this past weekend. Very inspiring. Now I just have to move beyond a doggie paddle in my swimming!

 

[jeanneg]

Jeanne - I just saw your post, not sure how I missed it. I am gone all next week, but will have my computer with me. Do you want me to post the totals or should we just wait until next week??

Jen, I won't be back until after Labor Day which means I'll be away the next 3 weekends. If you feel up to recording that would be great; otherwise i'll just catch up when I get back.

If you DO record, just leave a post to tell me where you left off. I will have computer access on the ship, but at 0.75/minute, I won't be doing the recording.

Thanks so much....and have a blast at WDW!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I won't get to do a long post until tomorrow -- I just wanted to say Jeanne and Nancy please have the bestest trip ever, and tell us all the embarrassing details when you return!

Seriously, have a safe and wonderful trip, we will miss you both! 'cause I'm not going, but for your fabulous trip!


Maria

 

[jbucci]

I just wanted to check in and say hello. Sorry for my absence, it has been a rough 2 weeks. We had an unexpected death in the family last week-- my uncle had an awful GI bleed and wound up in the ICU. Being the medical one in the family I was the one who had to make the awful, tough decisions about how much do we do before we decided to just keep him comfortable and let nature take its course. Needless to say the week sucked, but things are getting better now. I'm trying to focus on training for the 1/2 (which is coming way to fast).

On the good news front, my DD loved her trip to Rainforest Cafe. She was so excited-- I got tons of hugs and was the hero of the night. The returaunt is smaller than the one in Disney but otherwise very similar with very yummy chocolate volcano for dessert. She told everyone all week that she got to eat at Rainforest and wasn't even in Disney.

On the strange reading habits front, the series I got sucked into was Stephen King's Dark Tower/Gunslinger series, has anyone read this? The other series I am reading is Eargon-- I'm looking forward to the new one in Sept.

 

[Jen117]

Jeanne - GOTCHA! I didn't catch the 3 weekend thing. Make a note where you end off and I will pick it up when I get back. It's not a problem at all!!! Have a GREAT vacation!

 

[tiberius]

I would love to rescue one, but none of the rescues around here every have any.

Johanna - I bet a lot of rescue groups would love to have that problem! Goldens are easy to have around as they are (generally) easy-going and good with children.

Good news! My doctor has cleared me to start running again, as long as I take it easy getting back into running. Since my running group meets tomorrow, I am planning to start tomorrow with a 4/1 walk/run ratio for 9 - 10miles. The mileage shouldn't be a problem as I have been walking long distances -- 6.4, 8.3 and 8.2 miles the last three weeks. I really do promise to not overdo things, but I am so, so excited to be doing (at least a little) running again!

 

[laughinplace199]

Great news Richard!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Aloha Team Ohana!

I took a break from my double-dippin', I just couldn't seem to sustain it, so I had 4 days off. I'm back in form today, though!

JenB -- I am so sorry for what you went through, I hope each day you feel a bit better. It's really hard when everyone is leaning on you to make those types of decisions.

Richard -- Yea! I am so glad you can run a bit now! I know you are very happy, and I know you will be careful not to do too much too soon!

Johanna -- I have unbounded respect for your profession. I think nursing is so tough, most people have no idea. We have a couple of nurses in our family, and the stories they tell...

I hope Jen, Jeanne and Nancy are all having great trips!

Debra -- I hope you continue to recover! You were definitely missed! I am reading Elizabeth Peter's Vicki Bliss series. I've read all her Amelia Peabody books (not to be missed if you like mysteries, plucky heroines, Egyptology and Victorian sensibilities).

Julie -- Enjoy a day without the rain!

Shout outs to Kayci, Angela, Jennifer, Denny, Robert, Linda, Ruth, Morgan, Aimee, Shell, Christa, Mel and other cousins!

Happy Monday!
Maria

 

[deekaypee]

Hi, guys! Sorry I continue to be missing. It's nothing serious, just LTO/WTO as the start of the fall semester approaches in less than a week. And still no contract, just promises, promises, promises. (If you've got some spare PD, I sure could use some for that situation.)

Anyway, I'm in the time crunch for lots of prep, etc., in addition to my other work, and that leaves me with little time for fun. I've been keeping up with the WOs, on the eating, but no online fun until next Wednesday (not even reading). And fingers crossed for the schedule clearing up earlier.

I miss you all and hope to be back soon and posting regularly. That's Wednesday, August 27 at the latest--not that I've marked it on my calendar or anything. That's the plan, anyway, to push through on the work crunch so that I can get back to my slacker work self and back to WISHing ASAP!