What inspires you?

[DJBounce]

To all my fellow DisWishers,

On my way home from work tonight I was mentally going through this upcoming weekend and I thought of something I heard Tony Robbins say once. He said (not a direct quote, but you know what I mean) that motivation could be a song, or a warm bath, but inspiration is something that drives us. Seeing how this is the We're INSPIRED to Stay Healthy board I thought that it might be nice to get my head in check by reflecting what my inspiration is for this weekend. Quite simply, it's my wife Darcey. Now those of you who are married may say, "Well duh, your spouse, thats a no brainer answer"..but hear me out.
Last February my wife and I decided to sign up and train for the 2007 WDW Half Marathon. At that point we have been in other races before (as walkers, as we are this weekend), but have never done one as long as a Half. As a result of signing up my wife and I made appointments with our respective doctors for a checkup, just to make sure the engines are running on all cylinders and the suspension will hold up. WELL....my wife had an abnormal Pap, and she was referred to a gynocologist for further workup. The further workup resulted in a diagnosis of cervical cancer. As I type this I can still remember that phone call my wife got from the doctor. We were in the kitchen when it came and after the call we were so shocked that we didn't really know how to react. Her cancer was a slow moving group of cells (so low on the list it wasn't even a stage yet it was referred to as malignant cells in situ), and the doctor was confident that surgery would more than take care of it. The less invasive option was to cryogenically freeze them, but the doctor recommended the surgical route as it was more of a permanent solution as with the cryo there was a chance they could return. Many tears and hugs later, we decided to go the route of surgery. Now I had a Grandfather I was VERY close to pass away a couple of years ago from cancer and the thought of losing my wife was all too real and it weighed heavily on my mind. As we felt that our three children were enough of a family she scheduled and underwent surgery to remove her uterus and cervix. Her surgery was done in May. She spent the next 6 weeks recovering and still had residual pain for some time after.
The surgery was a success as my wife has had two negative Paps and we're all (my wife, me, the doc) are confident that this ordeal is behind us. But I was thinking tonight "What if we didn't sign up for this race?" How slow moving were those cells", "when would we have found out?" It was all too real, and I knew that this had to be a post to share with my teammates.
So my inspiration is my wife, not only what is our time together, but what could have been. I am very humbled to have such a loving and wonderful woman for a soulmate, and it is truly an honor and priveldge to race this weekend not only FOR her but WITH her. And when we cross that finish line we will be hand in hand and raise them up in personal victory.
So my teammates, I ask...What inspires you?

Humbly and appreciatively yours
Andrew
The XY of DJBounce

 

[amyfinke]

WOW...that is SO sweet...your wife is a very lucky woman!! I can somewhat relate to what she has gone through as I had a couple of abnormal paps when I was 19 or 20. Fortunately, they were pre-cancerous cells I didn't have to endure the whole cancer treatment ordeal. My heart goes out to her.

My reasons for running this race (and running in general) are much more shallow compared to that lol. Quite simply, I used to be a good 45 lbs heavier and don't ever want to be that unhealthy again. I have always been active and my mom has always stressed how important good health is (even though she is overweight herself - she didn't want me battling the same demons), but my weight has been really up and down since high school...well, the onset of puberty, actually! I cheered all through middle and high school and took up running the summer between 8th and 9th grade. Even with all my activity, I still managed to gain weight! I know a lot of girls resented me being on the cheerleading squad because I was heavier AND more talented despite the extra weight...I made the All-American squad my senior year!

It wasn't until a couple of years ago - when I ran into someone from my graduating class - that I discovered everyone had called me the "chunky cheerleader" behind my back. That hurt. Nevertheless, it inspired me to stay fit and continue running. Something that has been really hard for me to accept is that I have never been "skinny" and I never will be. I am 5'6" and 145 lbs - a lot of which is muscle. I think 135-140 is ideal for me, but I will worry about that after this weekend This marathon is a huge personal victory and a slap in the face to everyone who called me the "chunky cheerleader" in high school. Who's laughing now!?

"I know I run like a girl...try to keep up!" - The Runner Girl

 

[keenercam]

Andrew -- That story gave me goosebumps. I am so glad that this journey has brought you both to, literally, a happy place. What an amazing, serendipitous set of circumstances for your family. I cannot wait to see pictures of you and DW crossing that finish line together!

As for what inspires me? a desire to take control of my life and my health after many years of being completely out of control. For 9 years and 11 months I had a heart condition, ventricular tacchychardia. First, it was intermittent and sporadic. With time it became sustained, and ultimately "continuous".

I had 2 attempted ablations -- procedures where they thread catheters through the groin and carotid artery to the heart and burn away tissue in the heart to eradicate the "short circuit". Those procedures were partially successful and I used some really radical drugs to keep my heart rate under control. After a while, the series of calcium channel blockers and beta blockers took a toll on my body and I started having other issues, including thyroid problems. All through this, I continued to be tired and lethargic, and as a consequence, I gained weight. Even more so than I was already battling.

It got to a point where I couldn't stay on a particular drug any longer and the doctors in my cardiology team couldn't optimistically schedule another ablation. I contacted the AMA and the American Heart Association, looking for a specialist, an electrophysiologist who might take on my case. I happened upon a group at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. The first time we met the doctor, my husband said he had a very big ego, maybe a bit of a "God complex" -- "the fact that you've had 2 attempted ablations already is meaningless to me. I didn't do them. If I try and it doesnt' succeed, then I will concede that your condition is not curable." His first attempt was over 7 hours long and when I came to in the recovery room, he had tears in his eyes as he told me the procedure was not successful, and he'd had to finally give up because I was in too much pain.

We tried a lot of things after that, including a drug that I had a bad reaction to, and which landed me in ICU for 2 days. At that point, my "resting" heart rate was anywhere from 154-185. My blood levels were all out of whack and the lack of oxygen in my blood was literally effecting my ability to function, mentally and physically.

By November 2004, I could barely drive and struggled to make it to work each day. DH drove me pretty much everywhere as I was constantly on the verge of blacking out.

On January 6, 2005, the same doctor at JH took another shot at fixing my heart and succeeded. There was no protocol for the surgery he did. Others in his field have called him a "cowboy" for even attempting it. But the fact is, he took a chance and pursued success and has now presented his methodology at symposia for other electrophysiologists so that other people who suffer the same type of vtach might have a resolution.

A year and a day after that 4th "surgery", I completed the 2006 1/2 Marathon. It's been almost 2 years now and I am healthier and happier than I've ever been in my life. I've lost 65 pounds and even though I still have many more to lose, I have kept the weight off and have made exercise a regular part of my life.

What inspires me to keep going? I guess the drive of that doctor for success where the situation was supposedly hopeless. I guess the quest for continued good health, having been given a chance to be in control of my own situation for a change, rather than being a victim of circumstance.

Sorry for rambling. It is so hard for me to put this all into words. I am just so happy to be here with my WISH friends, pursuing a healthy lifestyle and a Mickey medal! And I am so grateful for the opportunity to do so.

 

[escape]

Wow! Andrew, Amy and Cam - your stories are so inspiring.

Andrew - what a touching story! *sniff* *sniff* I'm so glad that your wife is doing well and you will be crossing that finish line together.

Amy - Good for you! I wonder how many of the other cheerleaders can say they have run a marathon. 26.2 MILES! I was driving home on the freeway last night and I decided to see what 13.1 and 26.2 miles felt like while driving a car. When I really thought about it, I just couldn't imagine walk/running either distance. You go, girl!

Cam - I never knew your full story. That's incredible! Thank God for that doctor and his determination to succeed. Wow! to you, your family and that doctor! The world is at your feet now.

My story is not quite as powerful as the others. However, this half-marathon means a lot to me.

I was a couch potato for many, many years. I never stuck to any exercise program for any length of time. I was also quite overweight. A good friend of mine, who ran in the half last year, encouraged me to sign up this year. I thought she was joking at first because I could barely run for 15 seconds, let alone for 13.1 miles. Besides, at my age, it would be too hard....so I thought. However, in the back of my mind I thought that this might be the tool I needed to finally get healthy. So, in March '06, I signed up.

The problem was that I really wasn't ready to commit. I had failed so many times before at an exercise program. What made me think I could do this? I kept putting off my training maybe secretly hoping it would be too late and that I wouldn't have to do this. I just didn't want to fail....again. However, my friend was persistent - she said I could do it. So, in August I started to train to train. I worked out with a trainer twice a week but I still couldn't run much. I finally worked up to running a minute (and that was using every breath I had). When I officially started to train in October (using the MFM walk/run plan) I could barely walk 5 min and run 1 min for 2 miles. How was I going to do 13.1 miles?

After about the 2nd week of training, I was ready to give it up. I was barely doing a 16 min/mile and thinking I was going to have a heart attack afterwards. Anne (Maherae) and Kathy (nycpa) sent me pms and encouraged me to stick with it. My friend was also very persistent. I slowly started getting a little better and gained a little more confidence. At the start of each new LR, however, I had my doubts but with each LR, I was able to do a little better than the time before. Thank God that I failed to read all the advice that you should already have had a good exercise program in place for about a year before attempting to do this. It wasn't until I was about three or four weeks into the training that I discovered this tidbit.

Some how I stuck with this - much to my amazement and DH's - he had seen me fail so many times before. My inspiration - my friend, Cindy, for encouraging me to sign up and YOU GUYS, the WISH teamfor keeping me going. Through your stories, thoughts and actions, the good and the bad, I was able to stick with my training. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this group and encouraging me along the way. Now, if you guys can just wave the magic wand and make the pulled muscle in my leg go away, I will be forever grateful.

 

[keenercam]

Susie - -You are going to do great! I cannot wait to see pix of you crossing the finish line and sporting your awesome Donald medal!

Amy -- Kudos to you, sweetie, for bucking the stereotypes and proving that anyone with enough heart and determination can succeed! I LOVE that you proved so many people wrong without even knowing that you had to prove anything to anyone. I like that you did it for yourself and that you have been so successful. Congratulations! And keep up the great work!

 

[DJBounce]

Susie, Amy, and Cam..your stories are great and thanks for sharing your experiences. Cam, yours is especially near to my heart (no pun intended) as I am an RN who works on a cardiac floor at the U of IA Hospital. We see a lot of patients pre and post ablation and some with previous attempts in the past. When I read that you were in surgery for 7 hours, my lower back howled out in pain. It's great that you were able to find a surgeon that was able to take care of your V-Tach (scary, very scary to us nurses), especially with a newer method. That's one of the many things about the health care field I love; the new techniques, and the amazing breakthroughs.
And Amy I can relate to your story. When we made this decision to do this, I weighed in at 295. I told one of my coworkers (who, at that time,had recently ran her first marathon) my intention. One of my other coworkers was nearby at the time and when she looked up at me from what she was doing, her eyes went straight to my gut (Yeah...my gut) then to my face. I called her out on it and her face got all red as she knew she had done it (unintentionally, I know, she really is a nice person). I passed it off as a funny thing, but it really felt like a low blow. But in October I told my wife that my goal weight for this trip was 250 (at that time I weighed 274). This morning I stepped on the scale and weighed in at 249. I am soo looking forward to this weekend!

 

[angietuck2]

Wow I found a thread where I totally fit in !! Each one of your stories has made me cry ( I tend to be a little emotional ) and I have to say each one of your courage and determination inspires me.

My story is no where near as inspirational, as far as health issues but this 1/2 marathon means a lot to me. This year has been a year of going from thinking I could not do much of anything to feeling like I can do anything.

My husband and I experienced a rough 6 months in our marraige, but as the healing began we began to run together (we both went to the gym and worked out but like everything else in our life it was done seperately). Running became the one thing we found that we liked to do together.

So we ran the Disney Race for The Taste 10K in October and it was such an emotional experience. Our goal was to finish in an hour since we averaged 10 minute miles. When we got to the starting line, being the over-achiever that I am I informed him that we were going to finish in less than an hour. We did awesome, but the last 200 yards I siezed up with stomache cramps, but he encouraged me along and we finished in 58:30 !! I have never been athletic, I was on the drill team in high school but could not run a mile (literally). It felt so good.

I have always been a negative person who did not think I could do anything.
But in this year alone I will have run my first 10K, my first 1/2 marathon and in May I will graduate USF with a Civil Engineering Degree ( not to mention my beautiful husband and two beautiful boys - who will be there to cheer us on this weekend.)

I truly believe you can do anything you put your mind to and God is sometimes working behind the scenes even when we don't see it.

Good luck to everyone and thank you for sharing your wonderful stories !!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

That I am modeling health and fitness to my girls (soon to be "kids" when a boy is added to the mix).


And something about running through a finish chute that is just so darn .

Evidently I inspired my husband. He hates to sweat--I mean HATES to sweat. He is a couch potato poster man. He VOLUNTARILY signed up for the half last year and ran with me . Found out we make a good race team though during training we only ran together twice and I wanted to deck him.

And for this next year *gulp*, he VOLUNTARILY said he would do the full.

He hasn't come out and said it--but I figure he believes if the wifey can do it, then so can he.

 

[keenercam]

Andrew – It is funny you mention the back pain. The last surgery, I think, I was on the table for 9 hours and 40 minutes. Even now, I remember the agony of the back pain when I came to. And they were very careful with what they gave me because of the heart issues. Between people practically standing on my groin incisions and the back pain, I was not so thrilled to be conscious!

The male nurses who took care of me at Hopkins were the most amazingly compassionate people I have ever met in my life. One gentleman told my husband he would stay with me in Howard’s place until he could turn me back over to his care and that he would even hold my hand if I wanted him to. I was so terrified, that just those words calmed me. He is also the gentleman who asked me in the OR if I was doing okay while they were placing the grounding pads and the xray plates under and around my body and putting all the foam in place. I told him “this is a bit disconcerting”. He told me “I’ll take care of it” and looked at the anesthesiologist and nodded. I was out instantly. In the recovery room, he was holding one hand and Howard was holding the other. He told me he just wanted me to know he’d kept his promise. Even now, my memory of him and the fact that he made sure I wasn’t scared makes me want to cry with gratitude.

Another memory I have is that when I was in ICU, the male nurse who was assigned to sit at the foot of my bed to watch me – the monitors kept shutting down as malfunctioning when my vtach sustained at over 186 for minutes at a time – offered to wash my hair for me because I was so distraught at feeling grungy. No one else cared that I was scared and uncomfortable but he did.

Okay, sorry about that. I just want you know Andrew that what you do makes a difference in the lives of your patients every day. I think you are amazing, and I don’t even know you. God bless you.

And congratulations on losing so much weight, Andrew! That is absolutely awesome! Just think of how happy you will be when you are looking at those pictures of you crossing the finish line!

Angie -- congratulations on all you have accomplished. You have so much to be proud of right now and each day will bring you toward all you will achieve this year. I am so happy for you!

Lisa -- I am so impressed with all you overcame to finish your races the past two January's at Disney. I am really looking forward to sharing another race weekend with you in '08!

 

[andromedaslove]

Cam - Your story made me cry. I knew that there were issues with your heart, but never knew the full story or everything that you went through. Cam, YOU are an inspiration.

Andrew - Your story hits REALLY close to home. I am so happy to hear that your wife is doing so well.

My story actually started in July of 2003. My husband and I had been expecting the birth of our second child. Unfortunately, we found out at one of our ultrasounds that our child (later discovered to be another little boy) had a birth defect. He was diagnosed with Anencephaly, a Neural Tube Defect that is "incompatible with life". Those words still make me cry. We were devestated. Due to health concerns during my pregnancies, and the fact that there was nothing anyone could do, we chose to induce labor early. So at 24 weeks, after 18 hours of labor, I gave birth to an 11oz baby boy named Matthew Alexander. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever gone through.

In order to get through it, as soon as I was cleared (actually earlier) I was out running again. Running until I just couldn't run anymore. It was the only thing I had that could make the pain go away (at least temporarily). I was already on here (The DIS) because I had been planning Matthew's first trip to WDW, and happened to come across a post about the Marathon and started checking into it. I decided that I would run the Disney Marathon for my little boy. Unfortunately, life got in the way along with a million other things and I didn't even get as far as registering. 6months later we decided to try one more time, and in October of 2004 I gave birth to my baby boy who is now 2.

This year though I finally did get registered. I was just starting to ramp up the training when my DH and I both came down with REALLY bad cases of bronchitis. Since we had both smoked since we were 12-13 getting bronchitis was really something we were used to. However, this time something was different. They took a chest x-ray for me, and said that everything looked fine and sent me home. The next day I got a phone call from the Dr. who said that there was something abnormal in my x-ray and they wanted me to come back in. So I came in for another x-ray to rule out any shadows or anything, and the Dr. again told me there was some sort of "Mass" and they weren't sure wether it was in my lungs or my breast, but they wanted another radiologist to look at it. I walked out the door of that office, smoked one last cigarette and threw them away. I was facing my worst nightmare. The thought that I could have something so wrong that I could lose both of my boys because I wouldn't be here to see them grow up. That my boys could grow up without their Mommy. Luckily, the radiologist called me a few days later and advised me that the Dr. was incorrect. There was absolutely NOTHING wrong with my x-rays and that they were so sorry. It has been 8 months now and I haven't had a cigarette since.


This has definately been a crazy journey, but some wonderful things have happened along the way. 1) I met all of you wonderful people. 2) I finally quit smoking after 13 years!!! 3) I have realized I can do so much more than I ever imagined. 4) and I am finally running the race I promised I would run in memory of my Angel Matthew.

Who would have thought all of this could come from just one little race?!


Dana

 

[keenercam]

Wow, Dana. What a journey you have travelled. My heart goes out to you, sweetie. I remember when you were quitting smoking and how much I admired your tenacity, then. And now, here you are. Healthier, I am sure, than you have been in more than 13 years and about to fulfill a dream and a promise. Can't wait to share the joy with you!

 

[chimera]

...all these guys

I never would have considered participating in an endurance event if I hadn't seen the first WISH team preparing to do the 2005 half. I never would have stuck with it if I hadn't found a home here with all these great folks who offer such fabulous support and advice. Reading the stories of what some of you have been through to get you to this point today is just amazing.

...setting an example for my kids. Hope we can fight off the bad heart, diabetes, etc genes that persist in my family.

...my patients. When I started in my current practice, we were seeing weight management patients. It was hard to 'talk the talk' when I wasn't 'walking the walk'. I felt hypocritical talking about weight with patients when I was at 180lbs.

 

[wtpclc]

amazing stories... to all of you.

Angie - lol. Running with dh danr near made me want to divorce him some days. Your marriage must be pretty strong. It is great to haev a partner in it, though, isn't it?

My story. In February 2004, dh and did a land/sea WDW vacation. I joined Curves just before that, because I was sick of mypants being tight. Tuesday of that week, we met my parents at EPCOT. I could barely keep up with my dad. WHen dh and I retunred to our room, I noted how great it was that my parents were so "young" and I could still barely keep up with my dad. (He was 65 then).

1 week later, my mom called me to tell me that my dad was going in for by pass surgery that day. Well, my dad had diabetes, but controlled it with mostly diet & excercise adn minimal drugs (no insulin). Genetics are evil, though. My dad made it through just fine, but the doctor said that he would have had a heart attck 10 years earlier had henot taken care of himself.

I deceided then, that I needed to do something. Stuchk with CUrves adn found WISH. Reading about the 05 team really inspired me. Dh and I had both run in hs, but not since. I swore I'd never run again, but dh had always wanted to run a marathon. I read a bout the 05 tream and figured that if anyting oculd make me run a marathon, WDW could. We finished the full in 06. Then we decided to keep going, because if we still needed a goal and a reward to get us off the couch.

Our eating and exercise habits are far from perfect, but we've come a long way. I never would have taken the first step without WISH, though. (And I might have killed dh on teh journey last year. )

 

[DJBounce]

Angie-That was a great effort to finish a 10K in less than an hour! It's fantastic that you are graduating soon. One of my coworkers told me last week that she read about a study that was done regarding children and their likeliness to attend college after high school. She said that thos with mothers that had college degrees were much more apt to attend college. And the fact that your actively keeping fit and healthy shows what a great role model you and your husband are!
Lisa- Another great role model for their children. My oldest son (13) told me that he wanted to start running with me because he want to go out for the cross country team in the Spring. I was so proud that this is something he and I can have as a way of bonding. I can easily see how you feel with your childrena and the example you set.
Cam- I appreciate your comments very much! I really enjoy what I do, even though some days it may not feel that I am making much of a difference. I am usually one of those people that "stand" and patients groin when removing the sheath from them. Most of the patients that come back with "lines" have two requests: 1.They want to eat (they are usually kept NPO - nothing to eat or drink for some time prior to their procedure) and 2. They want something for thier back pain. Thos table they do their procedure on are not very comfortable, not at all. I joke with my patients that someone should tell Sealy or Serta that they would make a killing making matresses for hospitals beds.
Dana- Your post hit me but hard. I cannot ever imagine that pain of losing a child. Our daughter has special needs, she is mentally retarded, and has a seizure disorder, all among a list of other problems. Even though she has had these since birth I cannot imagine life wihout her, no way, un huh. Its great that you also quit smoking (even though it was quite a scary ordeal). Sure it turned out to be a physicians error i n the end and there really was nothing negative about the x-ray, you still had to go through that moment of not knowing (which in my opinion is the worst, if you get bad news you can work towards acceptance and deal with it, but not knowing, the imagination runs wild). I'm sure your Angel Matthew will be looking down at you cheering you on "Run Mommy! Give Mickey a hug for me!".
Mel- Thanks for the hug.
It's great that you can be a good role model!
Carrie - It's great that you were able to take that first step. My diet is not that great. I did make small changes that added up to lifestyle altetrations. This is the first Christmas in a LONG time that I didn't attack the sweets with reckless abandon. I feel great for it too, but this trip of ours I'm gonna relax and enjoy.

Well to you all. I'm headin off to bed...our flight is at 5:50 in the morning and our ride to the airport is coming at 4:15...I gotta get some sleep. Hopefully I will see you all this weekend. My wife and I are gonna be at the DisMeet Friday at Pop Century and Sunday night for the Illumination Desert Party. (YUM YUM)

 

[windwalker]

On June 29th and July 2nd I will be competing against the best racewalkers in the nation who are 50 and above. will be lining up against current and prior US and even World record holders, in their age groups. I will be representing Ky in the 55 to 59 age group. I don't think I will have a chance of winning a medal but I'm going to work my butt off to be good enough to prove I belong there.

In the state games which are the qualifing trials for the National Games, I had not a hope of winning a medal and going to the nationals. When our race started a lot of walkers got out ahead of me. I thought wow I don't have a chance here. Then something kicked in and I decided ok if I can't win I will at least hold nothing back and give it everything I have to give. I won the bronze medal and a trip to the nationals.

When I toe that starting line I will be a lot leaner and strong as a bear. That is my dream, my vision, my shot at being elite. That is what inspires we and hey I watched Rocky, it could happen.

Dave

 

[MouseDogMom]

All of YOU inspire me! And make me cry, too.

Andrew - Your story was amazing. So glad it has a happy ending and that you and your wife have found something to share. And congratulations on the weight loss too!

Cam - I've always known there were problems with your heart, but the entire story is unbelievable. I'm so proud of you for how far you've come! It makes every run you report even more amazing.

Dana - You have accomplished so much. To overcome such tragedy AND to quit smoking - not an easy thing. Way to go girl!

I started with a simple goal. I had never really set a goal and done what it took to achieve it, never, in all my 43 years. I read about the Minnie Marathon and decided I wanted to run the 5K. DH thought I'd lost my mind, since I'd never run, except in PE class in college. I became determined to do it to prove that I could, and then I found the WISH group, and suddenly I had a whole group of people who believed that I could do it even though they'd never met me, and I was more motivated by this group than ever.

Now it's become a mix of all the other things people have said - a desire to set an example for DD, a need to do something to make sure I'm healthier than my mother ever was. But if I don't run, I can't in good conscience come to the WISH boards and post, and then I miss a really great group of people! Now my goal has become the 2008 half...

Jackie

 

[angietuck2]

Jackie

I just have to tell you (as my 7 year old son said) YOU GO GIRL!!

We just got home from our magical marathon weekend and it was amazing. What is most amazing to me is all of the people who set a goal and achieved it. There was a lady running by us in the 1/2 marathon Saturday whose shirt said, " The miracle is, I had the courage to start" And that is the truth. That inspired me through some very tough miles on that 13 mile course.

The registration for 2008 starts on Jan 8, sign up, trust me eveytime you think about not running/walking that day - the upcoming race will give you motivation (it did for me anyway).Whatever you want to accomplish, just keep going, please don't give up, you can do it!!

Sorry if I sound very sappy, I just finished my first 1/2 marathon and I'm feeling a little emotional. I laughed at a guy a year a go in the Under Armour Store who asked me if I was doing the Disney Marathon that weekend - I lauged at him! And we did it, I still can't believe it.

For me it started with the Race for the Taste 10k in October, which was the perfect starting race, which led to this half marathon. I am so addicted, I am trying to figure out a way I can do the Minnie Marathon ( I graduate on May 5 - I don't know how I could do both) but the experience is awesome!!!

Good luck and thanks to everyone who shared their stories !!!

 

[DJBounce]

We wore our WISH shirts to cheer on the runners Sunday morning for the Full. A woman came up to my wife and said that it was reading the DLF>DNF>>DNS on a WISH team members shirt the day of the 1/2 that got her though it.