Team 'Ohana 2009: No One Left Behind

[tiberius]

It's been more than 2 days since anyone posted.....Oh No!! I've killed the thread!!

Please come back everyone.

 

[grizbuzz]

Welcome Linda!!

Got back from a 9 day vacation in Maui. It was heavenly, but not good for my training which got severely off track. Did many short runs (2-4 miles) but no long ones. And then haven't been able to get one in this week yet. I'm hoping tomorrow. Ugh. Did 5 miles yesterday and my right leg just didn't feel right. I will be feeling much more confident about training for the DL 1/2 if I can get in an 11 or 12 mile run this weekend.

What meet ups are people doing at DL? I'm woefully behind in figuring out my schedule. We arrive on Friday and leave Monday and will be staying at GCH. BTW...I do have reservations at HoJo's for the $79 rate. Not sure if they are transferable, but if anyone wants to try let me know.

My DH will be doing the 5k, supposedly. He hasn't done any walking, but hopefully will be able to get through it. My kids are signed up for the kids runs which they are excited to do!

I'm not sure if the WDW full is going to happen for me. We MAY have some exciting plans coming up...a move to Switzerland for 2 years. That would make it very difficult to train for and get to WDW in January. I'm not taking it off the list entirely, but if we do go to Switzerland, I'm afraid the marathon would go down on the priority list. We still have many pieces to get together to make this happen for our family and we are hoping to move mid September. Maybe I can find some fun races in Europe? Anyone interested??

Hope everyone is doing well and that your training is going better than mine.

-Jen G

 

[jbucci]

JenG: Welcome home from Maui-- sounds really nice. I can't think of a better reason to skip training Switzerland sound really exciting too, lots of stuff on your plate. My DD is also psyched for the kids race at DL, so maybe we'll see you guys there. As far as meets go, I don't know of anything other than gathering at Jamba Juice at 7pm on Friday and Sat to hang for a while. Maybe we should set up on Ohana team meet at some point too.

Corinna: Great job on all of the racing I don't care if it is forced of not, the smile while running is impressive.

Linda: Welcome to Ohana

As for me, we survived DD6's birthday party and all had a pretty good time. I put a ton of work into the party-- I get a bit OCD about things and want every detail to be right. We had a Webkinz theme and played all sorts of games like the ones on the Webkinz site-- the biggest hit by far was the gem hunt. I got plastic gems and put them in cheap easter eggs-- half of the eggs had gems and half had "slag". The eggs then got a coating of plaster of paris and spray paint to make them look like rocks. We hid the "rocks" all over the yard and had the kids hunt for them then bring them back to a table then smash them open with small hammers to see if they got a gem or slag-- they got to keep trying till each kid had several gems. They had a blast. We h ad cake, swimming, etc. My exercise sort of went out the window for a week, not to mention all of the cake and junk I've eaten I'm trying to get back on track this week.

 

[Jen117]

Hi Cousins, I know I have talked about Sadie with you all before so I wanted to update. We have decided to put her to sleep as she has gotten dramatically worse in the last two weeks. We leave on vacation to WDW in one week and know she won't survive with us gone. It's the best for her. She would have been 10 years old in December and is a purebred Golden. She was my first baby, besides DH. We got her as a puppy and one week later found out I was PG with my Emma. Her tumors have grown dramatically, she is vomiting bile, and doesn't move much. She is also in pain, where she wasn't before. This all took a turn for the worst 2 weeks ago.

She showed me I could run, and was the best running buddy. Without her, I wouldn't have had an excuse to get out there. And sometimes she pushed me when she wanted to go faster. I will miss her dearly and am not dealing with it very well at the moment.

 

[tiberius]

Jen - I feel so very sorry for you. I have been there before and know how you must feel. It's been about 5 years since we lost our last dog (Duke was my wife's therapy dog at the time), and his sudden loss rocked our world for a time. To this day I can still feel sadness when I think of him, but it has been a long time since that sadness has really been present as he left us so many positive memories. To be sad right now is normal, and is a sign of your love for Sadie, but in time you will feel a bit better, then a bit more,...until then I will hope you remember that there are times like this where the right decision to make is the hardest one, and your decision for Sadie is made out of love as you desire to keep her from suffering any longer when she could not understand what she is going through.

In times like this I think of the Rainbow Bridge Poem, which you may already know, if not...please read, but keep a tissue nearby.

Be well, Jen.

 

[deekaypee]

I'll be back to catch up with more later, cousins, now that the parents have left. But I must respond to Jen's sad news. I'm so, so, so sorry Jen.


My heart hurts for you and your family. It's horrible to have to say goodbye to a loved one, a close member of your family. You know this is the right decision for her. You will be with her when at the end, and helping her leave behind the pain. But knowing this is the right decision doesn't make it any less painful.

I hope the poem Richard shared brings you some comfort, as does knowing she knows she is loved--as she surely does. I also hope that, in time, your sad memories of the end will be balanced by all the warm memories of the good time you and Sadie have shared.

I'll be keeping Sadie, you, and your family in my thoughts this week.

 

[corinnak]

Jen, I am so sorry about poor Sadie. She sounds like a wonderful dog. I am sure your decision will bring her the peace that she deserves. We had to make the same decision for one of our cats last year and the look of relief on his face as the drug entered his system. He looked more comfortable than he had in weeks as he slowly closed his eyes. It is never easy, but I knew at that moment that we had given him a great gift.

We're all thinking of you, Jen.

 

[deekaypee]

If you haven't yet turned in your numbers for July, please do so! We've got 55% of the team reporting, but our overall mileage is up from last month. I can tell we've got races pending.

Also, has anyone read the September Runner's World article, "The Rules Revisited"? Some interesting stuff.

Finally, if you're a New Balance fan, new models of several shoes are out, which means Joe's New Balance Outlet is getting the not-so-old ones and selling them at good prices!

Mel: You've been busy, busy, busy with all this WISHing! I'll check out the ning site tonight, although I'm sure it's fabulous! Give Jeff a big hug for me--I can't imagine his work situation is pleasant right now, what with the work overload.

Linda: Welcome, formally, to the cousins! Love to have a new cousin around, and we do take our little "no one left behind" motto--as well as that of being family--seriously. We've got a few people here who may do the Princess race. I'm considering it. Who else? Richard?

Oh, and do tell us more about your novel. Did you write it for NaNoWrMo? Give us a synopsis. There are a bunch of avid readers here.
And, of course, you can always post on your training, goals, etc.

Richard: Thanks for keeping us bumped up. Re: the car thing...still not sure, depends on what we get. You know me and my position on debt. We're not carrying any debt except student loans, so we'll be paying cash for a car. That's why 1) we'll definitely be getting a used car and 2) it may impact our trip. We've been saving for this day, but this day always comes up too soon. Did you decide on a room for marathon weekend?

Corinna: The only Latin I know is in vino veritas. Thank you, Tombstone!

JenG: Your trip sounds wonderful. And you did keep up a healthy base with your short runs, so I'm sure you'll be fine for DL! A relocation to Switzerland--even more exciting! Work related, I presume? Do let us know if that happens and any details you care to share. I know Angela, a WISHer, did the Italy marathon this year and wants to plan at least one international marathon a season. I wouldn't rule me and DOOD out, not if he gets a research grant next summer for some archival research in the UK. (Shakespeare is his area of research.) I do hope it works out in the way you hope--even if that means you won't be at Disney in January.

JenB: Wow, your DD's Webkinz b-day party sounds like it was lots of fun! I would have never thought of paining the eggs to look like rocks. Very clever. I think you could have a second career as a party planner (in all your spare time ).

As for me: Well, the parents left (my parents, as I wagered, asked him several times about his running & asked me, "Are you still just walking your races?" ). The car needs to be replaced, sooner rather than later. And DOOD and I are stressed out between these things and an upcoming trip to see his parents. It's a good thing I've started that Goofy/Dopey training, just in case...

I'm still tweaking my training program, with a hybrid between RW's schedule for my Baltimore half, and other programs afterwards. (Including Mooshu's Goofy training plan; if you know Marcia and are Facebook friends with her, check out her notes on it!) Somewhat against my better judgement, I'm going with more B2B runs rather than less. I'd rather face the mental challenges of those runs in training than over the weekend, I guess. That, and DOOD has decided he's doing B2Bs, so I might as well do them too.... Now if I can only find a way to curb my appetite while training...

Oh, and in the good news department! We're delaying our anniversary until next Friday, our dating anniversary instead of our wedding anniversary, because my parents were in town and I didn't want to celebrate a romantic occasion with them. (Creepy.) But he did tell me I was getting my Garmin. Now I don't need to shop for a new cabana boy. So thanks for sending him those telepathic waves "buy a Garmin, buy a Garmin." And I do suspect some of you emailed him, because he can be pretty obtuse about such things. Thanks for that, too! Oh, and honey, if you're reading this....very smart move and I love you!

 

[tiberius]

Debra - I am sure that were I to do the Princess race that I would be the ugliest Princess there by far. I have several friends locally considering this race, but alas I was not invited to join them. That and I am trying to save some money for the coast to coast medal.
No, I have not yet narrowed down to a hotel for the last part of my stay, but I hope to do so soon.
I do admire your dedication to staying out of debt, and wish I had done that 20 years ago instead starting just a few years ago myself. I'll look forward to seeing you at WDW in January.

 

[grizbuzz]

JenB: It would be great if we could have a Ohana mini meet - if it's at the Jamba Juice meet that would be fine, or something else. Since we are planning to drive down from SF Bay Area on Friday, I think the Saturday 7pm Jamba Juice could work.

Jen: So sorry about Sadie. Many wishes to you and your family at this time.

Debra: Ok, that would be SO cool to have an international meet. Are there any races you know of and would consider in Europe?

I got in a 10 mile run yesterday. It felt long. Actually I thought I did more like 11 or 12 miles, but when I got home and mapped it, was less than 10.5 miles. Oh well. I was TIRED after the run yesterday, but don't feel too bad today. I think with one more long run, I'll be ready for DL. I really can't imagine at this point how you all run over 26 miles. And a 1/2 marathon on top of that? I'm amazed and impressed. I'm clearly not yet Goofy material.

And an update on the Switzerland front: My DH got his visa approval yesterday, so the families' approvals should be coming shortly. Oh my, is this real?? For a little background, DH got an engineering job in Baden, outside of Zurich and now I'm trying to also get an international transfer through my job (big IT company). So far, things look promising for my job, but I'm not celebrating yet, 'til I get an official letter of authorization.

DH is away for the weekend at an alumni gathering in San Luis Obispo, so I'm going to try to get the kids to do some packing with me. Wish me luck. That's gonna be harder than the long run, I'm afraid.

Later cousins...
JenG

 

[chimera]

JenG...wow, Switzerland! I'm sooo jealous. My cousin just moved to Oxford, England. I need a reason to go visit. I really want to do the Dublin marathon some day.

JenB...glad the bday party went well! Are you ready for DL?

Debra...glad the visit with the 'rents was okay. I liked the RW Rules article.

Linda...welcome to the family! We are a bunch of readers around her so tell us everything! Where are you in Arkansas...we have a couple other WISHers (escape and nucpharm) who are from there as well.

AFM:
3.5 on the TM yesterday, 7 outside today. I lost 2.5 lbs during this morning's run. I have honestly NEVER sweat like that in my life! This morning went pretty well. I like training with Gatorade instead of water and Gu. I havent' had to drag out the race belt yet, just carry the bottle in my shorts pocket. I was a little nauseated and had some weird 'hot flash' kinda thing after the run this morning...not sure what's up with that. I think I'm going to work on better hydration during the week, especially on Friday. The knee is a little wonky but I've iced. I'm also a bit sore...hope that's more a reflection of the change in mileage than the b2b. I may have overscheduled myself by throwing the duathlon in, but I really want to defend my title. That does mean I have to get back on the bike right away!



Race Ready shirt thread is up if anyone needs to order a new WISH shirt. AlertShirts should be ready shortly!

 

[jship210]

Good Morning Ohanians, hope all is well.
(Jenn~ my condolences on your loss, our dogs become so much a part of our lives, )

Question for everyone; What do you eat the night before a marathon?

Thanks,

Jack Team Hakuna

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Cousins, I know I have talked about Sadie with you all before so I wanted to update. We have decided to put her to sleep as she has gotten dramatically worse in the last two weeks. We leave on vacation to WDW in one week and know she won't survive with us gone. It's the best for her. She would have been 10 years old in December and is a purebred Golden. She was my first baby, besides DH. We got her as a puppy and one week later found out I was PG with my Emma. Her tumors have grown dramatically, she is vomiting bile, and doesn't move much. She is also in pain, where she wasn't before. This all took a turn for the worst 2 weeks ago.

She showed me I could run, and was the best running buddy. Without her, I wouldn't have had an excuse to get out there. And sometimes she pushed me when she wanted to go faster. I will miss her dearly and am not dealing with it very well at the moment.

Jen, so sorry to hear about Sadie. Our pets do become so much a part of the family. We lost one of our goldens on Thanksgiving morning several years ago. Although I am thankful for so much in my life, I'm always a little bit sad on Thanksgiving. Think happy thoughts and concentrate on all of the good memories.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Aloha Cousins!

It feels like forever since I've checked in here -- I hardly know where to begin.

I'll start with my dear Jen. I know this is such a hard time for your family. Words of wisdom escape me, but I hope you are able to feel better as time passes.

Jack -- A marathon is beyond me -- before my two halves (yes, I don't do this often), I had a little pasta with some light protein, but ate pretty early, like 4 pm. I also didn't go crazy. I really limit myself because I don't want to have any issues the next am I save the big, celebratory meal for afterwards.

Mel -- Thank you so much for doing the shirts! I know it is a huge time and effort commitment on your part, and it is greatly appreciated!

JenG -- Wow, when you move, you move fast! Switzerland, I can't even imagine! What a wonderful adventure for your entire family

Richard -- I don't about you being the least attractive princess, have you seen those ugly stepsisters?! I'm sure you would be welcomed with open arms if you chose to race.

Debra -- So glad the Garmin is coming! Now, just let yourself really enjoy your anniversary, and concentrate on the family you've made. That DOOD seems like a keeper!

JenB -- I want to come to your parties! That sounds like a blast!

Linda -- We sometimes sound more like a book club than a training team, so you should fit right in! I'm reading Finger Lickin' Fifteen. I just started it, but so far I'm extremely pleased with the Ranger:Morelli ratio.

Julie, Jeanne, Nancy, Christa, Robert, Robert's Linda, Denny -- How's it goin'?

So, not much to report on the workout or eating fronts. I need to "Get My Head in the Game" again...I'm about to have the parental visit starting this weekend, luckily mine is less mentally stressful than Debra's, but seriously detrimental to my workout schedule. They just can't seem to grasp I need to get into their living space to workout. They like to push my treadmill to the side of the room and unplug it, and I can't move it without dh. Hopefully it will be cool enough I can announce I'm leaving for a run, but that's also hard because they seem hurt I've been gone all day at work and I'm taking off. The first week their here I can only take off one day, the second I'm hoping for 3, so with any luck I'll be able to fit in a few beach walks.

Anybody do House Party? We got the Wizards of Wavery Place event, so I'll be having 10 tweens over at the end of the month -- on the same night Dennis is going to Heaven and Hell (for those of you like me who are "metal"ly handicapped --this is a concert with mostly Black Sabbath and Ronnie James Dio, where they play a specific set of songs). On the bright side, the 'rents will still be here, so they can help me set up the "island magic" for the party. If that doesn't send them screaming for St. Louis (aka home), I don't know what will.

I never did my rides/eats non-TR segment. I may get to that yet, but let's just saying posting at all seems like an accomplishment.

Maria

 

[deekaypee]

Jen: More hugs to let you know I'm thinking of you and your family.

I've been playing with a site that DH suggested. It's called ning.com and allows you to set up a social networking site similar to facebook. I have an early version of a WISH racing team site. I'm not really sure it will work for us, but if y'all don't mind checking it out and letting me know what you think, I'd appreciate it.

http://wishracingteam.ning.com

I've checked this out and signed up! It looks good, but I need to spend more time on it to see how it really works. I added the handful of pictures we took at the WISH meet. We're so lame with our camera...

Mel: Holy cow! That's a huge water loss and it must be due to the heat/hydration. We've found ourselves having to hydrate more this past week because of humidity, and we're no where near your levels. Good to hear you're icing the knee and you think it's a mileage issue, mostly. I'm thinking that your bike training will help you out immensely in your Goofy training (except for maybe that overscheduling thing), especially for the knee. What duathlon are you doing, btw?

Richard: I, too, want the coast to coast medal so can understand your reluctance to do the Princess half. But I also think you'd look lovely running in a skirt. Maybe some fairy wings....

JenG: Wow, it really sounds like the Switzerland relocation plan is in motion, and might be underway 100% at this point. I mentioned international marathon to DOOD, whose eyes lighted up (rather fanatically, I might add). The first thing he said is, and I quote, "Zurich is supposed to have a great marathon." Unfortunately, it's in April (yes, we checked) and we're definitely restricted to summer (late May through early August) or maybe spring break (March). I, too, would like to do Dublin sometime (October). DOOD is going to wait to see what the grant-money situation is after school starts (end of August) and then decide how to pitch his project and its timeline. (Being able to combine a marathon with research or conferences is the way we'd like to go--makes traveling more affordable.) You'll probably know by then about Switzerland, too.

Julie: Training update, please! I know you've been struggling to find the time/motivation. Has making WDW plans helped?

Maria: Any visit is disruptive of a workout schedule, but I think that when one's parents visits it's even more so. It's like parents think you're "running away" from family quality time instead of "running toward" your fitness goals. (In my case both are true, but I digress. ) I do hope you can squeeze lots of exercise in, and beach walks are particularly good for challenging my leg muscles. I think that's a grand idea. And I know I asked on the Lean Meaner thread, but I'd love more information on the House Party; I have a hard time finding out that I'm losing my pop-culture cred and I count on you to keep me up to date.

Jack: I'll get back to you on DOOD's answer, because he's the meat-eater in the family. I'm a vegetarian, but tend to carb-load earlier in the week, so my preference isn't a lot of pasta the night before. I don't always luck out with restaurants, so try not to be picky. If I can, though, I like a good black-bean burger and a salad, or a mild Thai dish with tofu. (I normally like spicy, but take no chances the night before a race.) I prioritize protein with greens over carbs so the meal isn't too heavy for me, usually in hopes I will sleep well. Hah.

As for me: I finished my second weekend of back-to-back runs with no issues. Except the usual mental ones, of course. As in, "how many more weeks of this??" I was going to try only one LR to sync my schedule with DOOD's but apparently was feeling recalcitrant, so will have to do it this weekend. All the better for me, anyway. This week is supposed to be an easy week, sans tempo runs/speed work, so I'll just do an 8 miler and take a XT day to get into sync with his M-W-F-Sa training.

So, yes, we're still working under the assumption we'll be in Disney in January. DOOD did mention how much he is looking forward to January as a break from an incredibly tense job situation (the university has increased the enrollment caps on its classes and cut its temporary/adjunct classes--as have most of the colleges and universities here--and his new dean has announced some changes to tenure and promotion are pending....). To me, this sounds like time to be conservative with traveling and spending, but not so to DOOD. (He just sees it as an increase in his workload without more compensation, and plans to make it up with grant money--see post ot JenG.) We'll see how that master plan works out, but keep your fingers crossed.

On the upside, he even told me to order a Race Ready shirt for him for the Goofy. He wants to be identified on the field as a WISHer--or WISH-related, so he's officially come over to the dark side. Bwa ha ha ha.

 

[tiberius]

Richard -- I don't about you being the least attractive princess, have you seen those ugly stepsisters?! I'm sure you would be welcomed with open arms if you chose to race.

Maria

Richard: I, too, want the coast to coast medal so can understand your reluctance to do the Princess half. But I also think you'd look lovely running in a skirt. Maybe some fairy wings....

I do have just enough of a sense of humor to pull it off, but you two better be careful because you never know who might have to run with me the whole way.

 

[chimera]

I do have just enough of a sense of humor to pull it off, but you two better be careful because you never know who might have to run with me the whole way.

I TRIPLE dog dare you!

 

[tiberius]

I TRIPLE dog dare you!

Hmmm, I have never been triple dog dared before...
You buy the airfare, and I could make it happen.




And one more thing, I got my tickets for January's trip in the mail today!

 

[Jen117]

Hi Cousins. I wanted to let you know that the weekend was rough, but we are coping. The girls took Sadie's death worse than I thought, but are mending faster than I am. I still break down and cry. I can smell her in the basement where she would lay with me while I sewed and there are many marks on the walls from her. But I am trying to move on with her in my heart.

We are leaving on Friday for vacation at WDW. It is much needed after this year's craziness.

Maria - I have done several House Party's and know Emma would have LOVED the Wizards one, but I didn't get it. Have fun!!!

JenG - I missed the Swiss connection... but WOW. When are you leaving and how long will you be living there?

Debra - And what is this about you traveling... this is short term, right? I always wanted to do an international race, then I realized it was because I wanted to travel international and the race was my excuse!

Richard - Don't EVER let Mel Triple Dog Dare you! That is how she convinced me to do the Marathon!!!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Hi Cousins, I know I have talked about Sadie with you all before so I wanted to update. We have decided to put her to sleep as she has gotten dramatically worse in the last two weeks. We leave on vacation to WDW in one week and know she won't survive with us gone. It's the best for her. She would have been 10 years old in December and is a purebred Golden. She was my first baby, besides DH. We got her as a puppy and one week later found out I was PG with my Emma. Her tumors have grown dramatically, she is vomiting bile, and doesn't move much. She is also in pain, where she wasn't before. This all took a turn for the worst 2 weeks ago.

She showed me I could run, and was the best running buddy. Without her, I wouldn't have had an excuse to get out there. And sometimes she pushed me when she wanted to go faster. I will miss her dearly and am not dealing with it very well at the moment.

I feel for you Jen!

We had to put to sleep our last 2 15 yr old cat Siamese Cats(sisters). On in March and One in May. Very hard but right decision for them.

Best wishes.