WISH Racing Team Roster, Bios/Pictures

[bridgerunner]

Greetings from Sunny Florida!

My name is Donna, posting under Bridgerunner, and though I am not new to running, I am new to the forum and joined because you came highly recommended by two very dear friends of mine (they know who they are ).

I recently finished my second marathon, which was the 2008 Walt Disney World and all I can say is, “WOW what a blast!!”
Now, I am trying to make up my mind if I want to run the 2008 LaSalle Bank (Chicago Marathon) or the 2009 Miami ING marathon .
I am defineate on running the Gasparilla ½ marathon in Tampa, FL on February 10, and then the Tower of Terror in Kissimmee, FL on October 25.

Glad to meet you all, and thank you for allowing me to join your group!

I don't know how to embed a picture, sorry. Maybe someone can help me out!

 

[hoosmi]

Hey! I'm Jen (Jen in GA) and I'm 37. I grew up in Texas, went to school in Virginia, and now live in South Georgia. My husband and I are attorneys and work together.

We have two kids, Emma (8) and Harry (almost 2). I'm trying to get both kids interested in walking/running. Here's Emma at the Tower of Terror 6.5k and Harry in his legendary jogging stroller (can you say every LR for Goofy!?)

]

I started running last year. I'm one of those idiots who ran a few miles, read Robert's trip reports which led me to the WISH boards, got all excited, and signed up for Goofy! Some days I give WISHers the blame , but really I know they deserve the credit for getting me my bling! I'm planning on signing up for the half in 2009 and scream teaming for the full. I loved Goofy, but I think I want to get a couple more years of running in before I go the Goofy route again!

Here's DH with Harry:

Here's me during the full:

Jen in GA

 

[WDWFAN9]

Here we are at the DL Inaugural half in 2006.

My name is Pat and I will soon turn 53 Actually, I tell my kids I am fine with getting oldER, but I absolutely refuse to get old!

Let's see what can I tell you about myself? Well, I was a SAHM for many years until my youngest entered preschool, then I returned to college part-time to get my undergrad degree in accounting. It took seven years and by time I graduated my oldest two were out of highschool and my youngest were in junior high. I was incredibly lucky to get a job with the corporate portion of a non-profit Catholic healthcare system in IL. I might not make as much money as if I worked in the public sector but I love the ideals of my workplace, it is a great place to work, my boss is terrific, and even better - they have a very generous PTO plan!! And like I tell my kids, numbers are beautiful!!

I have 4 children and 2 step-children. My oldest, Doug, is 30 and married to his long-time sweetheart. Then comes Sarah, 28, who some of you met at the 2007 Minnie. She is married to a great guy who swept her off her feet. Erin is 22, and some of you met her at the 2007 full. She graduated from college last May. My baby, Craig, is 21. He did the Columbus half with me and Lily in 2006, while he was a student at OSU. He is currently taking a break from college and working for my ex. In fact all of my children work in various positions for their father.

DH Jim (jims2cool) and I have been married for a little over 15 years. I am still amazed that a much younger hunka-hunka guy was willing to take on a single mom of FOUR. He truly is an awesome person and absolutely perfect for me. Hey - I like to tell people that he loves to cook and I love to eat, so we are a match made in heaven! Really though, I can't imagine my life without him by my side.

Jim has two children from his first marriage. Nikki, 23, has an almost 3 yr old son, who is the light of his grampa's eyes. Steven is 18 and attending college and working too.

I first stumbled across WISH just after the 2005 WDW marathon. The people who participated were practically vibrating with excitement about their experiences and it was contagious. I already loved all things Disney, and the thought of combining an extra trip to WDW with something that was good for my health was irresistable! I began training to train in Jan 05 and have been at it ever since. There have been ups and downs along the way, but the one thing that has never changed is the awesome support and encouragement that the WISH team gives to all. WISH truly gave me the courage to start, and the courage to continue, and my life has been changed. Thanks TEAM!

 

[Big Vic]

Hello, my name is Vic and I'm 51 years old. I have a lovely wife named Marilyn. We have one son who is currently in Germany with his DW, an active duty Air Force NCO. We have 3 grandchildren and 2 ornery labrador retrievers.

I'm a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant (E-8), retiring in 1998 after a 24 year, 8 month, and 5 day tour of duty. I currently manage a herd of 911 call takers/dispatchers for our county sheriff's office. Marilyn is a stock room manager at a large company that builds components and sub-components for numerous weapons systems.

The boys. Earnhardt is on the right. He was named in honor of Dale Earnhardt Sr. The greatest stock car driver ever. Dusty is on the left. He's our rescue, and he was so dusty and dirty the day we picked him up, the name Dusty stuck.

 

[mkymsehi]

Jeff from Honolulu, Hawaii. I train with the Honolulu Marathon Clinic where the perfect weather allows for year-round running.

http://honolulumarathonclinic.org/

I used to be a golf nut, but thanks to my race partner Marcia (Mooshu) from California, I've become a running nut. I've been checking out the W.I.S.H. boards for a year or so, and enjoy reading everyone's posts.

The Queen and our Princesses who support my running addiction.

Their reward for road crewing my races!

I hope everyone stays motivated, and you all complete your training and races injury free, and with a great big smile on your face.

My Disneyitis explained...

Having the same birthday as Donald Duck has been a fun fact of mine for all my life. I do remember celebrating our birthdays while at Disneyland once, when I was probably 10. My Princesses crack up when I do my angry Donald Duck impersonation. Until recently, Donald was a rare character in the park, but now I find him often in Toontown, usually with Daisy or Goofy.

I haven't been in the park on my actual birthday, but if it's close, I'll get the "It's my birthday button" for the free bag of tortillas in California Adventure .

I grew up in Northern California, and we often either drove down, or flew to the Happiest Place on Earth on a regular basis. It's harder to get there from Hawaii, but our house is almost decorated with Disney, and is affectionately called the Mouse House. I even built a Mickey Mouse mailbox, and the Queen painted on his smiling face.

I own a few shares of Disney stock, and we're proud DVC owners at Saratoga Springs.

My favorite ride is the Disneyland Railroad (I'm a steam train enthusist), love dining at the Blue Bayou, and having a turkey leg. I'm still waiting to see the inside of Club 33. I miss Rod Miller playing piano at Coke Corner. Oh my, where does it end...

My work desk has touches of Disney all around, including my three Disneyland Half Marathon medals, and the inaugural Coast to Coast medal. My set of Goofy medals are at home.

By the way, Princess #1 has the same birthday as Mulan (she was born the day the movie was released on 6/19/98).

Before P#1 was born, my Queen Kim was a cast member at the local Disney store. So she's caught the bug as well.

Poor Princess #2, she's yet to have a Disney tie-in like the rest of us.

Somewhere on line there is a funny list describing reasons why you have Disneyitis, and I will post the link when I locate it.

So that's how I got so into Disney. Mine name is Jeff, and I'm a Disneyholic.


Goofy and a Half 2008 video
http://video.yahoo.com/search/?p=wdw+goofy

Disneyland Half 2007 video
http://video.yahoo.com/search/?p=disneyland+half+2007

 

[mkymsehi]

My racing buddy Marcia from California. It's all her fault that I'm a runner.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/showphoto.php/photo/26172/sort/3/cat/500/page/1

 

[smileyk8]

Ok here goes, i'm a slightly odd addition to WISH board as I live in the UK (blame my slight disney obsession for finding you guys). My name's kate, i'm 22 and am back living with my parents in Chester, north west England. I graduated from University of Nottingham in 2006 where i got my Psychology degree and i'm currently working on an inpatient adolescent mental health unit which i

So... why running? Umm after injuring my foot and being told i wasn't allowed to run i decided i'd quite like to. So 3 years and lots of annoyance later i found my inspiration from this board and got the ok to try so off i went. That was october last year so i'm still very new! Can't say i'm a natural runner, but the satisfaction (and paula radcliffe's encouragement on my nike plus) keeps me going back for more.

The only running picture i have is from the santa dash in december

here's a more normal one of me and mum

My second race ever will be the minnie marathon and i can't wait!!!! Can i just add this board is such a fantastic concept and i love being part of this DIS running team

 

[getnthinr]

I'm Wendy (getnthinr) and I did my first Disney Marathon back in 1998 for two reasons: 1) It was an excuse to go to WDW (Duh!), and 2) I was so slow that all the short races in my area would close up and shut down before I was anywhere near finished -- Races with 7-hour time limits, now they are more my speed!

I live in a rural area in NC so my running buddies have nearly always been virtual -- first, the Disney Deads and Team Penguin (Disney), and now the WISHers. I have only discovered WISH in the last 2 years, but have loved all the folks I've "met" online as well as the ones I've actually met face-to-face at Disney.

My 15 minutes of fame came in 2000 when I did 12 marathons in 12 months (and one ultra -- a 50K). I have always been slow -- I love walking and don't seem to be able to get the knack of racewalking. I love long distance races though and do quite a few annually.

I've been married for almost 18 years to the best guy in the world (IMHO), I have 15-yr-old twin daughters and a 9-yr-old son (all year-round swimmers) and I get paid for my job as a technical writer for a small computer software company owned by three guys I've known nearly 20 years. Pretty stable life.

 

[Cruella de mom]

Hi

My name is Cecilia although I have been known to answer to "Cruella." I am a SAHM to 3 wonderful active kids ages 7, 9,& 11. Dh is also a triathlete so our sports schedules can become quite insane at times. I live in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.

 

[gsu1988]

I’m Ken (gsu1988). I am 41 years old and live in Martinez (Augusta) Ga with my wife of 19 years and our 10 year old daughter. As far as career goes I am the Athletic manager for the Columbia County Recreation Department.

I am now into my second life as a runner. I ran in high school and college but that was 20 years ago. After college I did not run much and because I still had the same eating habits I gained a lot of weight. About 5 years ago I got fed up with my weight and got back to running again. I lost 50 pounds (many of which I have regained) and got on the road again. I needed a goal to keep myself going so I chose to do the Disney Marathon. During my first running career I had done several half marathons and even several medium length triathlons but never a marathon. I chose Disney because I grew up just about an hour away from Orlando and have been to Disney so many times that I can not even count them all. So, what better place to run my first marathon than a place I loved so much as a kid. Well, things were not meant to be that year since I sprained my ankle on a training run in September so the 2005 race was out of the picture. After healing I continued to run but not at the same level I had before the ankle. I needed another motivator so I took the plunge again and signed up for 2007 full. This time no injuries but also not much training. Not wanting to waist the money I decided to go anyway. I finished which is what my goal was. I was pretty happy with my 5:12 time but knew if I trained I could run better. This year I was in much better shape, still overweight, but in better shape and I shaved nearly 30 minutes off my time. I finished this year in 4:49.

Even tough I know that my glory days are over (PRs - half marathon 1:18, 5K 15:20, 10K 33:40 – but like I said that was 20 years ago and about 100 pounds ago) I still enjoy running just as much as I did back then. Joining WISH and getting to know all you people has made my second go round as a runner even better. Thanks for being there!

In College 1986

 

[twotoohappy]

Hey all!
I'm twotoohappy aka Liz
I'm a single mom of a dd12.
We live on Cape Cod and are DVC members at BCV and VWL.
This past January I did my first races ever doing the 5k and 1/2
and I LOVED it!!! Loved having all the WISH screamers
along the route! My favorite place in WDW is Jellyrolls and it's
a must do every trip
I just signed up with my friend Susan to do the Goofy + 5k next year
Here's some pics from the race:

 

[Duanerice]

Hi All,
We moved from Syracuse NY to Ft Myers Florida almost 22 years ago. No regrets at all! I am 50 and am married to my beautiful wife Denise. We have been married for a long, long time but not long enough. We have 2 grown children - that are out on their own! Our son lives in Germany on active duty with the Army. My daughter lives here in town. We also have a wonderful Maltese named Zoe.

My wife and Granddaughter

I am a Facilities Manager for a large office building and am also a Real Estate Broker. We own a Real Estate office and my wife is the managing broker.

I joined Weight Watchers about 1 1/2 years ago and lost 30 lbs in about 7 months which brought me to my goal. Actually would like to drop another 5. Shortly before I joined, I started running inside on the treadmill. I actually started by walking then that wasn't cutting it so I started running. It was only about 1 year go that I started running outside. Once I did that, I was hooked! Shoot, just a year ago I ran my fist 5K and wasn't even sure I could make it.

Not sure how I found the WISH team but I am glad I did. We love Disney and go about 3 times a year since it is only a 3 hour drive. Last year I was reading all the marathon weekend reports and decided to run the 1/2 marathon because of all the excitement from you guys. I'd get back from running say 6 miles and would say to my wife "If I was running a marathon I'd have another 20 miles to go". I couldn't imagine running another 20 miles. But, before I signed up for the half, I started thinking hmm if I am going to do the half, why not a full? Well that's what started it. Crazy!

I have since run the Race for the Taste, the Tower of Terror, 4 or 5 local races and the 2008 Disney Marathon. I had a goal of 5 hours but my main goal was to just finish. Made both as I finished in 4:58:07.

As far as training, I pretty much run alone. I tried to run with a group, but none of us were running the same pace. So I started with a group and ended up running alone anyways. So I just run alone and don't have to drive the 30 minutes to meet the group then drive home.

I am trying to get my wife into at least walking a few races. She is signed up to walk the Koman race on March 15. Maybe even get her to do the 5K on Marathon weekend. I'll keep trying.

Guess that's about it. I am signed up for a few local 5K's and a half marathon the first weekend of March. Our running season ends pretty much in April because of the heat so I don't have anything else planned until the Tower of Terror and the 2009 Goofy! What was I thinking.....

enjoy,
Duane

 

[windwalker]

 

[SamSam]

I'm Sharon, 54 years old and married for 35 years. Yes, for you all doing the math, I was only 18 when we married. I have a 32 year old son, DIL and 5 wonderful grandkids who live in Southern California, and a 27 year old daughter who lives about 2 hours away from us.

Dh and I operated our own electrical contracting business for 20+ years, closed that 3 years ago and now operate our own business putting on Continuing Education Classes for Elec. Contractors. Keeps us very busy!

Last year I started thinking about running and after reading more about the races in WDW (love WDW), I decided I just needed to take the plunge. I'm trying to go from walking to running, but the verdict is still out on whether that will happen or not. Whichever I end up doing, I have to enjoy it or I won't keep it up. I think I'm a walker.

I'm signed up to to the Minnie 15K (my first race) and am contemplating the 1/2 in '09. This board has been a huge inspiration for me. It helped me realize that I don't have to be fast to enjoy walking/running.

DH and I love WDW and own at BCV and AKV, we go as often as we can but it's never often enough for us.

Glad to be part of the Wish Team!

 

[deekaypee]

Hi! I'm Debra (deekaypee), am 39 yo, and have just relocated to Pittsburgh after living five long, cold years in Fargo--which is nothing like the movie, thanks for asking. My DH and I both grew up and went to school in Michigan, and we consider the metro Detroit/Ann Arbor area "home."

I'm new to this running gig. Last January, my DH, a multiple marathoner, wanted to sign up for the 2008 Goofy as part of a year-long 40th birthday celebration. I thought, "Who runs a marathon and a half to celebrate a birthday?" But in a fit of supportive madness I said, "Sounds like fun. I think I'll join you." After all, it was in Disney!

Twelve months, countless miles and many blisters later, I finished my first 1/2, my first full, and my first Goofy. By the end of the full I wasn't a pretty sight, but I was officially hooked. DH and I ran in different time zones, but we were still together in spirit. And, believe it or not, DH has had to talk me out of re-registering for Goofy 2009 and "delaying gratification" until 2010. Bah.

And I couldn't have done any of it without the MfM R/W training program OR the help of the WISH team! (You were there for me even when I was a lurker!) Now I'm working on getting a stronger running base and planning my next races, nice friendly events that welcome tortoises as well as hares. (Ann Arbor shout-out!) DH and I planning on making the Disney Marathon Weekend an annual event, if the rest of our lives cooperate. (And my super-secret plan is to hook him up with the WISH team, so that yinz can convince him to invest in DVC.)

As for our so-called real lives, we're both academics in higher education. Actually, right now it is only DH who is in higher education; it was his new tenure-track job that pulled us to Pittsburgh. No partner hires at his new digs, but we took the leap anyway. I'm now a recovering academic, a writer, and an independent scholar. It's actually my professional interests in film, popular culture and Disney that attracted me to the DISboards in the first place! For those who care, I am ALWAYS willing to talk about film with people.

I don't have a lot of pics of me, except what I refer to as my annoying obscure portraits (see above). My avatar, from the Goofy, is a blindingly clear example of what I look like. But in the interest of transparency and team goodwill, here are a couple from last year's spring break trip to Disneyland.

 

[angietuck2]

I'm Angie, I will be 34 in a couple of weeks and I absolutely LOVE TO RUN!! But I love to run even more at DISNEY!!!

Ok seriously many people on the weekly thread have heard my story over an over but I will tell it again. I was never in ANY way athletic growing up, did ballet for 12 years and was on the drill team in high school. Thought it would be cool to play Lacrosse in high school so I went out for the team and could not run the 1 & 1/2 miles that were required.

Fast forward 15 years. After putting on a few pounds- many pounds (ok 60 to be exact, but who's counting?) I decided to join the gym to lose them. For a couple of years I did a lot of aerobics and weight training classes. Two years a go, while in college ( went back many years later) I added running on the treadmill to my work out regimen. It became a GREAT stress releaser for the tough Engineering classes (and 2 little boys at home) that I was trying to handle. Late summer 2006 we were planning our annual trip to food and wine festival at Disney ( I forgot to mention I am a Disney addict in the worst way) and DH said "They have a 10 K race we should do it" I informed him that was the stupidest thing I had ever heard. I have never been an athelete and will never be.

Ok.... long story short I now have 1 - 10k, 2 - 5k, 2 - 1/2 Marathon and 1 - 15K under my belt!!! And I am a junkie. I found the DIS Boards when we were getting ready for Disney 1/2 last year because I research and plan everything and I was familiar with DIS boards from renting points from DVC members to feed my Disney addiction.

On the home front, I am a FL native, not many of those around. Last May I fulfilled a life long dream and graduated from USF with a Civil Engineering degree and I work for Misener Marine Construction in Tampa, FL.. DH is a firefighter for the City of Bradenton and we have the two most wonderful boys in the world, 12 and 8.

I am currently fighting my way back from back surgery and SERIOUSLY could have not done it without the encouragement, love and support of this INCREDIBLE TEAM!!!!

2007 MINNIE Marathon - PR for me in a big way and day after graduation!!!

ME AND MY BOYS ON ONE OF THE PROUDEST DAYS OF MY LIFE - GRADUATION!!!

The whole family this year at AT dinner for marathon.

angie

 

[goingthedistance]

Bio time.

I am 33 years old, have been married for 7 years to the most WONDERful wife in the world (Beckie), and am the father of two absolutely adorable daughters (Alexis 3 and Anya 10 months). They make it all worthwhile. Alexis loves all things Disney. There is just something magical about seeing her eyes light up with the characters and the castle. I hope to immerse Anya with the magic as she grows also.

My little angels Alexis and Anya

Professionally, I am an accountant with the Federal Government. I enjoy my work and all of the opportunities that it presents me. I like to think I am making a positive difference with our tax dollars. Whenever I am not running or playing with my kids, I am usually watching TV. I really enjoy The Amazing Race and Lost, and have recently become addicted to The Biggest Loser.

Speaking of the Biggest Loser, I am the lightest I have been in who knows how long. I lost 30 pounds before I took the Disney Magic to Costa Maya for 2 stops at Castaway Cay. Then the pounds came back on. About the time that Anya was born we started losing weight again, and I am now the lightest I have been in who knows how long. Losing weight has definitely helped me get faster running.

I used to run in high school (cross country and 1600/3200 in track) but that was a long time ago. I began running again a little over 3 years ago when my wife and I scream teamed for some friends of ours running a marathon. We thought, if they can do it so can we. We discovered the Disney Marathon and set that to be our goal. I did the inagural Goofy and my wife did the marathon. In total to date, I have done 6 marathons, 3 Goofy's, and countless 1/2 marathons. Most recently, I did the Tucson Marathon in December and the Goofy 5 weeks later. Knocked almost 30 minutes off of my old PR in Tucson, and then followed it up with another PR (by 4 minutes, but I'll take it!) for the full in the Goofy. I generally don't do 5k or 10k races any more.

5k PR 27:34 Turkey Trek (Albuquerque)
10k PR 1:00 Run for the Zoo (Albuquerque)
1/2 PR 2:13 Duke City Marathon (Albuquerque)
Full PR 4:41 Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge (Disney World)

My goals this year depend on many things, but to be lofty I would like to do 2-3 marathons this year and maybe my 4th Goofy in 2009. I am going to enter the New York Marathon lottery (probably not get in), considering R'n'R San Diego, and possibly do either St. George or Las Vegas. Would also like to do the Disneyland 1/2 again for the extra medal, but that's lots of out-of-town races to think about with a limited budget. Too bad us slower runners can't get sponsorships . I would love to break 2 hours on a half and 4 hours on a full. I think I am getting in the shape to do it!

Thanks for your time. The WISH team is the best, and they pulled me to my best full marathon time ever!:

Me running in the sauna/furnace of the 2007 Goofy (Will post 2008 Goofy when I get the CD)

Paul

 

[Optimator]

Hello Everyone!

I'm Mike. I'll turn 43 in a couple of weeks. I've been married to a wonderfully patient woman, Kathy (momoftwogirls) for 17 years. We have 3 beautiful but strong-willed daughters. I grew up in Ohio but have lived in Virginia for many years where I'm happily employed as a hospital pharmacist.

I've always tried to stay pretty active, played sports through school and moved on to things like softball but was never a runner by choice.

DW had been DISing and lurking (as far as I know) on the WISH threads for a while when she decided to do the 2007 WDW half. She asked if I would be interested. I'd been training pretty hard for the Olympic beer drinking team at that point (and getting pretty darn good at it, I might add) and figured a change of focus might not be a bad thing. The rest, as they say is history. Now all my spare change goes to Active and Brooks vs. Sam Adams .

Since pinning on a number for the first time and getting that Donald medal in '07 I've run the Frederick, MD Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, and Goofy '08. I'm planning on 3 more marathons this year and have signed up for Goofy again next year.

It's been a real pleasure getting to know all my WISH friends. Everyone has been so supportive, provided much needed advice and encouragement, and even tolerated my half-witted attempts at humor.

The picture (courtesy of SilverSteve) is me with fellow WISHers and MCM buddies Tracy and Chester prior to the half.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I am 57, working currently as an admin assistant, helped to develop and now manage the Web site here at work. Went to Kent State University 1968-1972 for Health, Physical Education and Recreation...the 1970 KSU life-changing moment had me re-thinking my desire to remain in that field and I made the decision that I would pursue other avenues. I then went to local comunity college for degree in office administration, decided that was not enough so went to yet another college and finished there with business administration. I love to learn new things. I am from the original WISH Walkers and did my first half in 2005 at age 55. Three Goofy's later, I'm continuing with the steps and just can't stop.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

My name is Robert and I am a Disneyaholic

I am 42 and have been married to Linda(who just turned 43 on 1/25) for almost 19 years(March 18). I run my own Computer Consulting Company. I did my 1st marathon in 1992(Portland OR), 1st 50K in 1993, 1st 50 Miler in 1994. I attempted my 1st(and only 100 Miler in 1997. I have done over 40 marathons and 40 Ultramarathons between 1992-2001. Blew out my Achilles in my last 50K in 2001(but did finish!). That ended my ultra career and all racing until 2006(Goofy #1).

My 1st WDW marathon was in 1996(its 3rd year) and have completed the Goofy the last 3 years(#4 in 2009). We own 1980 DVC points thus we have nice long stays at WDW.

I also am Race Director for 4 Ultramarathons and soon about 7 new 10K/5K/Walks in 2008.

I started some cross training(recumbant bike & swimming) to help after severe shin splints put me down for 8 weeks before Goofy #3 . I plan to start again next week as recovering from knee surgery from last Thursday. Unfortunately, will be having my second knee surgery in 2 months in March. This one will put me down for a long time(including My Goofy streak) but will rebuild and be stronger.

Linda trains less than me but has down over 12 marathons/Ultramarathons. She got into endurance trail runs from me. She has done WDW Marathon in 96, and Goofy in 2007 & 2008(would have done 06 but broke toe before races). She is a Controller for a Insurance company based at Incline and Reno.

We will be moving in a couple of months away from the snow country which will allow us to get more active.

Here is a pic of myself(very rare) and DW Linda(not very rare at all) during 07 Goofy.