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

[corinnak]

. Or is that Gallowalk Goofy?

I believe the technical term you are looking for is "Gallowstop."

 

[corinnak]

I thought twice (actually several) times before posting this publicly, but we are all family here after all....Corinna, you nailed things so closely it would be scary, but I strongly suspect you have lost a similar, and likely greater body weight percentage (i.e. I takes one to know one) so you likely understand where I am mentally like few others can. It is an emotional issue, probably compounded that 10-ish years back I went from 266 lbs to 199 lbs before a death in the family led to a series of events that pulled me away from all semblance of exercise. My goal that I set some 4 Decembers back was to get under 200 lbs and then reassess. I finally got under 200lbs back in January but lack a specific goal, and felt I did not need one with Ironman training under way. I am back in weight territory where I have not been since my Marine days (specifically since 1991) so setting a new goal seems a bit tougher. I still want to lose a bit more weight, say 10 lbs or so, without seeming greedy, but also think a goal without a number may be better off for me...maybe something fluffy and vague, like finding my full potential.

There are a few more things I could add, but I have already said more than intended and the rest still feels a bit too personal for an open posting.

Richard - Sorry it took me a few days to get to this - I got the notification on a later message and only later scrolled back up to see what I missed... Anyhow, yeah. I think we've had eerily similar experiences - I know what you mean about gaining after a death in the family. Food is easy to turn to when things feel so sad and caring about the consequences is very hard if you're feeling depressed.

Like you, I've found myself back in territory I hadn't seen since I was an incredibly lot younger - after years of wishing I could just get on the right side of the "healthy weight zone" I am hanging out in the same range I was in during high school. Which is strange. On the one hand, it feels like: I'm back!" On the other hand it feels like "Who is that in all my photos from the past 12 years? Who is that on my YMCA card? Who is that on my passport?"

Don't feel bad for your "old" self, though - he's in a good place now! And as for a goal...you know it can be hard to know when to stop, and then it can be hard to stay at that lowest weight, too. Did you have a "happy" weight range in your Marine days? I have ended up thinking it may be OK to have a "happy" weight decade, even, rather than a single number. Definitely something to think about AFTER your race rather than before, though!

Congrats to Richard, Corinna and Rose on the fabulous weight loss. I am still struggling with my weight demons, but you guys are all such inspiration to me.

Hello Jeanne! I can't speak for the others but I gotta say, even after more than a year since I got to my weight goal, I am still struggling with the weight demons even if I'm not carrying around the actual pounds anymore. You know, you inspire us, too. Looking back on when I had the idea that I maybe COULD actually do a half marathon, I think I had read a post somewhere from you or Nancy about training for the half while on a cruise. And I thought that was the coolest thing, though completely foreign to my experience of vacation. That along with a whole pile of things you've accomplished - I'm so glad we are cousins!

Thank you so much for all the well-wishes for Dennis! And trust me, all of the items we bought him were for non-qualifiers -- Dennis just lucked out by knowing the right person to get a spot this year. He finished in 4:35, which we both know is not exactly a qualifying pace unless you are over 80...

He feels really good today, a testament to the power of cross-training and being prepared. It was an incredible experience, and he is humbled to have been able to have it!

Maria - I'm so glad Dennis is feeling good today - that is a pretty big deal and definitely a statement about how well prepared he was. 4:35 might not be a qualifying pace, but it is a pace that I would personally be very proud to claim in a marathon. I can't wait to hear more when you have a chance to post more!


AFM - Today was a swimming day. I think I maybe had my best time for the 30 laps so far, along with my best single lap times. Which are still not that impressive in the grand scheme, but improvement is all I can hope for, so I'm going to take it and be happy. I also tried some new ear plugs and ended up without sloshing in my ears. And some new goggles. Which were OK. Though the lane I was swimming in had some piece of hardware on the floor that looked like a freaky metal smiley face smiling at me as I approached it from one direction. From the other direction, it just looked like a metal thing. So weird. I actually swam down at one point because I thought it was a smiley face someone had dropped into the pool!

I am struggling with balancing everything out now. Myfitnesspal is getting to be fun with several WISHers on board, but darn it, the scale is not moving the right direction for me yet. I am at the top of my "happy range" now and I would like to get back to the lower end of the range again. I am not quite sure what is going wrong. You'd think I'd know how to do this by NOW.

 

[jeanneg]

Thanks for the kind words, Corinna........you da best!

 

[tiberius]

On the one hand, it feels like: I'm back!" On the other hand it feels like "Who is that in all my photos from the past 12 years? Who is that on my YMCA card? Who is that on my passport?"

Don't feel bad for your "old" self, though - he's in a good place now! And as for a goal...you know it can be hard to know when to stop, and then it can be hard to stay at that lowest weight, too. Did you have a "happy" weight range in your Marine days? I have ended up thinking it may be OK to have a "happy" weight decade, even, rather than a single number. Definitely something to think about AFTER your race rather than before, though!

As Jeanne said, "you da best!" It is definitely an interesting feeling looking at all the photos of the "other me" from a few years gone by, but I think that helps reinforce the positive of the present. I have decided to put off the issue of worrying about my future weight until later--right now I do remind myself that every poor eating choice has a short-term consequence (i.e. Do I want to eat that cheesecake bad enough that I am willing to risk carrying it's weight around for 140.6 miles on May 21?) So far that motivation has worked for me, but I know it won't hold up after race day. A couple of us from my truing team already have an ice cream date at Coldstone planned for a day or two post race! However, going forward a healthy range as you suggest sounds like the best thing. When I was a Marine I was usually 175-180 lbs, so I would think I would be really happy to stay anywhere in 175-185 range now. Although, funny how my middle areas are so much rounder at 45 years old thaat they were when I was around the same weight at 26 years old.

 

[princessbride6205]

Corinna - I'm sorry the scale hasn't been showing your work. It's strange how we can be so experienced at weight loss and maintaining, and yet it's still not exactly easy. I'm proud of us for maintaining for over a year, but like you, I'm now at the top of my "happy range," as you call it. My problem is food - I'm struggling with healthy choices and eating more than I'm hungry for. I have not been tracking calories for quite some time, but perhaps it's time to get back on that. I used the free version of Livestrong last time, but I will check out myfitnesspal, too.

Tinkerbell race - I'm bummed about the theme (Tink is my least favorite character ever!), the date, and that my guesses weren't right. Well, I did guess a half at DL, but I did not think it would be that theme or those dates. And I thought they would be announcing a DL and WDW race. Oh well.

AFM - I'm headed to a sports medicine doc tomorrow. I've been having hip issues for over a year, despite taking time off and slowly easing back into running training 10 weeks ago. And on Sunday it flared up and started referring a lot of pain to the knee. DH convinced me that I needed to stop with the at-home treatment and internet advice (I've also been seeing my regular chiropractor but that's not helped). At this point it feels like I'll never be able to register for a race because I never know if I'll be too injured to go. I know I could walk it, but I hate long training walks, because I'd rather be running. I'm hopeful that seeing a specialist will help solve the problem.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Evening, Cousins!

Our family is still in recovery mode -- but we are all back in Boston and most of us are back at work (ds is on school vacation this week), so I guess life must go on!

Jeanne -- Dennis and I were lucky enough to meet up with Cindy at the Expo, and I have to tell you she looks fantastic!

Corinna -- Seems Dennis is a bit more sore today, probably did too much yesterday. Every race is a learning experience!

Richard -- Listen to Corinna. Wisdom, she has. And can I say I am totally impressed by your IM training?! Wow, your schedule is amazing!

John -- I'm also a bit disappointed with the new race. I think the timing stinks. I have been a bit surprised by the backlash from men who are livid with Disney adding another "women-focused" race. I didn't realize it was such a hot button topic. I don't do enough races to have an opinion. I preferred the Princess to the WDW Half mostly because the field was smaller and I could move more, not because there weren't as many men The warmer weather was also a bonus -- I wish they would add a DL race later in the year besides the Half, but I guess their market research must have said January was the time. I am glad for the CA and western living folk who now have another Half option, but it does seem a shame it's not as "welcoming" to male participants.

Nicole -- I am so sorry I hope you get good treatment and are feeling like yourself in no time!

Shoutouts to Whitney, Jackie, Julie, Debra (and Mark!), Mel and Rose (and Mike, too, of course)!

And I just have to say one Sci Fi thing -- why is it that just as SGU gets good it's cancelled?! Curse you, Lou Diamond Phillips, no series is safe with you in the cast!

Everyone have a lovely evening!

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Nicole - Good luck at the doc. I certainly know how frustrating hip issues can be. I'm glad I finally found the right doctor, got it fixed, and am on the mend. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's something simple!

Maria - After seeing a list of shows that are "on the bubble" for next season, I've determined that everything that I like is in jeopardy. I'm thinking it might be me. We won't even discuss the soaps...

Corinna - You're doing fabulous! It's inspiring for the rest of us who are nowhere near our "happy range" to have role models, even if you're pushing the top of your range. I still fight the 20-year old me who could eat anything and never gain, who often commented that I'd hate it if I had to lose weight since I had no will power at all. Now I'm confronted with being THAT person, and I don't like it!

Richard - And you are AMAZING! Your weight loss is a huge success story, capped only by your success in triathlons and your journey towards becoming an Ironman.

Whitney - Two 13-week old dogs? Good luck!

John - I loved the race report. And the medal! And I agree with you about the new race. Why 3 weeks after the WDW? Makes no sense to me, but then again, I'm not in Disney marketing.

I'm officially back to running, and I must admit it feels pretty good. There were many times while I was recuperating that I had convinced myself that I didn't want to run again, but now that I am, I'm very glad. I'm already up to 4 miles doing intervals of 2:30R/1:00W, so maybe, just maybe, this marathon thing that I'm signed up for might happen. Now if the weight would start dropping off again...

I'm doing a 5K next weekend, and then I'm signed up for the 8K in Williamsburg while the rest of the WISH team does the half on May 22nd. Beyond that, my race schedule is empty until MCM in October. There is a new local half on 10/16 that a bunch of us are considering doing as a training run.

One more work day this week...

Jackie

 

[laughinplace199]

Nicole - I hope the dr appt went well and that's there an easy solution to your hip issue.

Maria - Has Dennis recovered? Is he doing the Run to Remember? I think Rob & I are going to do it, although we haven't registered and I haven't been running much, but those are just minor details...

Jackie - So glad to hear that you're officially back to running!

Hello to Debra, Corinna, Richard, Jen, John, Rose, Jeanne, Mel, Whitney, and all of the cousins!

Who will be going to WDW for marathon weekend? Rob & I are going to register for the marathon. Although wig-wearing, Gallowstopping sounds awesome, I could not convince him to go Goofy, so we're just doing the marathon. Maybe next time.

 

[jbucci]

Hello everyone, sorry for the delayed absence.

Maria: Give Dennis a big congrats from us. The whole idea of running Boston is just amazing!

Corinna: Great job on the swimming and on sticking with the diet even though results are slow. Thanks also for showing us MyFitnessPal. It is a cool app and I plan to start using it now that we are back home.

Jeanne and Jackie: So excited that there will be cousins in Williamsburg!!! I'm starting to get excited for the race

Richard: Thanks for sharing so much with us. This is a special group of people who understand like few others could. It is nice to watch all of your hard work paying off.

Mel: Good luck with the swim and making the tri/du decision

AFM: We just got back from a Disney Dream cruise. It was awesome!!! The weather was beautiful and the ship had tons of stuff to keep us occupied. We got to pet stingrays, swim, and generally relax (and eat too much). I tried to run the Castaway Cay 5K and realized that people who run a 5K on vacation are pretty hard-core. I forgot my Gramin so had no sense of my pace. I started off with the way back of the pack runners and stayed with them for about the first 1-2 miles then could not do it anymore. I was hot and DONE so took many really long walk breaks and was by myself for the last mile. I found a guy form NY near the end and we jogged in together. When I looked at my overall time (I did have a watch for that), it was pretty close to my usual 5K time which makes me wonder how fast I really ran that 1st mile

Now that we are back home and starting to return to "normal" the diet is on and I'm going to try to be better about sticking to my training plan. My foot is finally completely healed which also helps. I did realize how few calories I am "allowed" to eat if I want to lose wt...1200 goes fast! The exercise is key (as are big bags of baby carrots).

Happy Easter to everyone.

 

[FFigawi]

Who will be going to WDW for marathon weekend? Rob & I are going to register for the marathon. Although wig-wearing, Gallowstopping sounds awesome, I could not convince him to go Goofy, so we're just doing the marathon. Maybe next time.

I'm in! Already registered and have hotel reservations too. I hope all the cousins that will be there will join us for Drinking Around the World at Epcot on Marathon Monday.

 

[laughinplace199]

I'm in! Already registered and have hotel reservations too. I hope all the cousins that will be there will join us for Drinking Around the World at Epcot on Marathon Monday.

Awesome! Drinking around the World sounds like a lot of fun, if only we weren't leaving on Monday. Hopefully, I will get to see all the cousins at some point over the weekend. We haven't booked flights or a hotel room yet, but we'll probably arrive Friday morning and leave Monday night.

 

[tiberius]

I'm in! Already registered and have hotel reservations too. I hope all the cousins that will be there will join us for Drinking Around the World at Epcot on Marathon Monday.

I am in as well! I just registered for the Goofy and will work on the rest of the arrangements soon.

 

[princessbride6205]

Hi all - a quick update on the hip stuff. The doc says glute and IT band strain. I have had muscle-hip pain and cramping for over a year, so I don't expect a super-quick fix - though I can run through that more minor discomfort. The IT band though is a recent flare up and too painful to run thru. I've got 4 physical therapy sessions lined up, plus some basic core strengtheners and stretches I am doing every day already. I can continue any activity without pain.
I'm excited to report that after only 1 week rest from running (continued walking and light strength stuff), I was able to get in 3 miles of light run/walk today. The Galloway plan for slower paces has you running only 15-30 seconds, then walking 30-45 seconds. These shorter intervals really helped me dislike the walking part less. Before when I was trying to take it easy, I would run 1 minute and then walk 3 min, which was torture for me. I know others find success with race walking and longer walk segments, but it's just not for me.
Hope everyone had a good Easter!

 

[FFigawi]

Hi guys! I figured I'd pop in to say hello during lunch. I hope everyone who wanted to get into the NYC Marathon did so.

Have you seen the new thread about the relay teams yet? With Mel, Jackie, and Maria all planning on running so far, Team Ohana ought to have a good shot at winning the WISH Team competition.

 

[laughinplace199]

I am in as well! I just registered for the Goofy and will work on the rest of the arrangements soon.

 

[Sandy321]

Hey cousins -

wanted to let you know Cousin aldisnygrl is safe - (her screen name means Alabama Disney Girl) Just got a text - so I dont have details, but she said her roof will need repairs - keep her and her family - and her community in our thoughts and prayers...

and I have to keep my eyes closed and my fingers in my ears - dh wants to go Goofy - but dd is starting high school and cant miss 2 days for us to go - and she doesnt want us to go without her - dh really wants to go goofy tho!!

May all have injury free training! Stay healthy!

 

[tiberius]

Hey cousins -

wanted to let you know Cousin aldisnygrl is safe - (her screen name means Alabama Disney Girl) Just got a text - so I dont have details, but she said her roof will need repairs - keep her and her family - and her community in our thoughts and prayers...

and I have to keep my eyes closed and my fingers in my ears - dh wants to go Goofy - but dd is starting high school and cant miss 2 days for us to go - and she doesnt want us to go without her - dh really wants to go goofy tho!!

May all have injury free training! Stay healthy!

Thanks for letting us know that Allie is safe. I have a SIL that lives outside of Tuscaloosa who had no damage, but was close to one of the tornado touchdown sites.

 

[jbucci]

Glad to hear she is ok. Those storms were so scary sounding, made me glad to be in the NE.


Things have been good here. Thanks to Corinna for suggesting MyFitnessPal I've been restarting my diet full force. I've been counting calories and trying to make better food choices. I've had good success so far and am down 3 lbs. Somehow seeing in type how many calories something will be makes it easier to not eat it.

We are prepping for the trip to Williamsburg in a few weeks for a half there and a day at Busch Gardens. I'm a bit bummed I won't be doing The Broad Street Run this year cause it sold out superfast this year. The weather is so perfect here for the race tomorrow. I'm still keeping my eyes open for a stray bib, but feel like luck won't be with me this time.

I hope everyone is having a good Spring

 

[FFigawi]

Glad everyone down south is okay. Pretty scary pictures of all the devastation.

 

[jbucci]

I reached a new level of stupid this weekend. So bad in fact that my friends have made a new phrase "to commit a jen"

I signed up for the ODDyssey Half Marathon in Philia (basically at home, no hotel or travel required). This is the second year the race is being held. Last year it was on Memorial Day Weekend, three weeks after Philadelphia's Broad Street Run. They were advertising this year that they are a great race if you missed Broad Street (which sold out in record time in under 2 weeks) because it was only a few weeks later. I never really paid too much attention to the date or this year's race, assuming it was like last year.

I then heard about Williamsburg having an inaugural half on May 22nd and wanted to go. Lots of WISHers signed up and we decided to do it. I spent a number of weeks thinking all was well and massively rearranging my call schedule to have off both weekends. You all know where this is going, right?

Turns out that both races are on the 22nd. Broad Street was early this year (still first weekend in May but it was on the 1st) Three weeks after Broad Street is not Memorial Day Weekend after all. OOPS I feel sort of guilty because I encouraged people to sing up for the Philia run and we all planned to do it together. I really want to do VA and will still be going there but feel really dumb and bad for the people I'm bailing on (although they are really good friends and do understand, I still feel bad).

So now when someone commits to 2 things at once, my friends refer to it as a jen: I pulled a Jen and agreed to be at the shower and help at scouts, etc...