Team 'Ohana 2009: No One Left Behind

[chimera]

Procrastination is always our downfall. The Thurs night flight is sold out so the decision is made for us to wait and hope for just flurries on Friday. If it looks really bad they can leave out of Atlantic City on a different airline cause the weather there is usually better-- not ideal, but it will have to do.

Packing is tough! I'm not sure how to fit all of the warm stuff into a very few bags (the deal was if DH brings DD I will take all of the bags with me when I fly early so he is not having to deal with them at the airport). Layers is going to be key and bringing detergent to do a load of laundry.

One more time for those who are slow-- the Pop meet is at 4:30 on Firday and Beaches and Cream in on Sat at ???-- help me

Beaches and Cream 1 pm

 

[MouseDogMom]

Debra - We're going to the Expo Thursday, I hope as soon as it opens. Thursday is our one completely FREE day, after having dinner with the inlaws Wednesday night. UGGGGHHHHH!!!!! I'll send you a PM and a FB message with my cell number in case you want to catch up with us and we don't see each other just wandering around. We're having dinner at Portobello at DD Thursday night.

Richard - I can't message you on FB! We need to be friends! The Friday meet is at 4:30, BTW.

Corinna - Your hands will get cold. Bring gloves, 2 pairs if you can figure out a way to wear them. They'll have latex ones for you, but you'll need both. My hands froze last year, and it wasn't nearly as cold as it will be this year. I'd bring hand warmers too!

Jeanne - Sorry things aren't going well. DON'T overdo it this weekend! Seeing your WISH friends matters more than running/walking 3 miles. And volunteering this weekend is going to be much more difficult than in past years because of the weather. 5 hours in the cold may not be a good thing for you.

I'm not worried about what to wear WHILE I'm running - it's the waiting for the race to start that has me completely freaked out. It was 28 last Saturday when we started out, so I know exactly how to dress for the races, but that hour/hour and a half of standing in the cold and wind could turn me into one miserable b---- before we ever get moving. Once again, I'm going to end up looking like a bag lady before I cross the finish line with everything I've shed that I don't want to discard along the way. And I am NOT happy about walking around the parks for 5 days bundled up. It's Florida, people! I'm supposed to be able to wear shorts! Speaking of which, I need to go finish packing. We leave in 9 hours.

Oh - what time is the Beaches & Cream meet on Saturday? I never put it on my calendar...

Jackie

 

[corinnak]

We need to start each post with this information over the next 4 days: Beaches & Cream, Saturday, 1pm. Come prepared to eat ice cream. If that means hats and mittens and a parka, so be it. Yes??? Yes.

Thanks for the tip on the gloves, Jackie! I'm not sure how I'll wear them under the plastic/latex gloves, but I know I'm going to try to find a way!

I'll be bringing handwarmers as well.

I am more concerned about waiting around before as well. I have even considered bringing an actual winter coat I don't mind donating. It's a long time to wait out there. However, we'll have a bunch of WISHers - there's always huddle together for warmth if worse comes to worst. Please, let that sound funny and full of team spirit rather than creepy and over-familiar...

 

[jeanneg]

Hello cousins,

Safe journeys to everyone. I can't wait to see my Ohana cousins. I have been very down these past couple of days and need a big (but soft) hug. Even the prospect of going to WDW is doing little to lift my spirits. I plan to be at the Pop meet and will try to make Beaches and Cream the next day. That one is just Ohana, right?

Richard: I have FB and would LOVE to see your photos. How can I friend you?

 

[deekaypee]

Beaches and Cream meet: Saturday, 1 p.m.
What...no mention of Jellyrolls?

I'm mostly worried about the pre-race wait, as well. DOOD doesn't like to get there early as it is, so it'll be tough convincing him to pony up extra early in this weather. No, we don't do our LRs in cool weather, no we don't. And waiting is not our strong suit. That said, we're bringing a couple of space blankets we saved from earlier races, sweatshirts, etc. As long as I can toss it without a care I'm okay.

And I'm okay being a little warm on the half, as it'll all be over before there's a real temperature swing (I think). So maybe my real concern is the full on Sunday, when this little tortoise is going to spend a healthy part of her day. I just might end up stripping halfway through. ANd I though this was a G-rated race....

Jeanne: I can't wait to see you and give you that big, soft hug.

JenB: I'm thinking good thoughts about your travel plans, and Butch's.

 

[corinnak]

Ohana Meet at Beaches & Cream - Saturday 1pm!
(yes, Jeanne - just Ohana! )

Jellyrolls - I fully intend to go there after the Illuminations meet on Sunday night. Not sure if I'll be able to rope anyone else in or not. I would also go on Saturday night, early - gotta get up and volunteer, so can't stay too long. You interested, Debra???

Jeanne - Safe journey to you, too! I've suggested Richard as a friend to you - hopefully that speeds things along.

JenB - I m crossing my fingers for you as well. I bet it all will go just fine. I forget where you are staying this time...laundry is part of my elaborate plan as well.

I STILL need to start packing. Talk about procrastination!

 

[corinnak]

Jackie - I'd love to be FB friends with you too - I wonder what the best way to find each other is....do we have any mutual friends? Are you in the WISH group?

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Just a quick pop in -- I am now the proud owner of compression tights, an earband, hand warmers, feet warmers, and a mega warmer -- not sure what it warms, but it's big!

My clothing plan also includes shorts over the tights, throw away gloves and hat, WISH shirt over a tech shirt, and possible windbreaker, rain poncho, and WISH visor. I hope that covers everything...also bringing a towel to sit on pre-race.

I can't wait to see everyone at the Pop Meet at 4:30! I will do my best to make it to Beaches and Cream, but I usually collapse after the Half. Maybe this year since I am a bit leaner and faster, I will have more stamina!

We leave Thursday, and I also have yet to pack...

Safe travels, everyone, I can't wait to see you there! And Richard, get that Disney magic going for us!

Maria

 

[corinnak]

Maria - what on earth is a Mega Warmer? Is it like a giant self-heating pad sort of thing? For some reason, I'm imagining like a big fleecy tube that can cover your whole body. Your race gear sounds just right to me! And a towel to sit on beforehand is a great idea! I was thinking of a newspaper or something, but I think a folded up towel would work really well.

I know what you mean about collapsing after the half marathons in the past - I like to think it has more to do with waking up at 2am than the exertion. I'm going to need a nap at some point on Saturday, that much is certain.

Good luck with your packing!

Debra - you are cracking me up with your talk of stripping during the full. It's a Full Marathon, not the Full Monty!

 

[jbucci]

Thanks to everyone for the time reminders

Corinna: I'm all about creepy and over-familiar I'm worried about finding people before the race-- we won't be able to look for the WISH green. I will personally be sporting assorted bag lady attire with my WISH shirt underneath. I will have on my visor although I can't guarantee it won't be under an ugly hat.

Maria: you sound ready to me

I started to pack tonight - a whole night ahead, unheard of for me. I'm so obsessed with what to wear for the race I totally forgot to pack pjs and underwear Fortunately I did remember this little detail. Now if I can only remember the other obvious stuff I'm sure I've forgotten...

 

[deekaypee]

Corinna: I may be up for Jellyrolls--heck, why not top off the Goofy with as much exhaustion as possible. Sure...I say that now... I've never been, though, so how can I miss the opportunity.

Jen: I just went back and repacked pjs. I was just going to sleep in sweats until the races, then I realized I was going to ditch them and be without for the rest of my stay. Thanks!

For those who are interested: If you're going to be able to be at the Expo Thursday when it opens, Richard, Jackie and I will be meeting up. Tentatively at 12:15 just inside the entrance to the Milk House!

Okay, this is the last post before we head out! I pack like I run: fartlek, fartlek, fartlek. (Yes, it's a poor strategy for both travel and races, but it's what I do.)

 

[jeanneg]

Corinna: I am FB friends with Jackie and will suggest her as a friend to you!

Getting excited to see all my Ohana cousins! Disney magic starting to work its charm.......

Oh, and by the way, I know she doesn't post much anymore, but Thursday is Nancy's birthday (and it's a BIG one!) Many of us will be gone by then, but when you see her at WDW, please remember to wish her some birthday greetings.

 

[jeanneg]

Corinna: I went to FB and I have no idea how to suggest a friend! I suppose the easiest thing is to access Jackie via my friend list and then just send a request directly to her. Hope that works!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Maria - what on earth is a Mega Warmer? Is it like a giant self-heating pad sort of thing? For some reason, I'm imagining like a big fleecy tube that can cover your whole body.

I wish! It's actually a 3x5ish rectangle. I'm not sure where it's meant to go, maybe your back?

I will definitely have WISH green visible, probably on my visor. I'll be on the lookout for everyone! I can't believe we leave tomorrow, and I still haven't brought the suitcases down. Time to get busy tonight, after my last 2M run!

Maria

 

[jbucci]

Maria: I think I saw those at REI-- made of the same stuff the hand and foot warmers are and I think they are supposed to stick to the outside of your clothes. I debated buying one myself.

Jeanne: I didn't realize Nancy would be down-- it will be great to see her. She was a great lift to my spirits last year at the full cheering outside of Boardwalk

Deb: Good luck with last minute packing. I'll be at the expo on Thurs but not until around 4ish

 

[tiberius]

We need to start each post with this information over the next 4 days: Beaches & Cream, Saturday, 1pm. Come prepared to eat ice cream. If that means hats and mittens and a parka, so be it. Yes??? Yes.

One thing about this coming weekend is that sharing adversity can really bring a group together...

Looking forward to the mini check in meet tomorrow. I am off to Downtown Disney now for a bit of shopping before getting serious tomorrow about the races.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

One thing about this coming weekend is that sharing adversity can really bring a group together...

Looking forward to the mini check in meet tomorrow. I am off to Downtown Disney now for a bit of shopping before getting serious tomorrow about the races.

Don't buy all the carrot cake cookies! I have my heart set on one!

Maria

 

[chimera]

Don't buy all the carrot cake cookies! I have my heart set on one!

Maria

I LOVE those cookies

 

[tiberius]

Maria - I think we got the last of them, but don't worry they said they might make more in a few days.

 

[tiberius]

I'm going to make a short post to bounce this thread back up. I am still overwhelmed by my trip that I can't possibly recall everything right now if I tried, not to mention that I have only had like 13 hours of sleep over the last 3 days. I woke up at 430 Monday morning out of habit and thought I was late for something!

I was so glad to be able to meet up with a number of you for the first time this past weekend, nothing like a little shared adversity to bring a team together. I only wish there'd been more time, and I am sure one day there will be another chance. The one thing I hoped for about this weekend was for the Goofy to feel like one big 39.3 mile party. I am pleased to say that I got exactly what I wanted and more--and yes, if you have heard about what I did in Animal Kingdom, it is true...I did take the ride attendant up on the offer to ride Expedition Everest and then continue the marathon, what a weekend!!!

Last year I let my arm be twisted into signing up for the Goofy by my fellow team members here, and I am glad I did. I really did want to do it but needed a little bit of prodding from my friends, and I knew how genuine this friendship was when you rallied around me last March after my daughter's car wreck that killed her best friend. So, I took the plunge and joined many of you out there on the courses and had the time of my life. My only real regret is that I did not get to spend more time with you, and I still didn't meet all of you that were there; hopefully that will come in the future. My biggest surprise of the weekend came on marathon where I would have PR'd had I not taken all those photo stops.

For the first time in a long time, I am not registered for any events. I have a number I am considering, but am not registered....at least not yet.