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

[Worfiedoodles]

JenB! -- Congratulations on the PR! I love your RR, it sounds like it was full of magic! What a wonderful memory for your birthday trip -- I think I can still your happy glow all the way in Boston!

Maria

 

[deekaypee]

Richard: I've not listened to that podcast - tend to stick to This American Life or Disney ones - but congrats to your friend. And double bonus for having someone to help you with the mental game of training - though I tend to think of you as very, very strong all on your own. I love your "keep calm and carry on" attitude about the Rocky! You will go the distance!

Jackie: Did you decide to do Raleigh Rocks for sure - it sounds like two great reasons as you run to support friends (Kathy on a visit + friend who needs Half Fanatics race = must-do event?) And congrats on hitting your pace goal (or less) for a half distance. That's wonderful!

John: Congrats again on your Dubai race. I haven't read any RR yet, but I'm trying to catch up on all that. If I don't want to run outdoors in cold weather, I really, really don't want to run outdoors in hot weather. I get sick to my stomach, so good luck with that. As for the sweet tooth, recommending fruit like raisins (which I eat) instead of dark chocolate is like saying running on the TM is the same thing as running outdoors...
Dublin would be amazing - there's no way we can travel there this year. We already have one European trip planned for starters, and the timing is just so wrong.

Mel: That is such a cool story about the admissions interviews - you will be known as the running prof. Maybe you could conference with students on short runs? And have I mentioned I'm so impressed with how you've taken to hills already, and in such a short period of time!

Kira: Good news about DD's recovery! And equally good news about your getting back on track - it's somehow motivating not to be starting back at zero, isn't it? And I think it's particularly exciting that you've got a family running event planned; I think it's always easier when you have a support system to keep motivated (and in your case, can motivate others).

Jen: Glad to see you back - I've been remiss with the dragging, except of my feet. Maybe it's because I feel connected to you. But I promise to throw you a line or two in the future.

JenB: Congrats on the Tinker Bell and all the marvels that included, from Jeff Galloway to the Dream Suite to Sean Astin! Plus your race itself, which is another PR score! And thank goodness that nothing truly bad happened with the Southwest flight. You - and Mel and Rose and Maria and (who else?) will have a fabulous time at the Princess!

Oh, and can you tell me how the plain runDisney shirts fit. I'm thinking of ordering one. I don't want one with a race on it when I train, or a "training for" shirt. Just plain. Like I like my donuts.

AFM: I'm back from a long weekend! We ended up with mechanical issues on the way home, plus a series of other unfortunate events, and so it turned into a 14-hour travel day. I feel punished for visiting my family.

And I had one slip with the caffeine - yep, yesterday. Now things can get back to normal and my toe will get a chance to heal; I ended up rushing through airports yesterday.

Btw, it must be noted that I got a lot more sympathy from others about the toe. Remind me that if I want to feel hardcore about such things, not to talk to WISHers. It's kind of what Mel was saying about admissions interview. It all depends on the audience. Real people think I'm stoic - the rest of you just told me to "man up"! I'll let you know how that goes as I work out a revised WO schedule.

And I think I have almost a month of no travel in February! Woo hoo! Hopefully I can get some good eating and working habits established during the month. And find new digs - we need to move out of our apt. before one of us does injury to the other.

 

[jbucci]

Richard: I forgot to mention I heard your friend. I like Run, Run, Live and listen to it pretty regularly.

Deb: The runDisney shirts are available only in men's style from the website. They fit about the same as the Jan Marathon Weekend Champion shirts. The one I got in women's cut is not yet available to buy and is used only for the Galloway thing and by runDisney employees. The women's cut runs a bit smaller and I needed one size larger than the men's size for it to fit in a way I would be seen in public

 

[Jen117]

JenB - I think it is fantastic all you got to do last weekend. I saw on FB that you were running with Galloway, but missed how you got that opportunity. So glad you mentioned it there. That is totally awesome. I turn the big.... shhhh... 4-0 in May and it will be a blah time for me compared to all that you did! Though we leave for WDW two weeks later.

Deb - I do feel connected with most of my Ohana buds on Facebook, which might be one of the reasons I forget to check in here. I guess having to pull out of Marathon weekend put me in the blahs about the whole running thing!!

BTW - Last week I took a spill on the ice and did a number on my back and ankle. My back is ehhh (injured it when I was 19), and ankle is almost back to as normal as it can be (PF foot due to tight tendons from a treehouse accident when I was 6).

 

[FFigawi]

I finally got my race report done! You can find it here:

Dubai Marathon Race Report

Richard - I hope Rocky goes well today. Sounds like wet and messy trails this year. Too bad that the rain Houston so desperately needed showed up when you wanted it least.

JenB - you can't get a better birthday weekend than that! How fun to run with Galloway and hang out with Samwise.

Mel - good work on the hills. As tough and not-so-fun as they are, they will make you a much stronger runner. I actually wish we had some over here. About all we have that's easy to get to is a parking garage. Have fun with the agility, too. Lola will really enjoy it.

Debra - Sorry about your toe. Maybe you should just amputate it. I'm sure we'd all give you some sympathy for that.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Mine's gone pretty well so far. A friend and I came in tied for 2nd in a chili cook-off last night. If we had voted for our own, we would've won. Oops.

 

[deekaypee]

Just popping in for a brief moment to make sure everyone sends good thoughts and PD to Richard for the Rocky! We know you'll rock the Rocky and have earned every mile of the experience. I hope it goes well.

Now I have to be off to the gym to hit opening. I'm still in the 100-day Challenge, although with a revised schedule due to the toe. I've been able to bike and some elliptical, but not row, and see this as call for upper body & core training. I won't be amputating the toe, thanks.

Be back later with more updates - and I'll call out those of you have disappeared into the FB ether.

 

[FFigawi]

Just popping in for a brief moment to make sure everyone sends good thoughts and PD to Richard for the Rocky! We know you'll rock the Rocky and have earned every mile of the experience. I hope it goes well.

He's in for a wet one, so send him thoughts to keep his feet blister-free for the next 12 hours.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Richard--I'm sure I'm too late for the start, but I hope you have a great day!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Jen117 - Yep, we forgot to drag you back because we forgot you were missing. Since I see you on FB, I hadn't realized you weren't here too! In many ways, life was easier before FB, but I do enjoy knowing more details about people's lives.

JenB - Wow. And wow. Again, had seen some of the details on FB, but I love your full report here. I got mini-chills! I didn't show Annie the pictures on FB of the Dream Suite tour - I was afraid she'd come find you and do bodily harm. I'm struggling with the decision of which pace group to run with next weekend - I SHOULD start with the 5:30, COULD start with the 5:15, but if I start with the 5:00 I can run with Jeff Galloway, at least for a while. I'd probably have to drop back, since I'm pretty sure I can't maintain that pace for 26 miles, but the idea of running part of a marathon with him is certainly intriguing. I got to talk with him last summer at the social for the group leaders, but I've never run with him.

Debra - So we're not very sympathetic? Maybe we're so immune to injuries that a broken toe is just one more? Having had a couple, I know they hurt like ----! Nurse the poor little thing and find a way to keep moving for 65ish more days! And yes, I'm pretty much committed to Raleigh Rocks, although I'm holding off on registering for a while longer. I'm planning on volunteering at the ultra the day before - will have to settle for working an aid station in the early shifts instead of the middle of the night like I'd originally planned, since I think it would be detrimental to stay up all night working one race and then go run another. Just saying... Kathy isn't planning to commit until the last minute, but the race never fills so it's not an issue.

John - Vote for your own! Unless you didn't think it was that good?

Richard - Hope you're well on your way to being done, and that it's going well. And not TOO wet. Or muddy. Will be watching FB for updates!

Mel - I love the story about 20 half marathons. We do forget that we aren't normal, and that what we do is pretty amazing to most people. I know that prior to February 2006, I would have thought all of us were super-human! Glad that hills are becoming more your friends - it will pay off in the end. Tell DH to train on a few too before he comes for Raleigh Rocks!

We ran a new section of greenway this morning, some of which wasn't open yet, and some of which wasn't even paved. It was a mini-mud run. I should take this opportunity to brag on my city, and to say how grateful I am that they are still willing to pour funds into parks and greenway construction. We have literally miles and miles of greenways, and more under construction. It's a great place for runners, and getting better every month as more spurs open.

One week from now I'll be anticipating marathon #6... keep your fingers crossed that I get that stupid goal once and for all so I can stop this quest! I have 7 half marathons on the calendar now, including one in the NC mountains in July that's all downhill called The Scream. Sounds like a blast!

Jackie

 

[deekaypee]

Okay Princess people! A birdie told me the waivers are up! Share your bib numbers...if you dare! Bwa ha ha ha! Lots of cousins want to follow your successes!

'Ohana Roll Call: Cousins...come out, come out, wherever you are! Jeanne, Kathy, Sandy, Sandi, Corinna, Kira, Julie, Maria...I start looking for you on FB in a couple of days!

JenB: I think you look beautiful, no matter what you wear. But for me, I'm glad the runDisney shirts are men's style. I'm a little androgynous. I think I'll order one to keep me motivated (and because I really need new shirts, pheweee)!

Jen: I was looking at the history of your back/ankle injuries; I think I've come to the conclusion you were a very reckless child and young adult. Or at least far more active than I was - a treehouse accident? Seriously, how are you feeling?

Rose: I saw on FB that you completed 13 miles. Terrific news, especially going into the Princess!

Jackie: The whole question of the pace group - would starting out with Galloway affect your ability to hit your overall time goal? Or is this one of your races you're doing (whispers) for fun. (You alien creature, you! You remind me of someone. Several someones. I call them all Stitch.) Your post seems to indicate you're going for the gold on the marathon - so I'd hate to have you start out too fast, even if it's with Galloway. Of course, that's my race issue and not necessarily yours, and I'm sure you'll make the best decision for you! (Plus, Galloway is a celeb!)

And running where your live sounds really fabulous! We're lucky here too, as there are greenways and parks. It's one of the best things about our respective cities, I think.

Which reminds me... Mel, how are you liking your trails and running areas?!

Richard: It's a little early yet, but I've been thinking of you all day and awaiting the many, many stories you'll have to share with us!

AFM: First "good" WO in a week. One where I actually sweat. And I'm happy to report it's been a mood elevator. Exercise is really something I rely on to manage my stress, it turns out. Could be worse, I suppose. It could be chocolate.

Oh, wait. I use that, too.

Well, then, isn't it lucky that I a back-up plan.

 

[FFigawi]

Jackie: The whole question of the pace group - would starting out with Galloway affect your ability to hit your overall time goal? Or is this one of your races you're doing (whispers) for fun. (You alien creature, you! You remind me of someone. Several someones. I call them all Stitch.) Your post seems to indicate you're going for the gold on the marathon - so I'd hate to have you start out too fast, even if it's with Galloway. Of course, that's my race issue and not necessarily yours, and I'm sure you'll make the best decision for you! (Plus, Galloway is a celeb!)

I'm with Debra on this one. While running with Galloway would be really fun, I'd hate to see it impact your overall race goal. Going out fast uses up a lot of energy when you have it and leaves you depleted when you need it most in the second half of the race. Then again, if you're doing this just for fun (which is how I run most of my marathons), then I say go for it. Hang with him as long as you can, survive the rest of the race, and brag to all of us how great it was to run with him.

And running where your live sounds really fabulous! We're lucky here too, as there are greenways and parks. It's one of the best things about our respective cities, I think

Greenway? What is this greenway and park stuff you're talking about? All we have is varying shades of brown and tan. Though when we get the duststorms like we've had over the past few days, we get a bit of fine white-ish powder too.

And huge congrats to Richard for finishing the Rocky Raccoon 50-mile Trail Run today! Welcome to the ultra club, and way to do it in style in some really wet and muddy conditions!

 

[tiberius]

Hi all! I'm just in here to post that I finished my wet, muddy, mucky and thoroughly FUN Rocky Raccoon 50 Mile race in 12:06:47 (unofficially). My initial report is here. I'll be back after I get some rest. I was still too keyed-up to sleep last night and imagine I will sleep like a log tonight.

 

[chimera]

Richard...congratulations! Great race report. thanks for sharing it with us. I can't imagine the transition stops. It must be so hard to get out there and run again after having a chance to sit and relax for 20 min or so.

John...what's it like running in the desert? I feel dry running up here compared to the constant FL humidity. You must have to do a lot of hydrating to run there.

Jackie...I think running with Galloway would be cool, but I agree, if you go out too fast, you lose what you have in reserves. Galloway is present at a lot of races so you have opportunity to run with him on other occasions.

Debra...road running here locally is truly dismal. There are sidewalks in our neighborhood, but few around the rest of the city. To get to those fabulous greenways, I have to go hang out with Jackie in Raleigh or go the opposite direction to Greensboro, about a 45 min drive either way. What we do have here and all over NC are amazing trails for hiking and waaaay more parks than in FL! Most are comfortably runnable, but will take some getting used to. My knee is a bit torqued on the downhills so I think I need more experience out there. Hope your toe has improved!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Richard -- I am just in awe! Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment!

Debra -- My bib number is 5816, I am expecting to be in Corral C, my highest placement ever.

Mel -- 20 Half marathons?! Well, that is impressive to me!

John -- I think the lack of green would be pretty traumatic. We spent a week in Arizona once and I thought that was bad enough!

Jackie -- You live in a wonderful place! I'm so glad you have many great places to run!

Jen -- Great to see you again! How are those 3 lovely girls? Somehow I think I missed both you and JenB on FB...

JenB -- Where are you staying and what are your plans? I want to know where the celebrities are hangin'! In an odd coincidence, we watched both the last Lord of the Rings movie and the first Addams Family episode this weekend. I was able to point Samwise's dad out to Ben.

Rose, Corinna, Kira, Jeanne --

I did my last LR of 10M on Saturday. I would have liked to have felt stronger at the end, but I'm still confident I'll make it up the overpass

Everyone have a great day! I'm staying home from work today to catch up on some stuff and not have to talk about My Beloved Patriots, which is even painful to type...

Maria

 

[chimera]

Maria...we may be close...I'm #5478

 

[jmasgat]

Just popping in to say congrats to Richard!

and Maria.......I have avoided looking at all news headlines today and have come close to closing the chapter on the Brady Patriots. I watched to the bitter end, but never felt good that they would win. I feel your pain. Enough said.

Maura

 

[MouseDogMom]

Thanks for all the advice on the pace group. I think you've all reminded me of what I knew all along. I'll just wave to Jeff and start from either the 5:15 or 5:30 (probably the 5:30) and get the time I've been shooting for since MCM ended. And yes, I am planning to run for time - the 5:30 marathon has eluded me long enough, and if I can't get it while running with official Galloway pace groups, then I'll just have to accept that it isn't for me.

Mel - You haven't hit summer yet. The humidity is yet to come. Although I will admit, I assumed that humidity was the same here and in Florida. Then we actually went to WDW in June one summer. I revised my opinion. We have humidity here, but it gets noticeably worse as you travel south! And you're welcome to come visit anytime for a greenway run!

Maria/Maura - I'd love to say "the commercials were good," but I'd be lying! And personally, I hated the halftime show. Fortunately for me, I'm a college basketball fan, and the season is now in full swing, so life is good. If Duke can remember that they're supposed to be a good team...

Did the last track workout before the marathon tonight. I'm almost embarrassed at how fast I ran. I'm sure I won't be able to duplicate the effort on Sunday, but maybe, just maybe, it will pay off in a couple of weeks when I run the next half. There are goals for that too!

Jackie

 

[FFigawi]

John...what's it like running in the desert? I feel dry running up here compared to the constant FL humidity. You must have to do a lot of hydrating to run there.

Running in the actual desert is really pretty neat. Our running club goes on a real desert run once or twice a month, and I try not to miss them. Whether you're running trails in the dunes or the rocky areas along the coast, the scenery is amazing. A different kind of beautiful than the coast of Maine or the forests of Virginia, but still quite beautiful. It's running in the city itself that's dull and drab. In general, there are few trees to speak of, no green strips of grass running alongside the sidewalks, none of the shrubbery that the knights who say Ni would be happy to receive. Not much humidity this time of year, which is a refreshing change from Houston. I'm dreading the summer, though. That's when both the heat and the humidity return in force. I've been told that July, August, and some of September are typically ~90 at night, 110+ during the day, and 95-100% humidity because the wind blows in off the Gulf. Ugh. The rest of the cousins will have a much easier time training for Dublin than I will.

 

[jbucci]

Richard: Congrats on your ultra I can't imagine getting up and heading back out after the 2nd "transition" break. You are made of some strong stuff. I'm beyond impressed.

Maria: You are too funny! I have no idea where the celebs will be, but they are unlikely to be near me this time.

Jackie: Best wishes for your race. It sounds like you are making a wise decision, but it is tough.

I'm getting excited for Princess. I am staying off site with a friend at her mom's rental place (don't actually know where, I need to get that info). I am bib #3096 but will be starting and staying with my friend so not sure where that will be. I am definitely up for the WISH meet at 4pm on Sat at DTD. I'm not sure I can swing the Friday one as the schedule is kind of out of my control.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Can I whine just a tiny bit? I made the big mistake of looking at what my long runs looked like this time last year as we get ready for Princess. Uggh. I am close to 2 minutes per mile slower right now. I know, I know, still doing good after so much time off, but it was just discouraging. The foot is still doing ok. The only real issue is still the ankle. It is doing ok, but I still may need more ultrasound on it. I'm going to see how it is when we get back.

I can't remember if I posted my bib--I am 1875 and Mike is 3675.

Jackie--I won't be on much over the next couple of days. Good luck this weekend!


We're going to see DS this weekend. Looking forward to some hugs and a change of scenery.