Team 'Ohana--No One Left Behind: The Continuing Adventures

[corinnak]

Corinna - I love the idea of the Lazyman Triathlon. I think even I could be up for that!

Believe me, I feel the same way! I'm still not sure how I'm going to get all those miles in in the next few weeks. The running portion is done, at least. And swimming, I'm over half done and only have one more ,mile to go - I feel confident of that.

As for the bike...I still have 90+ to go, and I'm just not sure how long it is going to take me.

On the plus side, I got myself a halfway speedy bike today. It is a Trek FX 7.3 and I am pretty excited about it. I may have a chance at being a lazy triathlete yet!

In other news, I've got a training plan printed out for Disneyland. It is going to be interesting blending this with finishing up the lazyman and some additional travel and cruising later in the summer, too.

And today I saw someone I hadn't seen since last summer. She called out to me: "Where's the rest of you????" and I said "I left it at home!!!" Well, it beats the heck out of "you're wasting away" which is one comment (not a compliment, IMO) I really dislike hearing - I know it is meant well enough, but it makes it sound like I am looking sickly or something.

Finally, I just have to say that 7 years ago today, I woke up in labor with my younger son. I really though he was going to be born on the solstice, but even though it was the longest day of the year, he wasn't born until about 20 minutes after midnight. So tomorrow, early, my baby turns 7! Hard to believe!

 

[tiberius]

Corinna - Congrats on the bikes and birthdays, I wish you many happy miles and years!

I'm almost caught up at work from the week away testifying in Austin at a state level envrionmental hearing, caught up to the point where I am normally behind, that is.

Tonight I attended the local township meeting, and as I had hoped, was there to hear the presentation by the World Triathlon Corporation and subsequent local approval for the newest Ironman event, Ironman Texas---an Ironman event whose start line will be less than 3 miles from my front door!

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all well and enjoying the summer and any training you are doing. I apologize for being such a horrible cousin. I haven't been doing much in the way of running, so nothing much for me to report. However, if you've seen my motivation, please direct it back my way. I'd really like to find it.

If I can make the trip again next January, my goal is two rides and a churro or other snack along the way--I gotta have goals right?

Richard - I love this! What great goals! You are my new idol.

Corinna - Congrats on the new bike and your DS's bday.

Not much running or exercising here - we have so many things going on all at once. We have too many bdays in June in my family (my grandmother, my mom, two of my kids, and me). There's just way too much cake around here. Also, my youngest DS is having his tonsils and adenoids out on Wed and I am so nervous! I can't wait for Wed to be over.

 

[princessbride6205]

I'm almost caught up at work from the week away testifying in Austin at a state level envrionmental hearing, caught up to the point where I am normally behind, that is.

That sounds exactly like my work!

I hope you are all well and enjoying the summer and any training you are doing. I apologize for being such a horrible cousin. I haven't been doing much in the way of running, so nothing much for me to report. However, if you've seen my motivation, please direct it back my way. I'd really like to find it.

Aww, Julie. Sometimes it's hard to find that! Since it's nice enough to be outside, my Garmin watch has really motivated both DH and I the past 6 weeks. Having some new podcasts or music to listen to is the best motivator for me. (You know, besides the overarching goal of being fit, training, etc.)

Corinna - congrats on the new bike and happy birthday to your DS!

I just returned from yet another trip to LA (my 2nd this month). I've been managing to fit in my workouts though, so that's good. It was a pretty cool trip. I had a meeting at the Jim Henson Studios on Monday (we didn't really get a tour, but it was still pretty cool). One night we went to DCA and saw World of Color and rode Soarin' Over California. I really liked World of Color, but in part due to limited viewing (a bunch of taller people in front of me) it wasn't quite as amazingly magical as I'd hoped. We also dined at 2 great restaurants in Orange (only a few miles from DL). So if anyone is looking for something offsite, check out Old Towne Orange - it's almost like Main Street. There are a bunch of cute restaurants, antique shops, and a Starbucks. My work friends and I enjoyed dinners at Citrus City Grille and Gastropub.

 

[tiberius]

Y Freedom Tri Race Report

This was the first triathlon I have done a second time, so I was looking forward to seeing how I have improved over the last year. My 2009 time was 1:33:08 and I was hoping for a good day where I would break 1:20:00.

The swim was a 300m pool swim and I came out right on my seeding estimate--for the first time in a tri pool swim I neither passed, nor was passed by anyone. A couple times the guy in front of me slowed down enough to catch his breath for a moment, but since he would pick right up again I figured it would be a waste of energy to try to pass him. The bike ride was through a neighborhood with several out and back portions. Unfortunately, my cycle meter battery died sometime overnight (and I did check it last night!) so I did not know my mileage or speed while out on the bike. I did however turn in my fastest bike speed for any triathlon, as I went on perceived exertion and heart rate. It was feeleing hot with the sun beating down, but there was enough shade to keep from feeling too hot. Again I felt fairly strong and only wlaked at aid stations (something I have never done before on a tri) and turned in a strong run. I finished in 1:18:06 with a strong sprint to the finish, and a 15:02 improvement over last year.

I improved in every timed aspect of the race, including the transitions, compared to last year, most notably by 6:16 on the bike and 6:53 on the run. Also, for the first time in a tri, I finished better than the bottom 1/3 of the field (15th out of 24). I am definitely looking forward to my next sprint tri on 8/8 with renewed energy!

 

[laughinplace199]

Nicole -It's great that you are able to fit in your workouts during your trips. I've never been good about that. I wish music or podcasts could help motivate me, but I don't listen to my ipod when I run.

Richard - Great job on your Tri! It seems like you (and Corinna) always have a race planned. I think that's great.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Hi, I'm Rose and was told to come on over and introduce myself. I recognize Corrina and Nicole from the BL thread.

I have been running on and off since I was 30. I always seem to stop because of an injury, or sometimes life just gets in the way. I'm hoping this time is different. I started working out seriously in January and have lost 30lbs. I work out 5 days a week--2 runs, 3x on the elliptical, and try to do group strength twice a week. So far so good. I did get new shoes this weekend with inserts because I'm starting to have some minor foot soreness. Hoping this does the trick. I ran a 5k a looooong time ago, but that's it for races. I am signed up to do a 10k on Saturday and the W&D in the fall with my DH. We were at WDW in October last fall and it was HOT. DH assures me that it's ok if we have to walk some. He ran a 1/2 this spring and the Marine Corps marathon when he was at NAVY, a loooooong time ago. (Can you tell we are not spring chickens?)

Name: Rose
Day Job: After being a mostly SAHM, I am now working for a non-profit. I am going to start a new positon (part-time) with the development group in a couple of weeks. I am really nervous about this, because it's way outside of my comfort zone (degree in social work), but excited as well, because I'm learning lots of new things.
Family: me (42), DH (Mike-45), DS (almost 19) (DH and I were college sweethearts who thought we were going to have 4 kids, but you know how plans go.... we don't have a lot of extended family, so looking forward to getting to know all of my new cousins!)
Location: Louisville
Favorite race you ever ran: no real experience yet!
Best recovery food or beverage: beer sounds really good....
TV Shows you watch or have loved: The Closer---love this show, China Beach (wish it was on DVD), Big Bang theory, NCIS
Races Planned this year: BlueGrass 10k (July 3), W&D
Meaning of DIS screen name: I was not in a very original mood that day, so that's the best I could come up with. My DH who joined DIS recently, picked MikeofRose&Mike.

One other thing--I have APC or PACs depending on which doctor you talk to. I was diagnosed this spring. Not too big a deal, but no caffeine, no stimulants, no excessive alcohol, limit stress and it seems to get much worse when I'm not careful about getting electrolytes. DH keeps asking me where do electrolytes come from--mine come from a pill before I run!

Richard--congrats on your Tri!

Thanks for having me everyone! I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, though I love Star Wars, but DH is, so hopefully that will be ok!

 

[laughinplace199]

Rose!

 

[deekaypee]

I can't believe it's been over two weeks since I posted here or on the DIS. Let's just say that things got out of control here....my month of solitude became multiple trips, family showed up here unexpectedly, etc. It's been crazy out of control. And July isn't looking much better.

Let's see if I can catch up:

First, Happy Birthday, Julie! (because many drinks are the best birthday presents)

I hope you're able to celebrate for the whole week!

John: I did end up buying a new iPod & your recommendations made my playlists.

Lisa: Oh, I love how you're keeping your eye on the ball – errr, finish line clock – as you decrease your 1/2 times. It can be frustrating not to PR in shorter distances as you focus on the longer ones, isn't it? And kudos for doing so many 5Ks!

Jen, Corinna: So proud of you, belatedly, for the Minneapolis Half showings.

Jackie: I keep reading all the running and races you're doing – you're just an obsessed, fanatical running machine. And that's just terrific. Are you still on the fence about January? (Sorry, trying to catch up.) And woo hoo for a possible spring break trip – I do enjoy going in March.

I don't know why you're terrified with the Marine Corp Marathon. Seriously, though, you'll rock it and it's got a great spectator base.

Richard: I'm sorry to hear about your not going to DL. I, too, won't be there, but that doesn't mean my misery wanted your company in this instance. On the upside – your local events are just terrific & your race pictures are wonderful. I can't believe how much you've transformed just since January! (And your old pic? You've always been such a cutie!)

I take it you're definitely in for IM Texas? Congrats on breaking – by a big margin – 1:20 with your Y Freedom event and fantastic time with the bike leg, transitions, and moving your way up in the standings.

Corinna: I know you were disappointed in your Minneapolis Half, but what impresses me about your racing journey is that you're so dedicated and consistent with your training & events. No matter how hard the course – and it does sound like overtraining – you give it your all (without being stupid). You've entered race after race, your progress has been remarkable, and you always manage to smile. You're the epitome of a runner!

I'm glad to read in your updates that you've been taking care of yourself post-race, even if you're participating in your not-so-lazy IM Tri with the YMCA.

Cynthia: A belated, but warm, welcome! Wow, you've got over a decade of experience with marathon weekend. Fantastic! And a sports bra designer background. Oooooh, we're so lucky to have you in our midst. (Especially Richard and John.) A full week at WDW is very luxurious & you'll love it over marathon weekend. I don't know where we'll be staying; most everyone here knows that DOOD isn't entirely enamored in being immersed in the Disney magic 24/7. Heck, we haven't even registered for the race yet.

JenB: I'm with you on motivational lows, and hope yours has passed. Lots of things during the summer to pull you in different directions – or in your case, lots of things you can pull around (rock, mulch, etc.) as XT.

Douglas Adams is one of my literary crushes.

Mel: Have you decided on the Aug. tri? It's been very hot & humid up here and I can't imagine the stickiness of your Fla. situation. And you and JenB in WDW in July. Wow! Disney might be the only thing that would get me outside during the day in Orlando in July.

Nope, haven't order BBT shirt yet. That got put on hold since I've not been home to receive the package. (And I got a bit distracted by all the shirt options.) I'll order it just before we leave for the 4th of July vacation (which is the 3rd trip since June, so the numbers confuse me) so I can have it soon after I get back and before my 4th trip.

Maria: Wow, I do think you need another vacation from, among other things, summer vacation. In addition to all the running you're doing (and work), you're packing in lots of things with DS and the never-ending sinkhole that is trip planning. (At least, that's how I think of it.) I've never cruised before, and it always sounds appealing to me. What do you like about it? DOOD wants to cruise for our spring break, as we'd tentatively planned to do last year before I got scared off by the amount of research. (Yep, it terrified me for some reason. He'd just book a cruise with a good deal but I'm an all "it's got to be perfect" Type-A planner.)

Nicole: OOOOH, your DL visit sounds wonderful, esp. the Blue Sky Cellar. And the Henson Studios – I would be in absolute heaven (though I think JenB would give me a run for my money on this one.) Sorry to hear WoC wasn't quite the magical experience. How often are you in LA?

Rose: Welcome to the cousins! And congrats on your new job – it sounds exciting. With your favorite recovery drink being beer it sound like the W&D is just the race for you!

As for me: Let's see – here's what happened in June. One planned trip to D.C. became D.C., Virginia, D.C. – all working with DOOD on one thing or another. That meant plenty of time on a train & in a car. Exhausting.
I've managed to keep up with some, but not all work projects – and because I'm so good at prioritizing, it's been the mindless easy ones – so it's been a game of catch up. Family demands...well, the less said about those...especially with my family.

I did have to replace the iPod, which still annoys me. My running has been spotty & I'm embarrassed to say that I don't have any races on the horizon. Neither does DOOD, for the first time since he started. Things are a little strange here, and we're both missing motivation for trip planning etc. as we're sidetracked by various professional, career concerns. More on that later.

On the up side. I have booked a trip to WDW that overlaps with Wine & Dine. I'll be there, writing about the Food & Wine Festival, so I'm not planning on running the half. I don't think I could do the night race & still function for work. I'm thinking about squeezing in the 5K and/or volunteering for the race, though.

The good news about the trip? I'll be there for 8 days, and took advantage of a PIN code. The bad news? I'm staying at ASMu. I know, I know, I swore I wouldn't do Value again. But it's like $55/night. I don't know if/how long DOOD might be there; if so, it would be just for the weekend.

Now, if I could just find a way to get Disney to pay for all my expenses....I need to be a much bigger fish in their pond first.

 

[FFigawi]

Welcome Rose! We're glad to have you as part of the team!

I apologize in advance for the short post and not catching up with everyone, but I've got two hurt dogs to attend to. Nothing serious. My wife had them out at a pool party last weekend, and they ran around so much, they ended up burning their pads. Poor Harlow doesn't know what to do, so she just stands there looking and feeling sorry for herself. A few days of rest and Bag Balm, and they'll be back at it again, I'm sure.

From reading what everyone's been up to, it sounds like we're all having a really busy summer. Congrats to everyone on their running, training, tri, and all other accomplishments, and Debra, if you want some more not-so-typical playlist songs, just let me know.

 

[corinnak]

John - Yikes! Burned pads sounds very sad for the pups. Can you put aloe gel on a dog? It makes a huge difference when we miss sunblocking a spot (or two) on my incredibly pale children.

Rose - Welcome! Glad to see you over here!

Richard - Congratulations on your Tri - what a great accomplishment - that's a lot of time to take off of a race of that distance and challenge level. I hope you're proud of yourself, cause you've earned the bragging rights!

Debra - thanks for the kind words about my crummy race. They happen, especially (for me) on warm days. I wish I would have just enjoyed the race instead of trying to push, but oh well - can't go backwards and I know better for next time....which is on the 4th - a week from yesterday, I guess! 10 miler. I opted not to do the Charlevoix Half Marathon - maybe next year. This year, it turned out to be logistically difficult.

Nicole - your trip sounds so cool, even if you didn't have quite the best view of WOC. LOVE the Muppets! You are a lucky duckie, even without a proper tour. Mad props for getting in your workouts - way to go!

Julie - you and me and the "too much cake in June" syndrome. We should have it patented, but who would want it, right? Hope you got through it. I still might have a bunch of coconut cupcakes in my fridge, but the peanut butter chocolate chip cake is thankfully long gone, mostly eaten by relatives.


My Ongoing Triathlon Progress: I managed a longer swim, two bike rides and one run last week. Hrm. Good progress for the lazyman, maybe not quite enough running for the 10 mile next weekend.

Here's what I've got left:
Swim: .4 miles
Bike: 66 miles
Run: Complete

I do feel like I've lagged a bit with the biking, but to be fair, there were a couple weeks there that I just didn't really have bike access. I feel like now I'm really cooking with it and I should be able to get through them in the next 2 weeks without too much trouble. Especially if the weather would just darned well cooperate, for pete's sake. We've had enough rain, already!!!

And food-wise? I thought I'd have a rougher time this summer, but I always forget how much more active I can be in the summer, too. Plus also, my FIL has announced he is on a low-carb diet (supposed to stay under 100g carbs per day) and has lost 25 pounds since October. I tell you, it's like someone threw down a gauntlet. I can not be out-nutrition/fitnessed by my FIL, so I've been doing pretty well being sensible/smart/strong in the eating department as well. Though if I were under to even try to stay under 100g of carbs per day, I don't think I'd function well at all. I'll just keep counting my silly points. My weight is back down to pre-school-closing/springtime mayhem levels.

I'd better get to bed - more craziness tomorrow, I'm sure.

Have a great night, morning, afternoon, etc. Cousins!

 

[tiberius]

Corinna - Yes, I am proud of what I have done in improving my tri time. I am even more encouraged knowing there should still be a good amount of room to continue my improvement over the next year as well. Don't dispair over your bike miles left, the bike mileage always seems the most daunting to me...but is easier to pile up mileage numbers on the bike than on foot, and it's the cross-training like the bike that got me through Goofy without over-training.

Julie - I do tend to move from one race to the next. I am currently registered for two races, plus plan to register for two others soon. (OK, who am I kidding? There are at least two or three additional races that I'll probably do in the next several months as well--and I am trying to keep Disney on January on that list.)

Debra - A "cutie", my you have me blushing, where were you 25 years ago? Thanks for the kind words on the photos, I do so enjoy the events I do. I am in for IM Texas! I had been considering a 2011 IM race, and one suddenly ends up in my backyard (almost literally!), so how can I pass that up? I was one of the early registrants waiting on the site to open last Friday so I could be sure to get in. BTW--IM registration fees make Goofy look reasonable by comparison ($600) . Just 326 days to go for IM Texas! I don't think I ever thought the Goofy could look like a training race for another event, but it could be in this case. I hope your life gets a bit less hectic and hope you enjoy the trip during Wine and Dine--regardless of staying at the All Stars or not, that's still better than me.

Rose - Welcome to the team!!

I'm running short of time so I'll just say "Hi!" to everyone else and try to get back before too long.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Howdy Cousins!

I just wanted to chime in and say to Rose!

DH did the inaugural Boston 13.1 Half marathon on Sunday, and it was quite a race. It was in the Blue Hills instead of Boston, and it lived up to it's name, he's still sore from the steepness of the hills today. He finished in 2:08, which he found acceptable but wanted to be faster. He just registered for the BAA Half (are you and Rob doing it, Julie?). I have to actually get out there and do all those races I said I was going to. I committed to 2 5Ks, but I haven't done one yet...it's tough to give up the long mileage when that's working for me.

I'm trying to average about 40M a week, with 2 10M runs. I find I really enjoy them, I just wish it was a bit cooler. But, the rest of the time I'm glad it's finally warm!

Richard -- Great RR and congrats on the improved times! You are an IM machine!

Corinna -- I'm glad now you can focus on the biking part of the tri and enjoy your new toy! I'm proud of you for basically avoiding the coconut cupcakes, I don't think there would be any left at my house

John -- Oh the poor furbabies! I hope they are able to rest and feel better soon.

Julie -- I think I missed your Bday -- So Happy, Happy! I'm sending that ds's surgery goes excellently! I know it's hard, especially when he's just a little guy!

Debra -- I was wondering if you were having so much fun indulging your every whim (that's what I'd do without dh for a month ), you didn't have time to post!

Cruising is very relaxing for us. We enjoy just sitting on our balcony, looking at the ocean or reading a book. We like the meals and availability of food, we enjoy the sun and sand in our destinations. We are firmly resolved that Bermuda is our only destination of choice now. Collectively we have cruised the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, and Bermuda. We found Bermuda to be the cleanest, most charming, and least disturbing of all the ports, and really, when you're on vacation that's what you're going for -- at least we are. People don't chase you down trying to sell you junk in Bermuda, and we love being docked in the same place, it allows you to spend real time seeing the island rather that rushing to an excursion and then back on the boat to the next port. Plus for us, it's a 5 minute drive to the cruise terminal, and it is so nice not to wait at the airport for 3 hours before taking a 3 hour flight back to then get in a cab to go home...I'll stop, but I could go on and on. The service, the entertainment for kids and adults, the spa, we just really enjoy it. Plus, there is the added bonus of paying for most of it upfront, so there aren't really any surprises for us. We prefer Norwegian because we can eat dinner whenever we want, but I do also really enjoy Royal Caribbean and Disney. The entertainment on Disney is definitely the best I've ever encountered, and their private island is also the best I've been to. Ok, now I really will stop...

Nicole -- I am envious! I would love to see the World of Color, even if it wasn't the best view...hopefully the next time you go you will be able to see more. I understand it's a show you really need to experience more than once!

Jackie -- I think it's fun to plan what you might do as a diversion during a race, even if you can't actually do it, it has to make the miles go faster!

Cynthia -- Well, I'm now joining you in the quest for a place to stay over marathon weekend. I found out POR will be undergoing rehab, and I want to make it as comfortable for Dennis (my dh) as I can since he's running his first Full. I'm kicking around CB, WL, or one of the Epcot resorts. I like the idea of the Epcot area, but I'm going to have to be careful how I present whatever I come up with. Dennis doesn't want to stay at a Value, but sees no reason to ever lead the Mod range, so I may have to marshall my arguments... We did stay at the Beach Club when we did a Land/Sea, and everyone loved it. But, I know he will say we don't need that much room for just the two of us, since we leave ds at home.

Time to get ready for yoga, it's so nice to have a rest day!

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maria - Is all of POR undergoing rehab, or is POFQ available in January? That's been our hotel of choice for the past 3 marathon weekends. We like it because it's smaller; maybe not as much to offer as the bigger moderates, but only one bus stop so it doesn't take as long to get around the resort either. And we've always been able to walk (or jog) over to POR when we wanted something different. Just an idea... although WL is still my all-time favorite, and will always be my first choice for a really relaxing week-long trip. Thanks for giving Debra cruise tips, too. We've never been either, and it's nice to get an objective review. It sounds like your interests are similar to what ours would be, so we'd probably agree with your choices.

Richard - You are doing amazing things this year! And IM Texas! $600? Seriously? I didn't think anything could make Disney races look inexpensive, but you've suddenly made me feel good about signing up for their races! Congratulations on your sub-1:20 finish.

Rose - DH and I also have only one child - DD19. He wanted 5, I thought maybe 2, but somehow life got in the way... when she asked for a sibling we told her she could have a brother or sister or more Disney trips, and she decided more Disney trips were much more fun! I also loved China Beach when it was on - I still love Dana Delaney in anything just because I loved her character!

Debra - Sorry your June didn't turn out the way you had planned. Somehow it rarely does! It sounds like you're beginning to turn things around and get back on track, even if just one wheel at the time! on the October trip, even if you do have to do ASMu. I do seem to remember that vow not to do value again - I think we made it together...

John - for the dogs. Hope they're feeling better soon. Our poor guys haven't hardly been outside for the past couple of weeks because of the heat, and it's beginning to be beyond miserable in our house! WAY too much energy.

Corinna - I've at least looked into the hours and rates to use the pool near our house. Have to start somewhere, right?

Took the day off for DH's birthday and went to the beach. Nice, relaxing time with the family.

I'm currently on the "injured" list. Have some as-yet-to-be-diagnosed hip/IT injury that's been getting progressively worse for the past couple of weeks. I finally decided it was time to stop running and go to the doctor, so I have an appt on Thursday.

Jackie

 

[tiberius]

... when she asked for a sibling we told her she could have a brother or sister or more Disney trips, and she decided more Disney trips were much more fun!
Jackie

Now why didn't anyone tell me Disney trips were an acceptable option to child-rearing 20 years ago!!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hi Jackie! -- It's just POR, as I understand it. POFQ would be a good option -- still close enough for make your own pasta at POR, and even closer to DTD via boat...I have a lot to think about!

Richard -- I'm in the one child = more trips group, too! I think it's just what works for each family. Obviously 2 girls is what you were meant to have. :

Maria

 

[corinnak]

How about the "If we stop at two kids, we'll always fit in a standard hotel room and rental car" group? That is me!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Richard -- I'm in the one child = more trips group, too! I think it's just what works for each family. Obviously 2 girls is what you were meant to have. :

DD's comment to all of this is that we achieved perfection on the first try, so there was no need to try again. I'm still going with the one child = more trips.

Jackie

 

[tiberius]

DD's comment to all of this is that we achieved perfection on the first try, so there was no need to try again.

Jackie

Yeah, I can see Amanda saying that, too. Then again she is the oldest child of two oldest children. I guess I am with Corinna in the 2 child group--at least until they flee the nest sometime soon(ish).

 

[FFigawi]

DD's comment to all of this is that we achieved perfection on the first try, so there was no need to try again. I'm still going with the one child = more trips.

I'm going with the no kids = more trips to both Disneyworld and adult Disneyworld (otherwise known as Las Vegas )