Walkers Wanna Compare Notes??

[Worfiedoodles]

Hi!

It's a crazy-busy day, but I just had to post this -- I just got off the TM after doing 10 miles! This is my longest distance ever, and my longest walk before the Half, and I did it! I'm trying to wrap my mind around it right now, because I think a part of me thought it wouldn't happen...

Ok, off to clean up and get this super-charged day going. Everyone have a great one -- and hang in there, you can do those long walks!


Maria

 

[Steffwalks]

Hi everybody!

This is a great day to NOT live in the Texas Panhandle. There is a blizzard outside. No.....not just snow falling.....a genuine, seen one in the movies, blowing, wind blastin' cold, Witches are hunting shelter, abominable blizzard. Not the tasty kind from DQ, either.

I am going to stay warm, ya'll work hard or rest hard and enjoy taper madness! It's the most wonderul time of the year......

 

[jeanneg]

My feet are sore as can be, but there is a BIG smile on my face right now. I did my 20 miles and I finished strong! I had my Powerade and food with me and John met me around mile 15 with replenishment. Once I got to mile 16 and figured it was only about an hour more, I knew I could do it. I was definitely slower the last few miles, but had a total time of 5 hours and 4 minutes. That gives me almost 2 full hours for the last 6.2 miles, which I should be able to do. Of course I didn't feel like I had another 6.2 miles in me, but those will come on race day. The main thing is that I wasn't dying at the end. I think I was just so happy to be passing through some of those places for the last time. It was like my own little version of "Goodnight Moon"......Goodbye stupid dog that always barks, goodbye pretty red tree, goodbye little crack that almost tripped me once, etc....... It is done. I am trained and now I will revel in my taper. (And everyone else in the family has heaved a huge sigh of relief because if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy, and they were all afraid I wouldn't be happy today.)

Maria: congrats on your equally impressive 10 miles....you did it, girl!

Connie: so sorry the weather didn't cooperate. Can you get the miles inside?

 

[padisneyfan]

I did my 20 miles today and it was so much better than the 18 miler. I was able to do it all outside and decided not to go to the rail trail. I mapped out a 20 mile route on mapmyrun.com and stayed in my area East York which is pretty spread out, I really didn't have to repeat any loops. Mine took 5 hrs and 14 minutes however I made 2 stops at convience stores to do the bathroom and buy more Gatorade plus batteries as my MP3 player died. I also had to give directions to someone. So Jeanne I think our pace might be similiar. My right leg only started to bother me at Mile 19 but still managed to get in my 20 miles. I called Norm to pick me up at our church which is 3 blocks from our house as I refused to walk up our hill. I felt good after the walk and managed to do some errands and grocery shopping. Tomorrow may be a different store. Plus Advil and a beer at dinner helped.

Jeanne--Glad that you also had a great 20 miler. I feel more confident after this LW. At least the next time I have to do 20 plus miles I will have my friend to share the experience with.

Maria--Congratulations on doing your 10 miler. You get extra points for doing it on the TM.

Let the tapering begin.

Nancy

 

[windwalker]

Ok Nancy and Jeanne are in the taper mode now. God help us!

Big warm hug for Connie in the snow.

Maria, you are doing super pretty princess.

Hi Kim

I'm off to bed, I'm staying out of trouble tonight.

Sleepy Panda

 

[nepatsfan73]

**Maria, Jeanne and Nancy** Way to go and congrats on the long walks.

**Connie** Enjoy the snow. As the song says, there's nothing like: "Walking in my winter underwear ..." (Or something like that).

**Robert** Hope all is as well as can be expected with the knees, shins and snow.

**Dave** Sweet (and innocent) dreams.

**Kim** How's it going with our friendly neighbors to the North?

 

[windwalker]

**Maria, Jeanne and Nancy** Way to go and congrats on the long walks.

**Connie** Enjoy the snow. As the song says, there's nothing like: "Walking in my winter underwear ..." (Or something like that).

**Robert** Hope all is as well as can be expected with the knees, shins and snow.

**Dave** Sweet (and innocent) dreams.

**Kim** How's it going with our friendly neighbors to the North?

Hi Bill, wondered where you were, I hope you are at peace with your decision to postpone the half. I've missed your wit and humor on here, don't be a stranger. Well you are pretty strange though, not normal like me.

We will give Princessrunner your share of the beer.

Party Panda

 

[nepatsfan73]

Mornin' Dave:

I've been around, mainly back to lurking though as people have been in some serious training and I don't have much practical advice for that (yet). I am fine with my decision not to do the half in 2008 (especially since some mornings still start with me looking like a question mark and a couple of other "minor" medical issues have arisen). I will miss WDW though, oh ... and seeing the WISH team too.

Right now I am, among other things, trying to figure out what I should do January 2009. I am in much better physical condition than earlier this year (as scary as that sounds) and will have a whole year to train. So, I am trying to decide whether to do the marathon, set a higher goal of Goofy (or save that for 2010) or play it safe with the half.

I know I will just be my regular self (which should probably qualify me), but I am awaiting the taper madness of others with breathless anxiety.

 

[jeanneg]

Yay, Nancy....we did it!!!!! My feet are still a little sore, but that's the only part that ever hurts. Mentally, I'm so happy that it's over I will gladly deal with the discomfort. I love the story about Brian and the Christmas sweater....it sounds like something my kids would do.

Bill, I'm certainly no expert, but I think you need to set reasonable goals. Planning to do the Goofy before you've ever done a full is akin to suicide in my book. The only reason Nancy and I decided to do the full is because we did a half in April and found it relatively easy after only a short period of training. Going from half to full is truly a quantum leap. I can't imagine what it must be like to do the Goofy, but I am certain I am not ready for that yet. A whole lot of interesting things begin to happen to your body after 15 miles and they are not pretty. Definitely get one half-marathon under your belt before you start to think of bigger events. Again, I'm no expert but it just seems like common sense.

Happy holiday preparations everyone!

 

[Steffwalks]

Bill "Later on, we'll perspire as we drink by the fire, what a wonderful sight we're happy tonight walking in our winter underwear!"

Jeanne It was a rest day for me, so I didn't have to think about doing something indoors. Too bad I have so many of those rest days strung togeter back to back to back.....I guess it's a good thing I am not trying to be Goofy! I will however, be monitoring all your progress! And cheering loudly from the stands in Texas. You will be able to hear me, I promis!

You are all doing so well, you will be the greatest team of all....heck, you're/we're already the greatest team of all!!

Bill As for deciding what you want to try, you can always try my plan! Pick a half and try training. See how you do. Then, consider training for a marathon after that, and then Goofy in 2010. That way, you will have time to work up to a Goofy, have a solid base and feel confident in your ability!

 

[nepatsfan73]

**Connie and Jeanne** Thanks for the input. My current thinking is to plan a half for either late spring or early fall (don't know if I want to even try one in the summer) and make WDW my first marathon attempt in 2009 (saving Goofy for 2010, the 5th annivery). I also hope to work in the 2008 Tower of Terror. Of course, my plans are always subject to change.

 

[padisneyfan]

Jeanne--- My legs are a little sore this morning, but overall I feel good. Yesterday after finishing the 20 miles I felt about the same way I do after doing a half. Now either we are in great physical shape for the marathon or our bodies are just so worn out that our brain doesn't realize it yet. Brian said they got a big cheer from the people at the bar when they walked in. Someone has pictures that maybe when I'm in the nursing home someone will show me. Erik got in this morning at 4am. Your are on your own for the Goofy, I will be glad to do the Donald next year.

Bill--- Jeanne and I had been big walkers before we started all of this, so the training for the half marathon was not nearly as hard for us as training for this marathon. I would go with the recommendations from both Connie and Jeanne. Just start off with a half and see how that goes before making any decisions about what you want to do in 2009. I am never doing another marathon after this one as the training takes up to much time and strain on my tired old body. Only halfs or less for me. Hope your back continues to improve.


Connie--- Hope you are able to stay warm and not have to go out in the snow. So you be having a White Christmas.

Hi to Dave, Robert, Maria and Denise.

Rest day for me as far as walking goes. Making a big dinner for tonight so need to start doing something in the kitchen.

Nancy

 

[windwalker]

MERRY CHRISTMAS DEAR FRIENDS



I have to go to work today, pout pout. We close at 6 though so Erica and I get the evening together and then we are off the next 2 days together.

I hope eveyone feels as blessed as we do this holiday season. Oh we have had a few rough spots but for the most part life is good. We are healthy and happy and there is love, joy and caring in our home.

We are not rich but from the look of what a lot of the rich are doing, they don't seem near as happy as us.

Everyone


Happy Panda

 

[jeanneg]

I have to disagree with you Dave.....you are very rich, as we all are here. Family and friends are the greatest wealth of all and it is beyond measure. You have all made my life wonderful and I am eternally greatful for everyone here. A happy and blessed Christmas to to all, no matter what you celebrate.
I'll probably be signing off soon as the traditional festivities begin. Peace and love to all.

Jeanne and John

 

[windwalker]

I have to disagree with you Dave.....you are very rich, as we all are here. Family and friends are the greatest wealth of all and it is beyond measure. You have all made my life wonderful and I am eternally greatful for everyone here. A happy and blessed Christmas to to all, no matter what you celebrate.
I'll probably be signing off soon as the traditional festivities begin. Peace and love to all.

Jeanne and John

Jeanne and John Merry Christmas to you wonderful people, can't wait to see y'all in January.

Happy Panda

 

[padisneyfan]

Merry Christmas Everyone

I am also working today. It will be a full 8 hr shift for me.

You have all been so supportive this year and I really appreciate all of you. You have become like a second family. Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas.


Nancy

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Merry Christmas to all!!!!!!

We have to work today as well. I agree with Dave that being rich isn't measured in $$$. Life is throwing Linda and I a curve ball(s) but we are making the most. 2008 will be a interesting and creative year.

I can't wait to see all of our friends in a couple of weeks

 

[Scott H]

Merry Christmas to ALL.

I actually tollerated the boredom of the dreadmill this morn. Now it is time to get the pups out for a walk, wind is at 25-30MPH and we are expecting gusts to 55+.

Stay safe Stay warm, and we are looking forward to seeing ya all real soon.

I kinda have the week off, KEWL!!!!

 

[Steffwalks]

We Wish you a Merry Christmas, You are all family and you are all prized among the greatest of Rubies and Emeralds, Frankenscense and Mirhh!

 

[wdw4us]

I didn't "work" today but got up at 5 for coffee, then off to the hospital for my annual mamogram and bone scan. Came home and stared my holiday cooking. It is now 4pm and a bit of cleaning to do then I can relax. My son and his GF are coming for dinner, the whole family tomorrow.

I am VERY blessed with health and happiness. I do have the whole week off, which is very rare for me but I will enjoy every minute of it.

Did 4 miles on the TM yesterday, my right knee started to bother me. Used some blue gel, a couple of red Tylenol and I was back in business. I hope it's just the TM and not my leg starting up.

Have a good rest of the Holiday - will check in now and then.

denise