Team 'Ohana 2009: No One Left Behind

[tiberius]

Just a quick stop by the thread to post about my race this weekend.
It was in the 30's and rainy all morning, plus the course was quite hilly--a friend of mine calls it "the course that does not go flat". Plus, with my marathon 3 weeks behind me and Goofy 5 weeks ahead, I didn't want to overdo things with a 100% effort.

So, with all that going against me I still managed to PR at 2:31:24, a PR by over 2 1/2 minutes (formerly 2:33:57). I know I could have beaten my longtime goal of going under 2:30, but I really did not even plan to go quite this fast today, so I did not want to push too hard and ruin my Goofy training.

I hope everyone else had a good weekend and has a good next week!

 

[jbucci]

Richard: Awesome job on your race! Thanks for keeping the thread alive while we are all busy doing random holiday stuff. I have my 18 miler tomorrow and V is all set (although sadly, I think the run may take a bit longer than the mini series-- if only I had the next one too...)

 

[tiberius]

Richard: Awesome job on your race!

Thanks!

Thanks for keeping the thread alive while we are all busy doing random holiday stuff.

I just figured I was the only one without a life these days.

I have my 18 miler tomorrow and V is all set (although sadly, I think the run may take a bit longer than the mini series-- if only I had the next one too...)

Good luck on your run, and I hope you enjoy V.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Aloha, Cousins!

JenB -- I hope your 18M Goes well! Enjoy V, I'm sure I've forgotten all the best parts!

Richard -- Great RR! Thank you for the reminder that we do have to take care of ourselves and actually visit medical professionals! You'll be happy to know I'm all signed up for my follow-up with the Derm. I was able to get in Jan. 4, so I'll be all set before we leave for FL.

I ended up doing my 8M in 99 minutes, and that is huge for me. I also did 4M yesterday and 5M today (at 12:30, a new low for me!), so the runs are still happening...now if I would just actually follow-through with the strength training

Howdies to Corinna, Julie, Jeanne, Jen, JenG, Debra, Mel, Denny, Jackie, and the other cousins I missed!

Hoping some others will chime in with posts, it's getting a little lonely

Maria

 

[jbucci]

I just wanted to check in and say that my LR is on the books-- did my usual 1/2mile warm up and cool down and ran 18 miles. It was a total of 19miles in just over 4 hours with the 18 at my goal pace for the marathon. I'm pretty happy with the run and not too sore. I did watch V (and part of a mythbusters). I have to say the cheesy eightiesness of it was kind of fun and I really enjoyed it. The chase scenes with up tempo music near the end of my run helped too. Now for a 20miler next week then taper. I can't believe how close we are getting to marathon weekend

gotta go meet the school bus...

 

[laughinplace199]

Hello dear cousins!

I know it's been ages since I last posted, but my life is a little crazy right now. Our trip to MI was great and the engagement party was a hoot....straight outta the movie for sure! Aside from my daughter, we were the only non-Greeks at the party. In some ways, it was a little overwhelming, but they are such a warm, loving family we soon felt at ease. My favorite was the uncle who made a point of coming over to tell us that we "looka lika nice people!" Unbeknownst to us, it is tradition at an engagement party for the bride-to-be to receive gifts of fine jewelry which she must immediately wear for good luck. My daughter was walking around looking like Mr. T....she had more bling than a Disney marathon junkie! Quite a nice surprise....

We also got her wedding gown that weekend. It took all of an hour! We are very pleased. It is simple, but very elegant. Of course it was the first one she tried on, but then she had to try on another 8-10 just to be sure. That is a major item to be checked off. If anyone is interested, here is a link:
http://sophiatolli.com/dresses/?collection=Sophia Tolli - Bridal#i3005
(Hers will be in white, not ivory.... and don't look at the back view on the website because it's not the same dress!)
Then this past weekend, she came home for Thanksgiving and we picked out the bridesmaids dresses and ordered the cake! So little by little, everything is falling into place.

As if the weddings aren't enough to keep me busy, we are in the process of closing down my husband's business. He has accepted what he hopes will be the job of his dreams in a neighboring state and we have decided that because of the upcoming weddings, we won't move. So we need to get him a small apt. and move in some bare essentials so he can stay there midweek. Our health/dental insurance will also be changing and I have been scurrying around trying to get all my important tests and exams in. Last week was a colonoscopy, which is never fun, but very important since I have a family history. Also had 2 old fillings replaced.....again, not fun, but necessary. This weekend, John and I have the R&R HM in Las vegas...complete with mid-race vow renewal. We come home on Monday, and I go in for my surgery on Wednesday. It will be a 2-3 week recoverery so I am trying to take care of all my Christmas stuff this week before I leave. Over Thanksgiving weekend the kids all pitched in and we put up both the tree and outside lights. Plus, the inside house is pretty much decorated. You can see I've been busy!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Our December hollidays will be here before we know it....and after that, marathon weekend! Can't wait to see everyone again!

Wow - Jeanne, you are a busy woman these days! I'm exhausted just reading about your busy life!

 

[laughinplace199]

Maria - I'm glad to hear that you had such a great time at Universal. I haven't been there in years. We're hoping to make it there once the Harry Potter part is open. Did your DS get his H1N1 shot? My kids got it, but my boys need two doses and our ped doesn't have any more right now. Also, my youngest missed out on the seasonal flu shot too, so you're not alone in feeling bad about missed shots.

Richard - I said it on FB, but it bears repeating: Awesome job on your race!!

Jen B - Nice job getting your 19 miles done. I don't know if I could do that on a treadmill. I'm impressed. Did you get your scrapbook done?

Not much is new here. I was very excited a few weeks ago when I ran my 18 miler at a good pace (good for me, anyway). But we did 19 miles on Sat and we were much slower this time. I'm not sure why. Anyway, I guess I shouldn't get so hung up on the time, but I really want to finish at least a little bit faster than last year.

On a happy note, today was my last "long" (8 mile) weekday run. I have really hated getting up at 4:30 on Tuesdays and now I don't have to do it anymore. The rest of my Tuesdays between now and Marathon day are in the 3-5 mile range. I can't believe it's almost taper time!

Hello to Debra, Corinna, Mel, Jackie, Jen, and all of my cousins!

 

[deekaypee]

Hey folks.

First of all, HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY Richard!
I can't believe I missed it.

But I'm so very happy that you're here to celebrate with, late or not. And thi has been a banner year for you--congratulations on yet another PR. You're in great shape for the Goofy.

Maria: So glad you went to Universal and had a great time. And I'm doubly glad you went to see the doctor--like Jeanne said, not fun but necessary. (And I put off going to the doctor myself, so I know what it's like.) I'm planning on hitting Universal myself one of these days, post-Harry Potter land or whatever it's called. Maybe I can get you to give me a tour of the place.

JenB: You've been doing a great job getting in your LRs and at goal pace--I thought, "Most excellent." (I either never got over my Bill and Ted fetish or I sound like Mr. Burns. Your choice.) I've got V on my DVR and been enjoying it--am behind right now, but hoping to catch up before it returns in January (or whenever).

Jackie: Great job on the Turkey Trot. I just love hearing how supportive you and Bill are of each other in training and races.

Jeanne: Wowsa! That whirlwind pace of your life has just turned into a hurricane! (A good drink, btw, if you're in the mood.) Congrats to DH on his (hopefully) dream job. It's a lot of stuff to pack into the next year, what with the weddings, but what an exciting time of your lives. I hope all your dr.'s tests have come back with good news. P.S. Love the gown--very tasteful.

Julie: I know what you mean about the mid-week runs. I'm not a morning person at all, and I began to dread them. Not a good sign. And you have so much more on your plate than me (metaphorically--as I've been eating my weight in carbs and sugars these days).

As for me: After my 22 miler a couple of weeks ago, my body rebelled. Runner's knee, first time this training season. And it hasn't gotten much better. I was only able to do 10 last weekend and it was uncomfortable. I'm a little worried about that, especially since my mid-week runs have been, well, nothing. I've managed 2-3 miles and trying to supplement with biking and the elliptical. But I'm not feeling very positive about Goofy.

And let's not get into the personal life. Really. It's best that I not talk about it. (I know, I know, a first. Bear with me.)

Instead, how about a roll call? Who's out there and what are you looking forward to the most about your holidays and marathon weekend? Hmmmm????

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Richard! -- So sorry we missed it, and I hope it was awesome!

Can I be the first to say we're so glad you've found your way back to our thread, Miss Debra?! I'm hoping to make it to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter next year, we shall see. I think Dennis has had about enough of vacations for awhile... So sorry to hear your knee is giving you trouble. If it makes you feel any better, Dennis has been on a very limited running schedule, so he's been doing elliptical and bike, too -- and his physical therapist thinks he will not have a problem with the Half. I know it's not Goofy, but apparently it is a viable training strategy to spread your miles around.

Julie -- DS got his H1N1 Saturday. DH took him while I did my 8M. Then we finished the shopping for the family party coming up this Saturday, and got our tree. Yes, we were picking out a tree in the sloppy mess that was Saturday. It looks really good though

JenB -- We love Mythbusters! And Dirty Jobs! Discovery is actually one of our favorite channels. I like the newer Mythbusters bet with Grant. He seems to add a bit of science to the show.

So, it's strength training day for me again -- which usually means I just blow it off. Today my plan is get on the TM when I get home and walk at an incline to strengthen my legs. Then I'll do weights to the Daily Show (thank goodness for Tivo!). It's where I get my news. Pathetic, but true.

Ok, so to answer Debra's question:

The thing I always look forward to the most about my holidays is seeing my dad. He lives 1,500 miles away in MO, so we get to see him at Christmas and during the summer. I have always been Daddy's Little Girl , and even though we e-mail daily and call weekly, I miss him.

The thing I'm most looking forward to for the marathon is finishing with my face intact No, seriously, I am looking forward to seeing all my families -- my WISH family, my Team Ohana family, and my dh's family. It will be interesting to have dh's family together -- these are the people I like and would travel with, so I'm hoping we will escape the dreaded curse of family gatherings and have a great time. The SIL I don't get along with isn't about to do a race -- but I bet she's thinking about a way to show up so she isn't the only one left out...her little brother and sister are doing a half marathon, and she wasn't invited...her stepbrother is also coming, and not one of us asked her if she'd like to try the 5K.

Anyway, dh and I are leaving WDW for a few days at Universal, and I'm really looking forward to that. We don't get enough time to be a couple, so it's really special. I am so thankful my dad and his wife like to stay with ds! It's really great for everyone involved. They get quality time with him, but he's in school during the day, so they also have plenty of time to nap or have quiet.

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Welcome back Debra! We've missed you! Hope the knee chooses to recover soon. I've been feeling fine, but we just got back from a walk with the dogs and my knee was killing me the entire time. I think it doesn't know how to walk anymore, or at least that's what I'm telling myself.

Maria - I had to sniffle a little at your answer about your dad. I was Daddy's little girl too, but he's been gone almost 6 years now. My mom died a couple of years later, and Christmas hasn't been the same. I feel really bad for DD, since I kinda lost interest in the entire holiday season, but she's done a really good job of keeping things going.

So that kinda answers the first question about what I'm looking forward to about the holidays... I'm not exactly Scrooge, but I wouldn't miss them if they disappeared completely! I am looking forward to having DD home for a while, although that will come with its own drama, I'm sure. We haven't even put up any decorations yet, mainly because the dogs are still young enough that we're afraid of what they'll do. I'm counting on DD to figure out what and where to put things.

As far as the marathon, this will be our first trip without DD. That's both exciting and sad, since in many ways it marks the end of her childhood for all of us. At the same time, it gives us a chance to do things without having to get agreement from all three parties... I can't wait to see all my WISH buddies, and meet new ones. I'm excited about my goals for the weekend and seeing what's achievable and what's not.

Jackie

 

[tiberius]

No worries on the birthday, Debra, Team Ohana made a very good showing with well wishes on Facebook, I felt very well-loved.

Maria - I have to smile at your commetns on your father. My father has been gone for over 10 years now and I still miss hime and frequently think about him. Ironically, he was not a very good father or person at times, but I still miss him.

Debra - On to your questions....what I am looking forward to the most about the holidays is being together with family and putting some real thought into just enjoying the holidays for what they are. Last year was the first without my MIL, so last year was a somber year for us since she had always been the one who "ran" the family Christmas celebration. As to what I am looking forward to most about marathon weekend....that's easy, first I most look forward to meeting my fellow Ohana and other Team WISH teammates out there. Second, I look forward to 39.3 miles of Goofy party silliness , ideally a roaming party along the race course with some of my friends on this thread. Regardless of the particulars, I plan to enjoy myself on the course and not kill myself with a full race effort.


My trip is starting to feel a bit more real now with the arrival of the Magical Express tags today!! Just 24 days until I go!!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Team Ohana!

I'm fresh off the TM, with 5M under my belt for today. It feels good to be all worked out and ready to face the day. Today I have to bake when I get home. Tomorrow is the school bazaar (where the kids can buy gifts, cheap), and they also have baked goods, which of course the parents donate. I will step away from the goodies when they are done. I may even have Dennis take them out of the oven so I'm not tempted...I think I'm making brownies in muffin tins. I'll put the batter right in the paper cups, and then they'll be ready for individual sale.

I'm falling behind on my Christmas tasks. I have to get ds's photos ready for the cards, get that last bin out of the attic, and finish addressing the cards. It's hard to fit everything in, but this year I'm letting the Christmas stuff come last and the workouts come first. It will all get done, just not perfectly and not on a rigid schedule.

Everyone have an awesome day!
Maria

 

[padisneyfan]

Just dropping by to let you know that Jeanne's surgery went well. She was staying overnight in the hospital and was expected to be back home today. I'm sure she will fill you in later.

Happy Holidays everyone.

Nancy

 

[jeanneg]

Ha,ha...just popping in to do what Nancy just did. I'm home and there's alot less of me now. I am surprised - and thankful - that I am not in more pain. There's alot of soreness, but not nearly as bad as I anticipated. As I told the doc when he discharged me this morning "I've had blisters that hurt more!" (and you know that to be true!)

Anyway, that's it for now....just wanted to let you know all is fine.


HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, RICHARD!

 

[jbucci]

Jeanne: Glad to hear you are doing well. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Nancy: Great to see you around here again, visit again and let us know what you are up to.

Debra: Good to see you here too. Nice review of Princess and the Frog, I have to admit I'm looking forward to seeing it tomorrow. Butch and I have a lunch date to go (DD6 is too scared of most Disney films so we are sneaking to the movie while she is at school, seems crazy...)

I'm looking forward to the excitement of my daughter on Christmas. Just having a fun morning and seeing her face when she realizes we are actually getting her a kitten-- I partly think we are crazy for this but it is what she REALLY wants. We will pick up the little furball after marathon weekend but we have it all picked out and she will get to unwrap a picture and help us shop for kitty toys.

As for the marathon I'm excited and nervous all in one package. I am looking forward to seeing everyone and taking a weekend to prove to myself what I am capable of doing if I set my mind to it. I'm hoping I'm healthy this year for the race (I should own stock in Purell at this point) and can give a good effort on the full. I'm also really excited to have fun with the half and not worry about time-- actually doing a race with my DH, taking pictures and enjoying the course-- just gotta stay ahead of the sweepers and get in fast enough to count for Goofy.

 

[Jen117]

HI everyone... Remember me??? I know it has been AGES since I posted, but its hard to come here when I am barely walking at the moment. While you are wrapping up your final weeks of training, I am wrapping up my final weeks of PG!!!! I am so uncomfortable at the moment and can't wait to be done. I just wanted to let you all know I am alive and well. It will be soon!!!

I am planning on my first race (minus 5K's) to be the Team Ortho 1/2 marathon in Minneapolis the first weekend of June. I can't believe I am happy to start training again... what am I NUTS????

 

[tiberius]

Jen - Of course we remember you! Gald to here you are well and looking forward to running again.

Today, I had one of "those" runs. My legs felt like they were made of lead...stiff and heavy. I was wanting to do 16 - 17 miles, but I stopped at 14.4 miles. I did almost call it quits around 12 miles, but knew I had to get more than that done. I figure my legs needed mnore rest from last week's HM PR, soi I hope next weekend will be better. I feel like I need to get this into the 18 - 20 mile range before I taper back.

 

[corinnak]

Hi Ohana!

It has definitely been one of THOSE weeks. I had written up a response to this a few days ago, but I think I had a browser crash and, well, it's gone. I have truly loved reading everyone's check-ins and roll-call answers, though! Here is mine:

Instead, how about a roll call? Who's out there and what are you looking forward to the most about your holidays and marathon weekend? Hmmmm????

I am a kind of grinchly cousin. Mind you, I don't sneak into all the houses in town, steal the toys and roast beast and retreat to my mountain, but I am a little more Scrooge McDuck than Mickey Mouse this time of year. It just seems like so much hassle. So much cookies and candies, too. Something to be endured. Sad, but true. I do enjoy the holiday book "Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly" and have, I'm afraid, been posting rather disrespectful mis-heard song lyrics on my facebook status updates:

"In the meadow, we can build a snow man, and pretend that he is sparse and brown."

"He's making a list, chicken & rice"

"Stabbing Fight, hold the knife."

That sort of thing...

Marathon weekend is another matter entirely, though! I am looking forward to running strong, taking some awesome "after" pictures during and, well, after the race. Last January, I was pretty much at my "before" weight, so I think it will be fun to have photos from this year to compare.

I am definitely looking forward to the WISH meet, possible team dinner, the Ohana ice cream party and possibly another meet-up at Port Orleans! I am also hoping to spend at least one night over at Jellyrolls - it's easy to stay out too late and drink tooooo much over there, so I need to watch that on Friday and Saturday, especially. Maybe Sunday after the dessert party, though.

I'm also looking forward to meeting up with my C25K buddy, Kate. We ran the Inaugural Tower of Terror 13K together and had a great time. I don't know if we'll have compatible paces for this race - I think she is shooting for under 2:30, which is what I did back at Disneyland. I would like to see if I could get down to 2:20, but then I think - is it worth it? A bit faster on my own or a little slower with a fun friend? Maximum effect personal triumph or maximum fun? Either one is good, I just don't know what I want yet.

In other news: Did I mention that I'd gotten my 50 pound clippie and therefore my "official" weight loss goal for the year? It happened about a week ago, and was surprisingly not as exciting as all that. I'm continuing to lose at least through marathon weekend, though this past week was a wash. Sometimes that happens even when you're on task. I want to be as lean and strong as I can be for this race, so I persevere.

And finally, I have a little race report for you:

It's been a while since my last REAL race. Yesterday I set out to run the Jingle Bell Run 5K for the second time. I ran it in 2007 as well, when the temp was -2 and I ended up with frozen eyelashes because I was wearing sunglasses and breathing into my gaiter. So imagine my delight when the weather this year was a balmy 10 degrees! No, seriously, I was happy with that.

This is a fun, small town fun run. They give everyone a jingle bell to put on a shoe. They have a small brass group that playes Jingle Bells for the start - we sing a chorus and then when they start into "Dashing through the snow" that means GO!

Before the race, I spent some time going around in my head about what to wear. During my 10 minute pre-race warm up, I realized I needed to ditch a layer, but wasn't sure which one. I ended up ditching the windproof layer and got a bit warm midway through with the lightweight jacket-shirt whatever it was. I took off my mittens and considered taking off my hat except I had no pockets cause I chose, once again, the wrong layer. Overall, I did OK. Pretty sweaty by the end, but it didn't freeze, so that was OK.

In the first quarter of a mile, I ended up stuck behind a 7 runner-wide phalanx going about 11minutes/mile. I finally passed them, but would have done it sooner had there not been a big thing of slushiness to go through. The roads were a strange combination of bare pavement, packed snow and this gray mushiness that was where the danger really was. If you landed wrong on that, you could lose your balance. Fortunately, I managed to stay upright the entire time.

It was a bit of a triumphant race for me. When I ran this 2 years ago, my training was not what it should have been. It was cold and I was lucky to finish in about 34 minutes. This time, my training was great. I passed people going up hills and even in the final quarter of a mile, I passed a few people. I finished in 29:27, well under the 30 minutes that has been my personal "holy grail" I have to wonder how much faster I could have been if not for the slushy and occasionally congested conditions, but I won't find out until spring, I'm afraid!



And that's the way -- C sees it.

(does anyone else watch Glee? I can't believe how long we have to wait for more!!)

 

[corinnak]

Oh, BTW - are we still wearing cheetah/leopard print running skirts this year? If so, I need to order one...

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Cousins!

I did my 8M Saturday and 4 this AM, so I guess my training is coming right along. I was really psyched because my pace on Saturday averaged 4.9 mph, and today was 4.8, I am just getting faster in general. This has made me want to set a goal of getting to 12 min miles for next year. I know I can do it, it's kind of exciting considering when I started in 2007, I was struggling to get under 16 min miles.

The family Christmas party Saturday actually wasn't too bad, and I didn't go crazy eating afterwards, so it's all good -- and I don't have to deal with dh's family (the ones I'm not overly fond of) for another year.

Corinna -- I'm not sure what I'm wearing this year. It's either black short pants or a black skirt. The black skirt is probably more fantasy than reality at this point, but if I can take off enough, it could happen As you know, I am so proud of you for your accomplishments this year -- you have rocked it out, and are a fantastic example!

Richard -- So sorry you had one of "those" runs...I was dying around mile 7 of my LR, but I realize it's because I was trying to go too fast. I'll be slowing down a bit next Saturday.

Jen -- So great to hear from you! Do you know what you are having, or is it a surprise? You'll have to update us with photos, name and vitals after you recover from the delivery. What a great way to start the New Year!

JenB -- We are cat people, and kittens are so much fun! Enjoy these magical years!

Jeanne -- Hoping your recovery is going well! Plenty of rest, lots of relaxation, and a bonbon or two!

Nancy -- Always a joy to hear from you! Don't be afraid to stop in and update us on you as well!

to Debra, Mel, Kathy, Jackie, and Julie

Oh! So my BIL and SIL who are doing the half with us ran their first 5K Saturday -- and we aren't sure they have ever run farther than that. This should be interesting...I'm glad I'm in my own corral without them so I don't have to feel guilty when I leave them behind, because I'm not going to go at their pace. We have tried not to pry, but I'm very concerned that their training is not sufficient. They seemed surprised we would run 8 miles this weekend, and I thought that was standard for most training plans?

Maria