Thank a WISHer Today!

[deekaypee]

Now that almost all of us are back from marathon weekend, and spirits are high and energy positive, I thought it would be a good time to start this thread.

As we all know, W.I.S.H. doesn't just happen. It takes the participation of all its members--in striving toward their own individual goals, in supporting others, in offering information and resources, and so on. Every one of us deserves a big pat on the back for being "inspired to stay healthy."

But I also believe it's a good idea to recognize our teammates who help make the magic happen. Those people who help make W.I.S.H. what it is: volunteers who organize the forum, events and meets; our knowledgeable athletes who help us train better, smarter, faster for our events; WISHers who inspire us in their words and actions; and those special people who bring a smile to our day.

So, here's your chance to thank a WISHer for a job well done. Name names, tell stories, brag 'em up. Share the love, people, share the love!

Btw, I'm egregiously stealing this idea from Pat's W.I.S.H. Racing Team Rocks! thread and will repost her words here.

 

[deekaypee]

From Pat's thread, who deserves her own shout-out and thank you. Not only is Pat extraordinarily eloquent and generous with her (just praise), she provided the model for the thread.

As if that weren't enough, Pat's half-marathon quest has whet my appetite for undertaking new races and adventures. I'd be proud to follow in her footsteps any day of the week!

Well, I just returned yesterday from an awesome Marathon experience. I am so grateful I stumbled across WISH back in Jan 2005 after that first group of WISHers were returning from doing the half. Little did I know way back then how important WISH would become in my life and how much my life would be enriched by the experiences I've had with the team.

First off I would like to thank our moderators Molli and Lily who so generously give of their time keeping our little corner of the DIS functioning smoothly.

A big thank you to Vic who keeps our race calendar updated! I love seeing all the awesome races my teammates are participating in....and it's got to be a big job keeping it accurate.

Carrie and Mel - thank you for all you do outfitting our team in our amazing shirts. You've both been doing the orders for several years and make it look easy, but I know it has got to be very time consuming.

Thank you Tracy for taking care of our hat and visor orders AND our meet name tags!

Team captains - I don't know all of you, but appreciate your willingness to be responsible for tracking your team minutes and miles. Thanks so much!

Thanks Liz for organizing the Illuminations Dessert Party again. I couldn't make it this year because of a prior commitment, but it sounds like it was a great time.

The volunteers this [race] weekend were so amazing! Gosh I really appreciated all the smiling faces. I'm just sorry I missed seeing some of you at the water stops! It was really going above and beyond the call of duty to stand out there in the cold and wind and do it so cheerfully. In general I thought the volunteers this year were some of the most enthusiastic that I have ever seen and just about everyone that I thanked turned it around and thanked me. Just as an aside I want to share a quick story about the volunteer who put the Goofy medal around my neck......when the older gentleman went to place the Goofy medal on me he said, "Congratulations on a job well done". I was pretty choked up and barely managed to croak a thank you. God bless him for appreciating the moment because he smiled at me, opened his arms and asked "How about a congratulations hug?" What a sweetheart!

Screamteamers - wow! It meant so much to have you out there on the course. I know the cold made it harder to spot each other since we were all so bundled up, and I think I missed a few people, but those that I saw were awesome. So were the oranges and pretzels! Thank you is just so inadequate to express how greatly your efforts were appreciated. Oh - to the scream teamers outside of MGM and at the Beach Club, I realized after the fact that I just kind of blew by you all.....I was just so anxious to get that Goofy medal around my neck!! Note to those who don't know me - when I say "blew by" I mean walking fast!!

Matt - what can you say about a guy who travels hundreds of miles to cheer on his teammates? You ROCK!

Real life friends - some of you have transitioned from being "just" internet teammates to being real life friends. Your love and support mean the world to me. Just a few years ago I would have never believed that some of the best people in my life would be brought to me via the internet, now I can't imagine my life without you!

WISH teammates - the ones who's screen names I recognize, who's faces I know, even the ones who I have yet had the priviledge of knowing - each and everyone of you are an important part of who the WISH Team is and I am so grateful to all of you. I guess I am just feeling sentimental in my oldER age, but you are ALL awesome.

I'd like to give a special thanks to Anne, who got me into going Goofy in the first place. We trained together long distance and her enthusiasm and dedication were contagious. Who else is crazy enough to travel from FL to IL so that we could do our 16 miler together?? It changed a LSD that I had been dreading into something that I looked forward to. Anne is a real asset to the WISH team.

Finally, even though he doesn't read here, I'd like to thank my wonderful DH Jim. When he wasn't accompanying me to halfs in the fall (getting my training in AND getting a medal - the Wendy training plan) he was a cheerful Goofy widower. He is the best.

I sincerely hope that I haven't forgotten anyone, please know I didn't mean to!

ETA: Whew, I knew I'd forgotten a thank you - a great big thanks to Judy and Kristi for organizing the Red Water Stop # 2 volunteers!

I look forward to seeing you all on the boards and hopefully at some events.

 

[windwalker]

I'd like to say thank you to Connie for being our team captain and cheer leader even though she had lots of problems of her own. Connie you rock!

Debra, you also are a little slice of sunshine on here.

Anne, you are a love, you have never met a stranger and you make everyone feel welcome.

Dave

 

[Kira G.]

The only problem with thanking people specifically, is that I am afraid I am going to leave someone out. So I want to start by thanking all of you!

Really, each and every one of you has made a difference with me. Reading your stories, giving and getting encouragement and sharing our experiences together has gotten me through some rough patches in the last two years. I can honestly say that there is NO WAY I would have made it through the marathon last week without WiSH. No way! There are about 20 different times last year that I would have given up. I had said numerous times in my life that I was never going to run a marathon: I just wasn't capable of it and I had no interest in becoming someone who was capable of it. I proved myself wrong, and I couldn't have done it without all of you!

As I was entering the most challenging period of pre-Marathon training, and asking a lot of questions on this board, I noticed something. I always run alone (I like it that way), I don't have a group or even a friend that I run with. But I am never REALLY alone when I run - anything I need and this team is there for me. That is an amazing thing. Thank you all!

That said, there are some specific people I would like to thank:
Anne - A couple of people have said something like this already, and I would like to add to the chorus: you ARE WiSH to me! You were one of the first teammates I met (at the WiSH meet for my first distance event, the Philly Distance Run in 2008), you are friendly, thoughtful and incredibly generous. Thank you!
Charles - Your fabulous advice and coaching got me through a difficult part of my training this fall. You are such a wonderful resource to the team. Thank you!
Carrie, Mel, Tracy, Liz (and anyone else in this category I have forgotten, or don't know) - You do so much that keeps this team REAL. We are a "virtual team," and that means that we will never meet all of our teammates face-to-face. But I know that any given weekend someone will be running a race in Arizona or California or Tennessee with a lime green shirt that says "WiSH." Thanks for making sure of that.
All my WiSH Facebook friends - I love hearing about all the details of your life and training. It's your fault I'm a facebook junkie, and I love every minute of it! Thanks for generously sharing yourselves there.
Jeff - Thanks for all your encouragement, and your amazing example. You rock!

I reserve the right to add names to this post later when I think of something I forgot!

Thank you everyone!

 

[Duanerice]

Here's my 2 cents. First of all there are way too many people to thank so I can only include a few.

Kristie (Syko) - you are an inspiration. I can't even imagine the daily issues you have let alone the race logistics, chairs issues, etc. It seems every week something would happen and there you were with a fix a smile an on your way. You don't let anything stop you!

Chris (Goofy in Ohio) - Thanks for all the work you do with our team. I know it takes a lot. Heck, not just the miles and stuff but the encouragement and keeping the team together. Thanks for hanging with me a bit on Friday night. Too bad we didn't get to chill by the pool this year

Jeff (no screen name necessary) - Thanks for keeping the spirit upbeat. I know you do a lot of networking behind the scenes and you know everyone! Even introduced me to the Disney Deads. Oh and how can I forget - thanks for all the pictures!

Thunder Matt - thanks for being on the bridge again!

Charles (cwait) - thanks for helping out so many people. You put a lot of time and effort into your answers and you can tell you do your research. Thanks for helping so many. And to think I didn't even get to see you this year. Bummer.

Again, there are another 100 that can be mentioned and I am sure they will later on in the posts. Thanks you all for your help and support this last year.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[FFigawi]

I'm just going to thank everyone here for making it such a great place. I've only been here for a few weeks and have enjoyed all the support, advice, and stories everyone has to offer.

 

[scoolover]

First of all let me say why the WISH board is the best board you will find. Once a year you meet the people that you have been chatting with so there is accountability. It is hard to get stupid when you know you may see the person that you were arguing with. For the most part people are civil and extremely helpful.

ANNE-at my first WISH race (the 2006 RFTT) I saw some WISH shirts and did some bobbing and weaving to get up to them. After I arrived, I said "hi" and flashed my WISH bracelet. Well, did I ever meet Anne. She just about tackled me with excitement and boy did she make me feel like part of the team and has ever since.

MEL-at the '07 marathon a few months later (my first) I was around mile 24 feeling like most probably do at that point of the race. I just felt awful as I was passing the yacht club and looked to my left where I saw Mel, who looked like an angel in her WISH shirt. I went over to say hi (I really just wanted a rest) and she greeted my with my name and forced some energy beans (or as I now call them - Angel Beans) ;-) on me. She pushed me on my way and I went on to finish.

Those are two specifics but there are more. Seeing Scott and Carrie at mile two one year looking like they just got out of a swimming pool because it was hot and humid. Just having them to say hello too was nice and carried me for a bit. Passing up some twizzlers outside of MGM and deciding that I needed one 20 yards later. As I went back I was thinking that "these are some really good people". Again, Anne at the turn around with orange slices. An occational 5 minute chat with a WISHer in a corral before a race. As a pretty severe introvert, these are all big things to me and it's all because of the WISH.

Thanks everyone.

 

[syko]

For me the Wisher who stands out is Anne because if it was not for her I would not be part of this wonderful group.

I love reading about everyones adventures and have learnt alot from the likes of Panda and Coach Charles.

I think everyone has some advice to give and learn from, whether you are just joining or have been aroud since the very begining.

 

[WDWFAN9]

Thanks Debra for your kind words, it gives me a chance to add some more thank yous.....to our teammates who were at home this past Marathon weekend - I thought of you and knew you were sending out positive energy and plenty of pixie dust our way.

And thank you to the generous WISHers who had cars and graciously provided rides to the expo, to Boardwalk meet ( loved not having to get up super-early to make an extra transportation stop to get from Pop to Boardwalk), home from Jellyrolls, and getting Jim to WWoS in the middle of the night to volunteer, that is just part of the WISH team spirit - helping out a teammate because you can.

WISHers do ROCK!

 

[jbucci]

I really have to thank the whole team for helping me enjoy this crazy running adventure so much! One of my coworkers who is a serious runer commented to me that he was jealous (a Boston Qualifier jealous of me the 12min/mile girl) because I seemed to be having so much fun with my running-- that is thanks to all of you.

I have to thank John (spaceranger) for introducing himself to me at the Minnie 5K and calming my nerves prior to my first race. He even remembered me the next day and came over to say congrats.

At the Minnie 5K I think it was Anne (but I'm not really sure who) welcomed me with open arms and invited me to dinner with a group of WISHers even though I had only found out about the group about 5min earlier. That welcoming spirit was (and is) awesome.

Matt for just being himself-- standing on the overpass cheering in the freezing rain takes a special kind of person, we are lucky to have you on our team.

Corinna: for being my teammate and all around cheerleader, for having dinner with me at the RFTT and for the Twizzlers

Deb: for being a great Ohana team captain and starting this thread

Dave (Mouseskywalker): for helping get the name of WISH out there on blogs and such and for a cool pair of WISH socks

Chester: for dressing up in awesome neon green and cheering at the Princess half even though your wife was not running and for making me laugh every time I think of you cheering for Butch(my DH) and getting dirty looks from some of the women running

Thanks to everyone I have left out for not being offended-- you are all awesome!!!!

 

[chimera]

I want to thank these ladies, without whom, none of us would be here:

WISH Team 2005

 

[MouseDogMom]

Lily for finding me when I posted my first question about running the Minnie 5K back in 2006 and directing me to the weekly thread.

Anne and Nancy for welcoming me at my first WISH meet (at the 2006 Minnie) - I was terrified to attend not knowing a soul, but somehow felt I belonged before I left.

Mel for starting the weekly thread for weeks and weeks and weeks...

Judy for running with me virtually on the TM every morning

Charles for providing valuable coaching leading up to Goofy 2010. Many of us would not have made it to both finish lines without you!

Wendy for being an inspiration for all of us. Your smile continues to amaze, marathon after marathon after marathon.

Carrie, Mel, Tracy, and all the others who keep us in WISH gear.

Anne for being the head cheerleader on the course year after year.

Karen and John for continuing to supply WISH goodies, and Karen for being everywhere on the course to cheer.

Thanks to all the rest of the WISH team for all that you do - the support, the friendship, and the companionship on and off the course.

Jackie

 

[jmasgat]

Thanks to all the WISH'ers who gave me encouragement during my first race journey 2 years ago--the Minnie. Given that my memory sucks, I can't even begin to remember who would have given me words of encouragement, but if you did-pat yourself on the back. It helped, and I've come a long way since then!

To Anne for doing her best at my first WISH meet (Gosh--I think it was POR for Minnie in 2008?) to "announce" the new arrivals (and trying to figure out some way to pronounce my weird DIS board name!)--a real welcome into the WISH family.

To all those who keep the threads running (and in order-Behave children!)--Lily, Vic, Mel...

To the voices of experience and wisdom--like Panda and Coach Charles--who always have something useful to say and provide perspective (which can be easily lost while in the throes of training or racing!)

To those who spend their time trying to make our live meets & races more WISH-ful: Tracy, for the name tags. Liz for the dessert party, and the shirt & visor crew!

To every new WISH-er....your first steps are a great reminder to me that I have made progress over the last couple of years. Sometimes I forget. I hope I can help you the way that the rest of the WISH team has helped me.

And since I'm not the cheerleader type (an understatement, to be sure) I have great respect for those that are---people like Matt and Jeff, who smile and encourage--and even go back and run extra race miles just to get others through! Incredible. In this category, I also put Debra--Queen of the long, positive posts. You manage to have something nice/thoughtful/encouraging to say about everyone!

Maura

 

[timmac]

A big thanks to everyone I saw on the course either day, who said a few kind words, ran along side me for however long, or just waved and smiled. We're all on the same team, and that helps a lot!

 

[Kira G.]

A big thanks to everyone I saw on the course either day, who said a few kind words, ran along side me for however long, or just waved and smiled. We're all on the same team, and that helps a lot!

Was that you I ran next to on the out & back? If so, it was great meeting you!

 

[timmac]

Was that you I ran next to on the out & back? If so, it was great meeting you!

Yes, that was me, and it was a pleasure to meet you as well. Congrats again on your finish!

 

[Valentine]

I want to thank you all for inspiring me to get out there again!!!

 

[mkymsehi]

Thanks to everyone for being my running & walking family.

Spending time with you once, twice, and sometimes three times a year is what I look forward to each time. The smiles, the laughter, and the stories are what makes WISH so much fun.

Yeah, we go to participate in races as well, but the friendships are what makes it so special.

During the rest of the year, we keep in touch here, via email, Facebook, phone calls, and meeting up in one another's city to challenge another race.

Keep moving forward, and I'll be seeing you at the finish line. You all inspire me.

 

[TEK224]

I'd like to thank all members of the WISH team, too. It's been great getting to meet so many of you over the years. I get so many comments from friends and coworkers when I show them a picture from the Pop meet and explain how we all met.

Not meaning to exclude anyone, I do have a few special shout-outs:

First to Anne, who makes everyone feel welcome and is so enthusiastic.
To Pat, Lily and Diane- thanks for the encouragement
To Karen and Kathy - thanks for the twizzlers (and how DO you get around the world so fast?)
To Carrie & Scott - it was great seeing you twice during the half. Especially at mile 12, it was boost to see some fellow WISH-ers.
Thanks to Charles and PandaDave for their advice and musings all during the year.

And thanks to all my WISH teammates for coming up to say hi (even though you only knew the shirt and not the person). It's great to know that I can go to any race and have the possibility of seeing another WISHer either in the race or cheering on the sidelines. That kind of support is priceless!

 

[deekaypee]

Okay, I'm just giving a blanket shout-out to all WISHers and to all the WISHers named. (I think we can all agree that trying to name everyone in one post is an exercise in futility!)

And I also have to admit that one of my not-so-secret desires is to have this thread have legs. That we keep posting throughout the year and keep the positivity going!

Today, I'd like to thank:

Duane (DuaneRice): You've always been a great source of thoughtful information. Not only that, you keep posting threads with wacky running news that always make me smile! You have an easy-going way about you that makes you a joy to hang with, even if only virtually.

Allie (Aldisneygrl): Okay, aside from your sense of humor, which I personally appreciate, your WISH spirits shone through in your tracking and supporting so many of us from afar this marathon weekend! It was good to know you--and so many others who couldn't be with us--were rooting for us from home.

Maura (jmasgat): First, I don't believe for a second you're not a cheerleader. Be careful, or I'll hand you a pom-pon. I can't count how many times you've given words of encouragement and solid advice to others. You've been a real core to the weekly (which became monthly) thread, and have always welcomed newbies. Another reason you're on here, though, is because of your quiet determination to meet your goals. It's to be admired and emulated--I'm still struck by your running without a watch.

Bill (wfloyd): Oh, keeper of the "Welcome to the WISH team" sticky. That's a commitment all in itself and a reason to be priased. But I'm also taken with your posts. They are reasoned and directed, even in the face of those rare moments where WISH is anything less than a happy family. You're the eye of calm in a hurricane. And as I'm so often a blowhard, I truly appreciate it.

Kathy (Valentine): I think your name is now the Twizzler lady? But you're also one of the WISH meet photographers, a bouncing ray of sunshine on the course. On the race course, it kinds of feels like I was leapfrogging you, as you moved from place to place to scream team for marathon participants, with goodies in hand.

I have more, many more people to name. You'll all just need to wait for the next installment.