DOH! We've been called out by Racey Tracy. Apparently we're not taking the challenge seriously enough.
Naww, I'll try to update the numbers soon and get them to her. Now if I could just convince DOOD to send me his...
Okay, as we look forward to January's meet, remember:
WISH POP meet: Friday, ??? (what time is this? I can't remember)
'Ohana Meet: Saturday, 1 p.m., Beaches and Cream
Boardwalk Bakery: Monday, ???
Maria: I have no doubt that Dennis will rock his half, even with his surgery. I was reading something about using XT and particularly ellipticals to maintain some level of base in lieu of running; I can't remember the details but apparently it's quite possible. As for me...
Well, what I lack in talent or injury-free running I try to make up for with pride. That's the best I can offer.
Your anecdote about your dad (and Jackie's anecdote, as well) did make me go, "Awwww," in a good way. I may be my father's daughter but I'm not a daddy's girl, so your post must have been powerful stuff. I'm also glad you'll have so many families with you at Disney, and that you're looking forward to spending time with them. 'Ohana will try to be among the least dysfunctional of your families.
WTG with all the baking, decorating, and card-sending, Maria! That's some impressive multi-tasking on top of your daily busy-ness. I'm sure your father will love the cookies you and DS bake. I don't know how you manage time for that and training, too! Not to mention your training has been getting faster and faster. I think I'm just going to have to follow your lead on this training thing and maybe draft off you during the half (far, far behind)--great goals for 2010!
I, too, am a bit worried about your ILs and their training. Perhaps they're just sneaking up on the distance for a surprise attack? Good news about the corral placement, because you'll be concentrating on your own race. Do we know how the corrals are working this year? I'm soooo behind on such things.
Jackie: Hugs for you and missing your father and mother. I can only imagine how difficult it can be this time of year, and am glad your DD is there to help carry on. (Even if it's with young adult drama--hey, what would the holidays be without family drama and stories to tell for years to come?) I also think it's great that the marathon weekend gives you (and Maria) an opportunity to spend some couples' time together.
Richard: Awwww, you people are making me want to give you big hugs with the holiday memories and sentimentality. I'm sorry to hear about your MIL but know that you will find new traditions to carry on in her honor. I can't help out with that--holidays aren't a big thing for me--but I'll do my best with the 39.3 miles of silliness at Goofy. Seeing my beet-red face, as early as mile 2, is usually good for a laugh or two.
You've been pushing your legs really hard, so I think you were smart to pull back on the mileage a bit and take more recovery time. I know you'll hit that 18-20 miler this weekend feeling strong and ready for it.
Nancy! It's great to see you here. I hope you'll be at the POP and 'Ohana meets!
Jeanne: It's great to see you--here and spreading the good news about your surgery! Hope you're at 110% soon! It'll be like meeting a whole new you in January!
JenB: You and Butch on a lunch date, with secret plans to...see a Disney movie??
Oh, you young lovers, you! No, seriously, I hope you enjoyed The Princess and the Frog, and I can think of at least a couple of scenes that would scare DD. And to give your DD a kitten. Awww, I do love my little furballs, so of course I think that's a great gift. As will she.
WTG with your 20 miler, getting it down with only one blister! Great news. And I think it's fabulous that you're doing Goofy with DH--loads of fun, lots of pictures, good memories. You're coming into the event with precisely the right attitude. It's not about the numbers, it's about having fun surviving the sweepers!
Jen: It's great to see you here--I'm going to miss seeing you in January. No, I don't think you're nuts for having your post-pregnancy race planned. Or it being a half. Or you being ready to get comfortable again. I think it's inspiring!
Corinna: Grinchly might be the best word, ever. I tend to be more like you in outlook--I'm the reason you have the phrase "Debbie Downer." And I'd probably steal the roast beast if I weren't a vegetarian. So you're not alone, sister!
I love that you have options for your half-race pace, and that your option will be satisfying either way! You've been doing a great job with all your races, and I'm so glad to learn you've made your sub-30 5K goal on your Jingle Bell Run. Plus you've reach a 50 pound weight loss. We've had great things happen with all our 'Ohana cousins, and these successes just add to the reasons to celebrate during our January meeting!!
Julie: 20 miles and then a party? Boy, do I want to hear the stories about the day after. Be sure to drink lots of alcohol in an attempt to hydrate.
That ought to make things memorable. Seriously, though, take it easy after your 20 miler, with an ice bath and a nap, and I'm sure it will be fine. And what a great story to share with other party guests.
Mel: I'm kind of sorry you're not going Goofy, but am even more glad you made the best decision for you. I'll be focusing on the half distance next year, hopefully to built a stronger, better Debra, and know how difficult the decision must have been. Where are you going for the holiday?
As for me: I totally forgot about the leopard-print skirt, too, and would need to order one. Oh, the horrors! But I could be convinced. And I'd even let Richard get away with leopard (or ocelot) compression shorts or tights?
Perhaps I'll just order an animal-print something or other, just in case.
More seriously, I haven't decided what I'm wearing at all, besides my favorite shoes, socks and sports bra. I have new raceready shirts, but apparently I went up a size and tried a different style, and now they're swimming on me. I just got around to trying them on the other day, and not sure about the chafing issue. I'll try it out this weekend--cross your fingers.
As for training, the less said the better. The body isn't happy with me and has rebelled by knocking off about a minute/mile from my LSD. Which was slow to begin with. I'm hoping to spend the holidays taking it really easy and recovering well. My goal is to finish without pain, except for the butt-kicking I'm giving myself for letting my XT become so sporadic. It's been a tough training season in the household--even DOOD is running slower than last year. So finishing and having fun--that's the priority. Thanks for reminding me of that, cousins.
Now, if you could only get me through these holidays...
I hope everyone is doing well in this crazy holiday season.
Enjoy your visit with your dad. 
I must not understand since I work in applied science and not research.)
