Wk of Apr 22--WISH Walking/Running Club

[Calcio]

I'll keep this specific to the WDW Marathon, since so many have done it or will do it.

What I don't like (a short list):

1. That total fool with the microphone at the start who after I've run 200 meters is yelling "faster, go faster." I have 42,000 meters to go. Shut up.

What I do like:

1. Looping under the overpass at mile 1.5 and seeing the local running club with grass skirts and music coming from the boom box cheering us from up on that overpass.

2. Running through the chute entering EPCOT, the families and friends pulling for their loved ones, even though I'm not one of them, is wonderful.

3. Going past the same local running club around mile 5. Their outfits, silly music, and sillier antics are a trip.

4. The band at mile 7 near the Hess Station. I always applaud them up high for cheering me up and on.

5. Running through the wider chute in mile 9 at the Ticket and Transport center. Some of these folks were also at the EPCOT chute, and they are still cheering for their loved ones instead of me, but I forgive them for that oversight.

6. Running up the super narrow chute on Main Street in the Magic Kingom. It always makes me feel like I'm in the Tour de France. Awesome!

7. I would enjoy the folks by the Grand Floridian and Polynesian encouraging me, but in my 2 marathons at that point I've felt truly horrible. Hopefully their good waves will hit me when I'm still on my surfboard.

8. I think I'm in the minority here, but I like the dumb signs in mile 15. It's such a desolate stretch, and I feel awful, and my mind is pointing out that I am now running AWAY from the finish, and that only a great fool would do that when he feels badly. It could be because I'm barely old enough to recall the Burma Shave signs, but I like to be cheered on by signs.

9. At mile 20 I don't care to hear I only have 10K to go. Listen sir or lady, I can still do the math in spite of near body and mind breakdown. I also don't care to hear "you look great" at this point, since I know I don't. I don't take this personally, as they all mean well. Plus when I give my standard and accurate reply, "I don't feel great," they have the grace to laugh at my poor attempt at humor.

10. Funny, when popping out of the backstage tour tunnel in the studios I love to hear "you only have 5K left." I don't know why 10K makes me mad and 5K makes me glad, but there is something about a distance which, when fresh, I can run well under 30 minutes, gets me all juiced up. Of course I'm not fresh and it isn't going be sub 30 minutes on marathon day, but I try hard to not think about that every 4 seconds.

11. I love to hear any encouragement of any type while circling World Showcase. I realize any compliments are a complete lie, but I'm okay with that. The fact that the distance around the lake seems to grow with each step ("you have entered the Twilight Zone") tells my mind that I cannot believe my own thoughts, and therefore must believe others who must be rational. So any encouraging words and compliments keep me going.

12. And lastly, I love to turn right past Spaceship Earth and see the Gospel Choir. As I get closer and can hear them I give my second hands up high applause to them, and mumble "thank you" as best I can. Their songs tell me I have run 42,000 meters and have only 200 meters to go.

13. And as a postscript, as I near the finish I don't want to hear that dope on the microphone again telling me to kick it in and fight for a better place and time. At this point I'm fighting just to stay upright.

Is it healthy to be so excited for January 13, 2008, a mere 8 1/2 months away?

Craig

 

[skfulkers]

Wow, Craig. You brought me right back to that place and time. Great list! I also agree that every step around World Showcase after mile 25 seems to get longer and longer. I remember this past year walking through one country and then running through the next. I couldn't believe I was so close to the finish and I couldn't make myself run through. I usually love World Showcase, it's our favorite part in all of WDW, but at mile 25, it's not quite the same.

I, too, can't wait for Jan 08!!

Steve

 

[disnutt]

12. And lastly, I love to turn right past Spaceship Earth and see the Gospel Choir. As I get closer and can hear them I give my second hands up high applause to them, and mumble "thank you" as best I can. Their songs tell me I have run 42,000 meters and have only 200 meters to go.


Is it healthy to be so excited for January 13, 2008, a mere 8 1/2 months away?

Craig

That's a CHOIR? I always thought that was a band of the heavenly host hot on my heels to take me home because I feel close to death by the time I hear them.

I hope it is healthy because yesterday I had a really strange moment. I was putting on my running shoes and doing my little sock straightening ritual when I realized I was smiling like a fool. I have started to love getting my shoes 'just right' so that I can run and think about January! I'm getting addicted to this stuff.

Did do 4 miles on the treadmill yesterday just over 40:00. I was 'talking' to the old man next to me who was shuffling on his TM. He kept yakking away and I must respect my elders so I tried to talk. He couldn't hear me over the treadmill noise so he kept asking me to repeat myself! I could barely answer the first time. Even had my headphones on but he probably figured they were hearing aids. I was so glad to be done.

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Good morning TEAM!! Happy Friday! I have good news on Shari, the surgery went fine yesterday and they feel like they got enough of her vein to figure some stuff out. The incision was above her temple, right on her hairline, they had to shave a little of her hair away. They won't know the results until late afternoon or Monday, but knowing this hospital, she won't know the results until Memorial Day. They aren't the quickest moving bunch of people. Anyway, as soon as the surgery was done, Shari's headache went away and her vision cleared, it had been blurred since last Friday; they *think* the migraines were caused by an infection somewhere in her body. They *think* the high BP is being caused by something being wrong with her kidney's. They've been taking urine samples from her all week and found out that her protein levels are too high, so (I hope this is right, especially with all the medical people here who will know if I say it wrong ) the kidney's are working overtime to break down the protein and causing the high BP. My family has a history of high protein levels in the kidney's, so that makes sense. The doctors will know more when they get the test results back. Shari's still in the hospital, but she is hoping that her family doctor will release her when he comes in today.

I just thought of something else I HATE hearing on the marathon course. Mile 19: sorry folks, we're out of water and Power Ade. Mile 20: Sorry, we're out of cups.

Kiena--Congrats on your run! I don't know how you guys run at the gym or Y or wherever! I run on the TM, but we have one at home, in our nice cold basement.

Carrie--I love that picture!!! You're making me want to run the marathon!!!!! Maybe I can talk someone into being a surrogate mother for me so I can have a baby and still run the marathon.

 

[nucpharm29]

Craig--I always love reading your posts! And, no, I don't think it's too early to start getting excited about Jan! Actually, in front of me right now, is the course map for the marathon. I started printing stuff out for the Minnie and I just couldn't stop.

Well, I did get to my running clinic last night--and they were nice and we really did do an easy run. It was weird for me not to push it--but I really appreciated it afterward. I think the leader said we ran 4.46 in 40-45 min or so. I forgot my Garmin at home, so, at least for me, I was running blind. It's scary how dependent on technology I've become. I started to have a minor panic attack when I realized that I didn't have it with me. But it ended up being a more free run, not tied to a specific pace. I was just running to run, and enjoying the beautiful spring day (minus the kickin' wind)

One week from today I'll be on a plane to Florida!!! It's gonna get crazy around here this week, I can just feel it!

Krista--we must've posted at the same time--Great news that your sister's surgery went well. Here's hoping that the med team can figure out what's what and soon.

 

[disnutt]

Krista- Great news about your sister!

 

[keenercam]

Krista -- so glad to hear the good news about Shari. I still have that scar at the edge of my hairline but no one but my hair stylist and Howard and I really know it is there. I am so glad the headache and blurred vision are resolving.

Craig -- all very valid observations. I am with you on most of them. I can't believe how little of the marathon I remember until someone gives some detail and then it is like the memory is restored. I am so grateful to everyone who shares their memories here.

Disnutt -- I can just imagine you smiling and I have no idea what you look like! But the fact is that I know EXACTLY what that is like.

How crazy is this? We are planning 2 nights 1 day at POFQ before we leave on a 4 day WONDER cruise in July. I told our Travel Agent she had to build running time into the itinerary for Saturday and Sunday mornings before our ADRs. I am actually planning morning runs as PART OF MY VACATION PLANS!!! Ever since my solo trip last March when I went out every morning and walked from OKW to SSR and around the resorts, I have longed for the peacefulness and sense of accomplishment that comes from getting up early on vacation and doing something that is so good for my body. :

Exactly one week from now I will be sitting on a plane awaiting departure.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good morning TEAM!! Happy Friday! I have good news on Shari, the surgery went fine yesterday and they feel like they got enough of her vein to figure some stuff out. The incision was above her temple, right on her hairline, they had to shave a little of her hair away. They won't know the results until late afternoon or Monday, but knowing this hospital, she won't know the results until Memorial Day. They aren't the quickest moving bunch of people. Anyway, as soon as the surgery was done, Shari's headache went away and her vision cleared, it had been blurred since last Friday; they *think* the migraines were caused by an infection somewhere in her body. They *think* the high BP is being caused by something being wrong with her kidney's. They've been taking urine samples from her all week and found out that her protein levels are too high, so (I hope this is right, especially with all the medical people here who will know if I say it wrong ) the kidney's are working overtime to break down the protein and causing the high BP. My family has a history of high protein levels in the kidney's, so that makes sense. The doctors will know more when they get the test results back. Shari's still in the hospital, but she is hoping that her family doctor will release her when he comes in today.

Krista- I'm very glad your sister's surgery went well. Yahoo! I'll keep my fingers crossed that they can figure something out from the sample.

 

[Calcio]

Krista

Thanks for the positive update on your sister.

Cam

My favorite thing to do when traveling, especially when I'm in a new city and have gone across a bunch time zones and am up really early, is to get out literally at the crack of dawn and go for a walkabout. There is something special about being out by yourself exploring the city before it comes to life.

Stephanie

Good for you run and pace. I understand relying on the Garmin, but I suspect with your experience if you were running without it and someone asked how fast your pace was, you could estimate it within 10-15 seconds per mile. It is nice to look at your wrist and get a reading, but I think if you look inside your body you'd get almost the same number. Plus, you are correct, having that thing on your wrist does tend to take the spontaneity out of the run. You become a servant to techonology. As Steve has observed, this always happens to me when I'm at the track, no matter how pure my intentions. I know precisely how far and fast I'm going, and that little voice inside me turns the plan for the day, whatever it was, into a little time trial to see what I've got in my legs!

Craig

 

[wtpclc]

I'm oging to start with teh update on my run so that I end on a happy note. Maybe that's all I need to say, but you know how I love to ramble. Ran last night. SUcked it up and made 40 minutes. Hurt like the dickens, but sometimes runnign helps adn I was desparate for relief yesterday. My pace was ok, nothing stellar. Stretched adn iced and wanted to cut my leg off. The whole thought that no matter what I do to my leg that's hurting won't help, because the pain comes from teh booty still causes war in my brain. The WIngs were losing and I could not sit still, so I toook a hot tub adn that seemed to help a bit. Did PT today and it relieved things some, but I know it's gonna' be a long day again.

PT is finally seeign my desparation but cannot find any ansers. he thinks the fact that I sit all day is not helping. He or the PT that does video gait analysis will call me this am. (I've been hearing that for a ocuple weeks, though.) I still have my appt with teh "Osteopathic Manipulator" in mid May. I was really hoping for something to be better before then, though.

Krista - Woo hoo for Shari feeling better and possible answers. FYI, there are many children in this world w/o parents. No need to make one yourself.

Kiena - lol about the choir! My dh swore they were nto sinign when we went by in 06. Then again he swore he did not see CHip or Dale at teh end, but I have pix of him slapping one of their paws to prove they were.

Craig - Awesome list. Yes, 5K I can relate to and seems do-able. 10K, not so much. I love the bands and the cheerleaders. How cool is it the HS kids get up at ungodly hours to help us? I LOVED teh signs in 06 around the 15 mile mark.

Best thing to see on the course??? My LIME GREEN FRIENDS!!!!

For Colleen:

 

[Big Vic]

Krista - Glad to hear your sister is doing better.

 

[padisneyfan]

Krista--- So glad that your sister is finding some answers to her problems. I do hope that this does help her to begin to lead a more healthy lifestyle. I did not go see Jerome Bettis. It was my sons high school big fundraiser for the year and these always get big name sport speakers each year. I have never been to any of them. DS#2 is a big Ravens fan and while he was in college in the Pittsburgh area as part of their Sports Management Program they had to work at the Steelers games. It was torture for my son. In our area of Central Pa you have a mix of Steelers, Eagles and Ravens fans.

Laurie--- Good luck on your marathon this weekend. I will be thinking of you.

Craig--- You posts always entertain me.

Cam-- I just love that pathway between OKW and SSR, more so when there isn't alot of little carts zipping back and forth between the resorts. I usually walk it every other day while on vacation.

Got to get busy at work.

Nancy

 

[padisneyfan]

Just another quick post. We go to Williamsburg a couple times a year and it is so much fun to walk in Colonial Morning there early morning and see all the behind scene things that go on to get it ready for the day. Sort of like being in the Disney parks before opening.

Nancy

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Nancy--Your son is a Ravens fan???

Cam and Stephanie--2 weeks from today I'll be sitting on the plane headed south. And I'm excited about running around SSR. Who am I? Cam, did you say there's a path between OKW and SSR?

Carrie--I hope you get some answers today from the PT. How frustrating! And, I would adopt in a heartbeat. I always tell Stephen that if we ever find out we can't have kids, we're going the adoption route first. But I have to say, I'd probably adopt overseas, I've heard too many horror stories about domestic adoptions and the birth parents coming back and taking the child away. That would literally break my heart.

 

[angietuck2]

Krista Thanks for the update on your sister, continued prayers for the waiting, that is so hard.

Reading all the comments about loves and hates:

I won't repeat the same ones everyone else said and I will be extremely sentimental here but we ran for the AT Children's project and I was overwhelmed at the cheering and support from all of the fans with them even though they did not know us.

But the very best part of my 1/2 at Disney was seeing my precious kid's faces just as we came up that horrible "hill" in front of the contemporary And then again JUST before the finish line, I ran over and gave them a kiss having them there meant more to me than anything!! It was such a HUGE accomplishment for me personally and I was so glad they were there to share it with me.

Training: 4 miles 38 minutes last night (hoping to break out of this rut soon - would have been nice before MINNIE)

angie

 

[gatorphipps]

Krista - Glad your sis is doing well.

Craig - I am glad you commented on the last mile through EPCOT feeling longer and longer with each step. I know you are right b/c it took me 12 minutes to do this last 1.2 miles. My longest mile of the whole marathon.

The choir....HHHMMMM...This year, I too thought it was a gathering of Angels to take me to Heaven. I had to at least be near death...maybe I died and came back to life.

Stephanie - I understand the sticking to the watch and watching the pace and such...when training for WDW 07, I was a slave to splits. After WDW, though, my running got boring, so I started leaving the watch and maps and everything that told me how fast (or slow) I was going at home and just run. Every once in a while, I start to feel like I am slipping on my pace and panic...but then really, it doesn't matter too much.

 

[MelRhoads]

Krista - I'm glad to hear that your sister is doing ok.

Carrie- I can say "i feel your pain"! I'm so sorry that the booty pain is still there. I have had it for basically 1yr and 2 months. I think that seeking treatment, like you have, is the best idea!!! I have been doing the stretches that you sent to me, but i don't do them on a regular basis. I'm sure that has to be part of it. I also noticed that my pain changes w/ horomonal changes each month :-(. I hope it gets better. BTW, that dot after the frown is a period, not a beauty mark

I am trying to adjust to dog ownership. She seems to be feeling much better today from her surgery yesterday. She still seems pretty calm. I'm sure after spending so much time in a cage, it will be a while b/4 we see her real personality. I think she is mostly australian cattle dog. I'm going to try to get a run in on the TM today so i can watch the dog and the boy and make sure everyone is getting along and not peeing on my carpet. The boy is a safe bet, i'm just worried ab out the dog.

 

[plutosmyfav]

Hoohah!? You ain't right.

I was enlisted aircrew (Radio Operator) on select C-130s for 16 years.

This was my favorite. An MC-130E Combat Talon. I flew on these for 8 years.

I'm astounded. I, too, must add my deepest thanks for your service.
I definitely have to show this to my bro. He's nuts about avaition. How does that compare in size to a C-5? I work on Hanscom AFB and we've watched the C-5 come in for air shows before... Takes your breath away.

For Judy's sake, isn't HOOAH something like "heard understood acknowledged" I recall something like that said at my Dad's retirement party.

Speaking of siblings (we were, right?) I must put a shameless plug in for my dear Bro who just had one of his pieces performed last week:


http://www.astromusicpublishing.com/Works/Europa/EuropaLanderMusic.htm

He thinks it's his best, but my favorite is freight train

I do hope someday he can quit the UPS and pizza delivery service. Why do so many musicians have to take a vow of poverty?

OK, sorry for bragging on bro.

What I don't like to hear:
"only x miles to go, c'mon you can do that". I've come real close to yelling back "oh yeah? you get out here and do it" but fortunately I never have enough energy to get words into the air.

What I loved:
Coming through backstage and a CM yelling "only a 5K left, you guys can do those in your sleep". I agree with Craig and Christa, 5K is acceptable, 10K is not!

The best (funniest) was entering World Showcase in the horrendous heat and humidity at the back of the pack and having people yell "you look great", boy was that a lie! We looked like we were just about to drop.

Oh the choir. I cannot say enough about the choir. There is nothing like coming around that bend and seeing/hearing them.

Craig you brought great visuals of the entire course back to my mind-- thanks!

I had my annual physical yesterday with a new pcp. I am now intimate with a new stranger on a latext and k-y jelly basis She ordered fasting blood work. Being sensible as I am, I got up at 4:30AM and ran 6 miles while fasting. With the commute and rain, I didn't get my blood drawn until 10AM. I nearly passed out by then! I think it might mess up the liver panels by running during the fast, Dr. Mel any thoughts?

And some random pictures just because I've enjoyed everyone else's so much:

That's what running in -10degF windchill looks like!

Sunny

 

[cdn_gal_eeyore]

I have to share this - a video from the Flora London Marathon showing how to spot the marathon runner...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJKIvh46S_c

 

[Calcio]

OMG Leana!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is so funny and so spot on. The evening after the Goofy I couldn't go up even 1 step.

Sunny

In world showcase in this year's heat and humidity, we certainly didn't look great.

Martha and Lesley knew when I was likely to finish, and they spent the morning in EPCOT, planning to meet me back at the room. They left Soarin' and headed toward the International Gateway and the Boardwalk, when Lesley said, "Mom, I see Dad." Martha's reaction was, "that's not possible, he finished over 30 minutes ago."

At this point I looked up and saw them both in the UK area, staring at me with bug eyes. I handed them my iPod and told them "you cannot imagine what it's like out there," and Martha said everyone who had gone by looked terrible.

Later that evening the 21 year old daughter took great delight in telling me I was wobbling when she saw me. They did say every runner looked pretty much the same, but I was the 1 they were worried about.

Moral: Strangers may lie to you on the course and say you're "looking good," but your wife will ALWAYS tell the truth.

Craig