Team 'Ohana 2009: No One Left Behind

[deekaypee]

And now for some small stuff, not to sweat, but for some lightheartedness.

Jeanne: The wedding plans are progressing nicely--and I think you'll have a great wedding. In fact, I can't imagine any wedding in your family being anything but tons of fun! Speaking of fun, your NYC marathon! I have to admit, I got dizzy just reading about the waves and corrals. I know you'll do just fine, though, and will do better than you expect. Each step, every mile, you'll be living the dream. You'll be at the NYC Marathon, and there will be people cheering you along (both there and virtually)!

JenB: Oh, no. An accident so close to the DL 1/2. I'm glad to hear you're taking it safe and cautious in rehabbing it. Good job on your 10 miler! Remember, you met your goal pace! Yay! And I feel confident that you'll have a good race--you have plenty more time to recover. P.S. Haven't seen Coraline. Worth a peek?

Jackie: Have you gotten your new computer yet? I've been eyeing those small Acer computers for my cafe & internet time. They're so cute and, more important, portable. And if you have to get a new one, now's the time to do so, what with back-to-school specials. Btw, I hope your work load lightens up soon. I miss seeing you here.

Corinna: Holy Cow! You lost 7 pounds on vacation? Plus, all the racing and training and 12+ hour drives. Speaking of drive, you definitely have that--I don't know if I could resist stress eating in the car, let alone with the family. That's fantastic. And I'm so happy that you, JenB, Jeanne, and so many cousins are going to see each other at DL. Good times. Maybe not as much fun as a Dublin marathon, of course, but I'm presuming that whiskey is a recover drink there.

Richard: Mel's ideas about frequent flyer miles is intriguing. Do you live near a Northwest Airlines hub? I have some unused miles... I think we'll need some unofficial photographers and a special scream team. Say...do you think your DW would be interested in the Princess 1/2 if we used you as bait?

Julie: I'm jealous too. I think it's only fair that those going to the DL 1/2 have outrageous times and come back with many photos and stories to share. I'll be reading Robert's RR, to be sure, but I have an insatiable appetite for such things. (And for carrot cake, just in case anyone's in a baking mood. *cough, cough*) As for your busy times, I hope they're a good busy and not overwhelming.

Mel: First, that's so cool that Jeff is doing the 5K with DNephew, and you're doing the Princess 1/2 with DNiece. A real family affair. (See, Richard, you and DW, maybe the DDs...) And a happy early birthday to DH. He's gonna love 40! Not to mention that cool ST present.

As for me: Well, you've seen the big news above, with the funeral. We don't know the date of the funeral yet, or how our travel plans will be adjusted. Chances are I'll be out of touch for a few days at least. I'll let you know more when we do.

In happier news, DOOD and I celebrated our anniversary this week. Low-key. We did see District 9, the sci-fi movie. A good movie, but I'm not as frothy about it as the critics are (am I ever? ) And I did receive the Garmin Forerunner 405, but waited until Friday (day of celebration) to open it. It looks like it has a faulty battery and I'll need to exchange it. And I did my 8 miler today, and the right calf is a bit tight. Normally, I'd be crankier about such things , but today, I'm working on not sweating the small stuff.

to all my cousins. I'd love to hear from everyone, just to say "Hi!"

 

[jeanneg]

Aww shucks, Deb.......I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Ruth sounds like a great feisty lady....kinda brings to mind yesterday's eulogy to Eunice Shriver. If there's a silver lining in all this, it's that she lived 96 years, which is a helluva long time. My sincerest condolences to you and DOOD. I will be going out to dinner later this evening and will definitely raise my glass to her. And your words of wisdom are very well taken. Unfortunately we never realize what we have until it's taken from us. This thread has had so much loss to deal with lately.....treasured pets, Richard's daughter's young firiend, and didn't someone commit suicide? Too much sadness. Here's my hug to all of you:

 

[tiberius]

Debra - I am so sorry for you and DOOD. Grandparents are pretty good at cutting through the unnecessary stuff and getting to the heart of the matter, so I do not find it surprising that she was the first to fully accept you. As you wish, I will join in on the sentimentality for the day over here in her honor.

On the less serious side of things, none of my family (except for CoCo the Golden Retreiver) joins me in my love of running, unless you count the run to the refrigerator during a commercial break--and that has fallen off in recent years with the development of the DVR and the pause button.

Mel - The Star Trek game sounds like a great gift. I hope it's a great birthday.

I hope everyone else is having a good weekend!

Finally, I have registered for the Goofy Challenge, time to get to work and train, eventually....

 

[chimera]

Debra...so sorry for your loss of Ruth. She sounds like a really cool lady. congrats on the 405, but sorry the battery was bad. what a bummer!

Richard...yay on Goofy!! Misery loves company and all that! How will you fit it in with your half Iron training?

Coraline is weird. That kinda dark Tim Burtonesque stuff.

I believe I'm in for TOT. Mom is coming up!

 

[jbucci]

Debra:So sorry about your loss consider my loved ones officially hugged in her honor and a virtual hug for you and DOOD. I agree with Mel about Coraline-- stop motion animation and visually cool but strange, creepy sort of story. It kept me entertained for my run, but I wouldn't rave about the film. The animation was good...

Robert: Nice to see you around a bit more I look forward to hanging out a bit in DL

As for me I ate way too much today at a rockin b-day party for our friend's 6 year old-- have I mentioned this is party season? I am now going to haul my lazy but to bed and hope that I can eat better and get some miles in tomorrow.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Cousins!

Debra -- I am so sorry to hear your sad news. It is particularly difficult when someone passes who has really touched us and we had planned to see them again. Hold onto your good memories. She sounds like a remarkable role model.

JenB -- We haven't seen Coraline, and now I won't be rushing to!

Mel -- the Star Trek game sounds awesome, you know I would be right there with you, playing with my NCC-1701C piece!

Julie -- Are you doing the Honan 5K? I think we're bringing the whole crew again. I may try to get dsil to let ds walk with her so I can move faster than a

Jeanne -- Wow, you can make a wedding come together! I guess that's what happens when you get an experienced mom -- if you can get 4 kids anywhere at the same time, you can plan a wedding!

Robert -- Good to see you posting, I can't wait to see those photos!

Corinna -- You are doing amazing with all your races this summer! What a warrior!

Jackie -- I saw those cute little Acers at BJ's for $299.99. I wanted to get one for ds, but dh convinced me to go with our normal provider for the big computer purchase coming up. DS is finally getting his own (at some point during the next school year), and we want to make sure it works with what we already have. I know work is absolutely insane, I hope you are getting your runs and rest in!

Richard -- I couldn't talk dh into the Princess Half, either. He's been making noises about curtailing our vacay expenses. So far, I've been passing the WDW Half off as a race, not a vacation...

Well, consider any workout I get in between now and Sept. 1 a bonus -- I always plan to keep them going, but once the company descends, it's all bets out the window. My company arrived early Friday evening -- my dad & stepmom. She had pulled something during their whirlwind trip -- they travelled from St. Louis to Boston only stopping overnight, normal people stop two nights...anyway, we spent Saturday morning at the urgent care having her shoulder looked at. She pulled a muscle, they just gave her a prescription for Motrin. There was some grocery shopping and dh ran, I didn't accomplish anything else the rest of the day except making this week's menus. At least those are reasonable -- we even bought salmon burgers for the grill, super yummy with a rub!

Today we are visiting the home of John and John Quincy Adams. That should be a short and easy trip. I'm hoping to walk along the beach when it starts to cool off for the day. It's back to work tomorrow for me. They should all be off touring when I get home, so I may get a run in -- cross your fingers!

This is my last hard week at work for awhile. I submitted one of the proposals I was working on Friday, and I just have the one due Thursday. I have alot of editing to do tomorrow, and then hopefully I'll be far enough along to assemble on Tuesday. That would mean I could get back to really DISing on Wednesday, which would be good....

Ok, I'd better shower up and face the masses!

Maria

 

[aldisneygrl]

Just stopping by to give Debra a .... and give one to DOOD too. Sounds like Ruth was a lovely lady to have in your life. I will give my family members an extra hug today in honor of her.

BUT...............

You got a GARMIN!!!!!! Sorry it has a faulty battery, but don'tcha just LOVE IT!!!!!

Oh, and congratulations to you and DOOD for another year of wedded bliss!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Debra-- I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Ruth sounds like such a wonderful person. You must feel honored to have been a part of her life. I'm thinking of you and your family at this time.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Debra: Sorry to hear about your loss. Linda and I send our thoughts and prayers to your family

 

[deekaypee]

Richard: Oh, I think you're dodging the big carrot for your DW and DDs:you running in a skirt and fairy wings. I'd think that would get them interested in doing the Princess 1/2!!! On a less absurd note, I don't think I'll be around to send b-day wishes to your DDs (the date is coming up), so please send them a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me.

Mel: Speaking of Happy Birthdays, Happy Birthday to Jeff!
And woo hoo for TOT. You're also doing RftT too, right? More Disney bling for the collection and to keep you training for Goofy. Say...what do you think about the coast-to-coast next year??

JenB: Love birthday-party season. I think that's something that should be re-instituted for adults. Especially clever, themed b-day (and other) parties. So glad you're getting to enjoy them. And I just know your training is rocking--looking forward to the DL 1/2 RR.

Mel, JenB: Thanks for the comments on Coraline. I'd meant to see it in the theaters, but I'm not a huge fan of Gaiman. I do like Tim Burton, though. I think a TM run might be a perfect way to experience it. That way, if I don't like it I don't care so much....

Maria: To pick a slight, ever so slight, bone with you. The WDW 1/2 is a race and you, my dear, are a fantastic athlete! Might I remind you that only an athlete gets injured on the course, gets up and finishes it, and then bemoans what the injury does to her pace.

Ouch and sympathies to your stepmom for the injury AND the time spent in urgent care. And hugs to you--those kinds of incidents disrupt schedules and can affect the tone of the visit. Kidos for eating healthily--salmon burgers are a great source of protein. And congratulations on have a slower time at work; I know it's never that slow for you, but I hope you get a little DIS relaxation time...

Allie: I'm sure I will love the Garmin! I'm very happy DOOD got me one! I'll probably be less psyched when the realities of my pace and distance numbers are there for me to track. Oh, and wedded bliss? What's that? We like to think of our relationship as neutral territory at best.

Sunny: Thank you. I DO feel honored to have gotten to know her and to be part of her life. That's a lovely way to put it, and I think I'm going to "steal" that sentiment when I talk to DOOD's DM, Ruth's daughter. She'll appreciate it.

Robert: Thanks to you and Linda, as well. I know you've dealt with your own losses and stressors this year.

As for me: Indeed, thanks to everyone for your hugs and prayers and well wishes. DOOD and I appreciate it more than you can know. We had a good night the other night, talking about Ruth and our separate and collective memories of her. It was nice to have that private time to mourn, as in general I don't find visitations and funeral services to allow for that. All the family weirdness comes out to play--and is already starting from what I hear. I've determined that a variation on the advice for the mother-of-the-groom ("Show up, shut up, and wear beige" <-- Jeanne, can you pass that one on to the Greek's mom? ) is in order for people like me, related through marriage. It's "Show up, shut up, and wear black." It's my final gift to Ruth.

Anyway, we're driving out Wednesday and spending the night in Fort Wayne, IN before heading to Dixon, IL. Anyone in the Fort Wayne area? I'll be on and off the internet sporadically--more off than on with all the activities--but will try to check in if possible. DISing is stress relief, and entertainment, and you all are indispensable in making it so. Not to mention you're my friends.

And in training news, I finished my easy weekend (one LR, no b2b). I've got a possible injury question for you. I've been experiencing tightness in my right calf (which goes away after a couple of miles) and now my inner knee hurts a bit (not under the kneecap but to the side). Not when I run, after. And my outer ankle is tender to the touch (although I might have bumped it, klutz that I am). It's not ITB or runner's knee. I iced it yesterday after my easy run, and I'm taking a rest day today. I've upped my post-run stretching, too, and will continue light weight training. Any thoughts on what it could be or suggestions? Again, it's not so painful that I can't run, but now's the time to be cautious. Okay, okay, it's ALWAYS the time to be cautious.

 

[tiberius]

Richard: On a less absurd note, I don't think I'll be around to send b-day wishes to your DDs (the date is coming up), so please send them a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me.

Thanks, Debra! Yes, my babies turn 19 and 21 tomorrow. I can't catch up with everyone else right now as I am having an (almost) unbelieveably busy week and need to get back to paperwork I brought home tonight.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Here are some pics from a runner in our 12 hr race we RD'd last Sat. Wendy won the 12 hr race with 67.5 miles!

http://picasaweb.google.com/courtenaymorganredis/BubbaRocksTheHouse?feat=content_notification#

Here are some comments:

Hi Robert and Linda,

I had such a wonderful time at the Hotter than Hell race on Saturday and am still basking in the afterglow. You were both wonderful throughout, and Linda, guess what I'm having for dinner tonight? Hot Dogs! Only being a Berkeleyan, they're organic and fancy on Acme baked bread. Hahaha. Not to worry, yours were lifesavers during the race and I'm grateful for how easily I could eat them. You rock.

My friend, Courtenay, took photos. The slideshow is really fun to watch and you're both in it, so here you go. My crew keeps talking about how nice you guys are and how much they enjoyed their day. I hope we have many opportunities to participate in your races.

Thanks again for everything,

Wendy, aka, "Bubba"

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Cousins!

Robert -- Looks like a great time was had by all!

Richard --Sorry about the busy work week, and Happy Birthday to the offspring!

Debra -- You are so right, the WDW Half is certainly a race. I just tend to try to stay a full week and make it a bit of a vacation, but don't charaterize it that way with Dennis. It is a "recovery time", so we are back at capacity when we return home. I'm sorry I don't have any injury advice for you -- just that you know not to push when you shouldn't! People do go crazy in the funeral season. It is bizarre how things and people come out of the woodwork...it is best just to sit back and ignore it as much as possible. To paraphrase Queen Victoria, "Close your eyes and think of the DIS". We're all giving you a big , at the craziness, and because we know you have got the most hysterical comments running through your head...

Sunny -- So great to hear from you!

I'm very pleased to report I'm "thisclose" to being finished with my big project and I'm starting to relax a bit. That normal workload is looking good!

I had a salmon burger for dinner last night -- not my favorite, but I know it's good for me. It seems to be cooler today. It's not supposed to go past 80, so I may get another chance on the TM!

Our tivo didn't work Monday night, so I called the cable company. They were unable to fix it over the phone, so we're having a service call today. Luckily, the folks are home to meet them. It's nice not to have to take the day off for the cable...and I don't think they were going anywhere this morning, anyway.

So far, my dad has repaired our room air conditioner, replaced the light over the sink in the kitchen, fixed the window that would not come down in the dining room, and put up blinds in the dining room. Oh, and he cleaned the laundry room. We don't ask him to do this stuff -- it just happens while we're at work. We are so blessed! Of course, my father is an Angel. No, literally -- my maiden name was Angel. You can see why we want to take them places and do things when we can be home -- we have to make them vacation!

Maria

 

[laughinplace199]

Debra - I'm so sorry to hear about DOOD's grandmother. Hugs to you and DOOD. I know you will miss her, but it sounds like you have some wonderful memories of her to keep with you always.

To all of my other cousins, I will be back to catch up soon - I promise!

 

[grizbuzz]

Hi Cousins!

So we're leaving for Switzerland September 12. So much to do in just a few short weeks (including a DL 1/2!) Somehow, it will all get done, because it has to!

Can't wait to help organize a meet for a marathon (or 1/2) in Europe. Dublin does look nice!

Is there some kind of contest for stupid training mistakes? If so, I think I might win something. I've been having this problem with my toes. They're bruised and turning black. My running shoes have felt really snug and I've been wearing really thin socks to try to get some more space in there. Well, I finally bought some new inserts and realized that I forgot to take out the original inserts when I put in my powersteps (I think that's what it's called)three months ago. So I've been running for the last three months with two inserts in my shoes. No wonder my nails are about to fall off! Needless to say, I have a lot more room now that I only have one insert in each shoe!

I have my last LR before DL1/2 this Friday. Met with my trainer last week and he told me no more long runs before DL 1/2. That it was time to taper. I was bummed, as the longest run I've done is almost 10.5 and I just wanted to get a 12 miler in there. Then he thought about it and told me to do a LR this weekend. He said it's not for the DL 1/2, but rather a training run for the January marathon. And then the DL 1/2 will be another training run. Not so sure I understand why it makes such a difference if it's a 12 mile training run versus a taper, but I'll take it. Although now that the LR is coming up in two days, I'm wondering if I need to get all those 12 miles in...

 

[MouseDogMom]

Just popping in for a moment to say I FINALLY got my new laptop. In the process of setting everything up tonight, so I should be back to full DIS time in a day or two.

Took DD to college this morning and moved her in. Sniff, sniff. DH and I are now officially empty nesters.

Work is still crazy. I have at least another month of doing two jobs, maybe longer. I'm hoping that with DD gone I may at least be able to get back to running during the week, since I won't be spending most of my free time helping her pack and shop.

I miss my 'Ohana cousins!

Jackie

 

[tiberius]

Hi Team - This is just a quick post to update my Olympic tri this weekend, I'll post a real reprot later on.

I got two slices on the sole of my right foot on the supposedly cleared underwater path to the swim start, 2 blown tubes and 1 tire on the bike (and I only carry 1 spare tube-thank you bike support for the tube and tire), then muscle cramps on the run made it a slow walk/run (not to mention the sore foot mentioned earlier), plus now I am sunburned due to the extra time on the course. (Who would have thought trail running was safer than triathlons?)

Of course the most important thing is that I finished, which I did!
DLF>DNF
and I do think I ended up dead last as the few behind me all seemed to have DNF'ed.

 

[corinnak]

Richard - I can not believe that strong of bad luck! It is like an episode of "Worst Week!" Hope your feet heal quickly, and congratulations on finishing in spite of all that adversity. You are made of stern stuff, sir!

Debra - so sorry about your GMIL. I hope the rest of the time with relatives goes as well as can be hoped.

My suggestion regarding your calf issue is this: Ice and massage. Not at the same time. Check your feet too - so much of that calf stuff originates with slightly unapph feet. Not at the same time.

Maria - we are BIG fans of John Adams here. The miniseries, yes, but also from years ago when we first became acquainted with the musical 1776. My older son loved it so much that for a while when he was about 3 he'd reenact the scene from the movie where Adams is summoned down to congress from the bell tower and he goes running down the stairs with his cane! Hope your trip to his house was fun!

Robert - congratulations on a great looking event! It sounds exhausting for participants AND organizers, as 12 hours is a long time!

grizzbuzz - I'll be at the DL half as well! Did you get your 12? I don't pretend to know what your trainer is talking about, but I know what you mean about wanting to get another long run in. It seems so early to taper!

Jackie - seems like getting someone ready for college is a bit of a full time occupation! Is your daughter going to school far away or not too far? Great news on the laptop! Look forward to hearing from you more soon!

And in the words of DKP - As for me: I ran 12 miles this morning. Kinda slightly accidentally. The training plan called for 10 this week, 11 next week, but I'm never happy with that for a half marathon top training mileage. So I was going to do 11 this week and 12 next. Well, I made a bunch of mid-run course changes and ended up with 12 today. I used the Luna Moons for fuel, and thought of you guys each time because they, unfortnately, remind me a little of those ear-grubs from Star Trek 2, The Wrath of Khan. Lovely, I know. Maybe I should go back to sport beans, but there seems to be less of a sugar "crash" from these, so I may just stick with them, grub-like though they may be.

I'm doing a staged reading of a new play - I don't usually do the on-stage stuff, but my DH is directing this and there was a role for a robot hooker. Can I use that word here? Anyhow, it was too weird for me to pass up, and with my newfound figure, I feel like I'm kind of pulling it off, even. We've had 2 rehearsals and there will only be one performance so it is kind of low commitment. Fun though!

 

[jeanneg]

Hello all,

What can I say.....my life is crazy right now! On Friday, my youngest child proposed to his girlfriend of nearly 5 years and she said "Yes!" So now we have 2 weddings in 2010! I anticipate that being the mother of the groom will be alot less work than being the mother of the bride, but it's still overwhelming to me right now. Both John and I are thrilled.....we LOVE our future daughter-in-law! And all this excitement is great for taking my mind off the NYC race. Before this happened I was having marathon nightmares. Now I only dream of guest lists, dinner menus, etc. etc.

Richard: WTG on your race! You perservered despite much adversity and came out a winner in my book. And happy birthday to your daughters.....it's always so nice when they actually attain legal age.

grizzbuzz: great to hear from you again.....sorry about all your foot issues.

Jackie: Yay for getting the new laptop! And congrats to you and Bill on the new empty nester status. Once you get over that initial sadness, you will LOVE the new freedom!

Robert: Thanks for posting those photos. Next time I'm about to complain about my measley 12-miler, I'll think of all those people doing a 12-HOUR event! I can't even begin to imagine what that would be like. You and Linda are both looking very well.

Maria: glad to hear the visit from your parents was so productive. Your dad sounds like he truly is an "angel" (as are you! ) I applaud you for trying to eat healthy, but those salmon burgers sound very unappealing to me. I gues I'm just a "where's the beef" kinda gal! Which brings me to.....

Debra: so how was the funeral? Any family drama you care to share with us? You'll be pleased to know I raised my glass to Ruth (more than once!) this weekend.

Corinna: good luck with the reading! I'm not a big fan of Luna Moons either. They seem to take forever to go down. Power bar has some very nice lemon gels that I once got for free in a goody bag. They don't have as many electrolytes as some other products, but they are easy to eat and very good tasting. I'm going to try to track some of those down. One of the things I love on my shorter long walks are gummy life savers. I freeze them and put them in a little baggy. I don't know if they would be any good for really long walks, but they are fine for shorter sessions.

Julie: don't be a stranger!

 

[grizbuzz]

Corinna: Yes, I did get my long run in this weekend. Actually made it 13.8 miles, but a little over a mile of it I walked. It was not a good run. Slow. iPod wouldn't work right. Got a hole in my sock. Lots of stupid stuff. But I made it and I figure a challenging last long run means great 1/2 marathon! Got all the logistical problems over with! Geesh I was tired. Just couldn't really move the whole day after the run. I'm feeling much better today and now have no problem moving to taper. I can use a little break now before the DL 1/2. Can I mention again how I have NO idea how the Goofy people do it!

Oh and for electrolyte chew things...I like Cliff Shot Bloks best in the square tube container thingy. I tried Gu Chomps yesterday and they were fine but kind of sticky on the hands.

A few weekends ago I couldn't find any open stores with electrolyte so I got pedialyte electrolyte strips and Hasbro gummy roulette. Worked, but not sure I'd recommend it. Much prefer the Gu Chomps and Cliff Shot Bloks. I bought a box of each, plus the sport beans, to take to Switzerland with me!

Jeanne: Congrats on all those weddings! Wow! How exciting! And my toes did MUCH better yesterday without that extra insole. How stupid!

A question for you all...I got a new pair of shoes and am wondering if I'm OK using them for the 1/2 marathon. They are exactly the same brand/style as the ones I have. If I use them for a few short runs, do you think they'll be ok for the 1/2?

This week's gonna be crazy. DH is in Switzerland starting work and looking for an apartment for the family. DS6 starts school this week, DS4 has no school, and I have to take care of the house/kids alone, plus pack, plus paint, plus work full time (from home fortunately!). Good thing that long run is behind me!

Am going now to take the dog on a walk and then will consider painting a room.

Later cousins!
JenG