Wk of Dec 24--WISH Walking/Running Club

[TXBelle]

Lynnda- Here's some that your ears get better soon, and you do not have to go to the hospital for an IV. You have got to be at WDW to cheer us on! The nerve of doctors thinking they can take a vacation this time of year.

Lynne- Congratulations on the honor society and the cool rotation in HI. Make sure you get a place that is big enough to hold your WISH friends. I think we will all be planning a visit.

Cam & Howard- You are such wonderful people, and I am so glad that you have found your sole mate. for Howard that the pain in his foot goes away soon.

Kristy- I sure hope it does not rain during the Goofy because then you won't be able to wear your lucky hat. You definitely don't want to get that wet and have all the signatures get washed away!

Where's Judy today? I sure hope she has not given in to the taper insanity. Quick, somebody get her more Snickers . . .

 

[Honeibee]

Good morning team!

Oh man! We are SO close! A week from today we'll be going to the Expo!

This morning I did 20 on the TM @ 4.0 @ 1% and 20 on the bike. I made mental notes as I went to check everything and see if I had any pain or discomfort anywhere - and I did not! YAY!

Hey, before we all start leaving, I want to give a big shout out to Mel for keeping us going on these threads all year. You do a great job, Mel and I really appreciate it! This thread had been my lifeline, especially these last couple of months. Thank you for the time you take out every single week to make sure it happens.

I had my first marathon dream last night.

When I was growing up we lived in a very small house on seven acres, which was mostly lawn and field. In my dream the marathon went right thru our yard and they had the spectator area fenced off with 2 X 4's and chicken wire! I was in the house looking for my blue Crocs when I saw Paul Tergat run by in first place. Then someone else ran thru. So I called to Charlie "Get out there! Kevin is next!" I started to cry because I didn't want to miss out on all my WISH team members. Then I looked out and I saw Cam and Rhonda and Craig standing there waiting for me to come out. Now, Craig, I have no idea what you look like, but in my dream you had a white beard and you were wearing a sailor's cap and one of those Irish fisherman's sweaters. I have no clue where I got that from! Anyway, then Kevin went running by and Charlie was jumping up and down cheering him on. (OK this is SO not like my husband.) Then I guess I woke up.

I did have a huge bouffant witchy hair style when I woke up, which indicates that I was tossing and turning a lot. I guess I had a restless night.

Lynne - Congratulations! That's fabulous!

Sunny - "Total Drop Off" That's very clever!

Dave - Oh I'm so happy you got that ornament! It's perfect for you!

Heather - I hope you feel even better today.

Howard - "A fresh morning dew"...You must be a true Southern Gentleman!

Carrie - See? Housework is dangerous! I avoid it at all costs. Actually, since we were talking about it yesterday, I did have a good look around my house this morning, especially the living room. Man, our house is a mess! I mean, it's not disgusting filthy dirty but with the four kids there all week....Ay yi yi! Thank you but I still think I am a wench today.

Craig - Oh my! What a moving story! She was a special gift for sure!

Hi Jodi - We sure do miss you! Oh I'm glad your be at POFQ, we will be at POR! We'll hook up at some point for sure!

Vic - I promise I'll be UB by the time I see you! I'm too scared of you going military on me!!

Cam - Oh that Howard IS a doll!

Heather - Oh thanks for worrying about me! So far I have managed not to eat anything bad. Let's see how long THAT lasts!

 

[Calcio]

Yes, a big thank you to MEL is appropriate as the year comes to an end and the races are nearly here. Thank you Mel, for being a true friend and supporter to many.

Judy

Very good dream there. A big no for sure on the sailor cap as I get seasick and am afraid of the ocean (unless I'm on a surf board, go figure)

Here's a link to my profile so you can see the real me:

http://www3.babson.edu/Academics/faculty/stephenson.cfm

Cheers

Craig

 

[Honeibee]

Judy

Very good dream there. A big no for sure on the sailor cap as I get seasick and am afraid of the ocean (unless I'm on a surf board, go figure)

Here's a link to my profile so you can see the real me:

http://www3.babson.edu/Academics/faculty/stephenson.cfm

Cheers

Craig

Holy cow! We have so many brilliant people here! I am not worthy...I am not worthy...

OK not even close. Phew! I would have totally freaked if you looked exactly like in my dream. That would have been too much!

You know, in hindsight, it was probably all the junk food I ate yesterday that made me have strange dreams and restlessness. I usually don't eat like that. It's just my newly acquired Taper Tantrums making me do it. But hey, at least Kevin didn't have on zebra tights!

 

[Jen117]

Argggg Craig - You don't look like a pirate (or a sailor).

I haven't had any "marathon" dreams, but I have had some weird other dreams. I think it is stress. Work is definately not my friend lately.

Not sure if I will get in my run today. Work stress has taken me down. Tomorrow is 5 miles and then that's it... just a couple of shorty runs. Not sure if I will get everything packed or not. Work on Tuesday and Wednesday next week doesn't look like it will be good. I am dreading it. Then I got a notice that we are scheduled for an audit on the 10th when I am gone. I am not sure how easy it is to get that changed.

 

[keenercam]

Craig -- Very nice picture, but I will attest that you are even better looking than that in person and have absolutely the most brilliant smile. Oh, and you are an awesome hugger, too!

Judy -- So you attribute the dream to that snickers bar? Glad to know Rhonda and I were there -- together.

Jen -- hang in there, sweetie. The work stress will soon be behind you! :

 

[WDWFAN9]

Hi Team!

I am happy to report that my leg is feeling much better today! I was really getting worried last night because I was limping so badly, but today I have made a miraculous recovery!

I have hardly had a chance to start getting ready for my departure Weds night...just started putting things in a pile as I think of them. Work has been crazy with end-of-year issues, and I want to make sure I have everything as organized as possible since my boss (God bless him for letting me take time off at such a busy time! It helps that his wife is a tri-athlete) will have to fill in for me.

I am so looking forward to seeing everyone in my favoritest place in the world! The support and encouragement on this board is tremendous and I would have never even dreamed of attempting a half or full without it!

 

[KeenHo]

I am from South Western Pennsylvania actually. I guess that makes me a "southern" gentleman. It is easy to see why I am so lucky to be in Cam's life and have her as part of mine.

As far as the upper foot (muscle) pain, it always comes on and then goes away as I get more and more stretched out/limber. I will be working on giving myself more time to stretch and warm up before both races this time around. I will also take some pain medicine before hand to take off any edge that crops up.

What I am about is Sunday's Marathon. I should be able to handle the half on Saturday without any big issues. Having ran a Marathon last May, I know what is required and I am not sure if I am bring'in it to Florida with me. I think the mental and physical challenges in the heat (hopefully) will be very formidible.

The keys to my success are:

1. Take it easy during the Half.
2. Hydrate before and after the Half.
3. Fuel up before, during and after the Half.
4. Re-do #2 & #3 for the Marathon.
5. Draft behind Calcio or Thunder Matt during the Marathon.
6. Carb Load on Friday and Saturday night.
7. Get plenty of rest Friday and Saturday night.
8. Have fun!

I will be looking for WISH'ers along the course (just like I did at the DL Half in September) and will count on you for cheers, smiles, hugs (females only please ), pats on the back from the guys and possibly a swift kick in an appropriate place if it is warranted.

Remember we are a team! If I come across/see anyone during the race I will be there for you.



Safe travels, happy packing, happy taper, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Howard

 

[Honeibee]

I am from South Western Pennsylvania actually. I guess that makes me a "southern" gentleman.

Howard

Umm, Howard? I'm in New York, so pretty much everything below Jersey is "south" to me!

 

[MelRhoads]

Boy is still sick. He now has a fever again after 2 rounds of antibiotics. We went to the dr. yesterday and he thought it was an ear infection that just hasn't cleared up. He does not get sick very often but this is just hanging on. he got a shot yesterday, but they had to do it in both legs as it was too much med for one. I'm really starting to worry about him. He felt good enough to enjoy christmas day and a day w/ his gparents, but yesterday he felt awful and he is not much better today. My heart is breaking and face is breaking out!

 

[KeenHo]

Judy ~ A true gentleman is known by his words and deeds no matter where he's from. I used to live in Jersey for a while, in the southern part.

Mel ~ Sorry to hear about your son, here is some for him. I hope it helps.



Howard

 

[msblrobs]

I will be looking for WISH'ers along the course (just like I did at the DL Half in September) and will count on you for cheers, smiles, hugs (females only please ), pats on the back from the guys and possibly a swift kick in an appropriate place if it is warranted.

Remember we are a team! If I come across/see anyone during the race I will be there for you.



Safe travels, happy packing, happy taper, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Howard

I couldn't have said it better myself Howard . I will be proudly displaying my WISH colors all weekend, as will my family, and we will be cheering for and supporting our entire TEAM during both races.

Craig - Thanks for sharing the bio. I am very impressed

Mel - Thanks for being the Momma hen for this thread.

MelR - for the boy. I do hope he feels better soon.

Okay, before we start getting all sappy here, I still have some office work to do

 

[keenercam]

MelR -- sending hugs and good vibes and pixiedust for DS. I know you are really worried about him, so I am sending extra hugs for you. Andy was very, very sick 3 Christmas's ago -- so much so that he was getting sick all over himself and his presents and was so drained for several days afterwards. It is a scary thing when I young boy is feeling so badly that even Christmas presents don't perk them up. So you have my sympathy and my prayers, and if I could, I'd send you my adult formula clearasil clear, too. Take care of yourself so you don't end up sick from exhaustion.

 

[Calcio]

Melissa

Best wishes for your boy and the illness. That hanging on stuff gets mighty old mighty fast. I know it exhausts you as much as it hurts him.

Howard

Running with me would be safe, but with Thunder Matt would be insane. That guy is wicked fast.

You all are too funny about the pirate thing, and sorry Judy but I missed your thought that I must look like a salty sea dog. I'm really the anti-ocean guy, again except for surfing. When watching pirates in any form we always joke that I wouldn't have actually gone to sea. No sir, I would have stayed on dry land and financed and monitored the operation.

My love of the pirate comes from Jimmy Buffett's book "A Pirate Looks at Fifty." I've read it twice in the last few years, and last September I crossed that imaginary line. Someday I'm going to do that Buffet thing, be irresponsible, and take off for months on end.

At work my wife and I get all kinds of projects because everyone knows us as responsible types who'll get it done. Just for once I'd like people to think I was irresponsible. In the words of Alfred P. Doolittle, from My Fair Lady, "I know I'm undeserving, and I mean to go on being undeserving."

Someday I'll actually do it, I swear .

Cheers

Craig

 

[nucpharm29]

Hey all! Just a quick post from me--got my 12 in today in just under 2hrs--but was having problems with my Garmin, wouldn't get a satellite signal for about the 1st 1.5miles. And then, this is the southerner in me, I figured the water fountains would be functional in December in Ohio--silly me! Forgot how cold it gets. OH well! But on the positive side, the new shoes were awesome! Finally, a pair that works!

Mel--Sending hugs and PD for a speedy recovery for your DS!!

 

[Minnie]

Lynn - I know you will be awesome with those little ones.

Craig - I like you was blessed with my only child that was born premature. He spent 6 weeks in the Neonatal ICU ward. The worst day of my life occured a little over 13 years ago now when his doctor informed me that they were taking my newborn by ambulance 2 hours away to the University hospital I will never ever forget those days nor the absolute kindness of the caring doctors and nurses that cared for him round the clock

Oh and as a total OT question can I ask why you went for a CMA versus a CPA? I am at the point in my career (6 months from MBA completion) where I am trying to make long term decisions as to which path to travel

and to all of your WISH members that are struggling with illness or injuries. Though I will not be with you on Marathon weekend please know that my thoughts will be

 

[Kristi1357]

Judy - "Taper Tantrums" - I love it!

Does anyone have the direct link to sign up to track people during the full? I have been sitting here forever, and both Half & Full marathon links bring me to the same page to sign up for Half marathoners. I cannot get to the Full page to save my life! Ack!!!

I better go pack now. We are leaving at noon tomorrow and I haven't packed a blessed thing. And I am working 7a-11a tomorrow to boot! Again, that procrastinating thing...

My Mom called me from FL this morning. Apparently she went to some sort of walking aerobics class with my grandmother at The Villages. Mom said it was really a tough workout. So, apparently, I am going to this class with them next Weds. for my xt! Should be interesting....I hope no blue haired bombers kick my butt!

Heather - I am still up in the air about hearing the hat. I mean, that's why I had a hat signed. It would stink to have it wear off. Everyone keeps telling me not to wear it. I think I am going to though. And if it wears off? Well, then I have to meet them again somehow, right? ;-)

 

[Calcio]

All OT:

Minnie

Bless you and your son. I cannot imagine having one so small put in an ambulance and then being so far from home. We were lucky that Martha's OB practiced at Seton Hospital, which was also the central Texas regional neo-natal ICU. We only had our tiny one take the elevator up a few floors plus she was 15 minutes from home during her stay. We were so grateful to not have her a distance away, so bless you again.

Yes, we never forget any of those 29 days either. So many people made our miracle possible. We were back in Austin when Lesley was 10 and I took her to the hospital and up to the viewing area outside the glass. It looked like a Marx Brothers movie as the nurses spilled out into the hall, asking her when she had been a patient. Not surprisingly, many of the nurses remembered her from so many years ago. What an amazing group of people they are.

The CMA is a long story, which I'll try to compress. When I was finishing my PhD in finance in 1994 we were in a big recession, state revenues were down, and there were very few Colleges and Universities hiring PhD's in finance. Wonderful, I was about to be unemployed with a doctorate. Luckily I had industry experience and minored in accounting, and PhD's in accounting were getting jobs. I received an Accounting Professor offer from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, with a contingency requiring me to earn an accounting certification withing 2 years. I had never taken nor worked as an auditor, but I had lots of internal accounting and finance experience, so I chose the CMA route as it would be a lot easier to pass the exam plus I already had the required work experience. So it was more choosing the path of least resistence.

I knew you were getting close to completion, congratulations. I know Howard wishes he were at the end instead of the beginning . Good luck with your choice and outcome. Nothing like making decisions which will impact your entire future, no?

Kristi

Somewhere in back pages or another thread Big Vic posted the link to tracking your progress by text messaging. It is great, BUT, the last one your friends will get is at mile 20. This past January my 2 ladies were in the stands waiting for me to cross. And waiting. And waiting. Then the TM came across that I had finished and they had missed me. I'd try to give them a feel for expected time past that mile 20 check point so they'll have a narrow window to really watch for you.

Craig

 

[escape]

Aaaaaaggggghhhhhhhh! I just typed a long note here - carefully trying to include everyone and my message just went **Poof**. It probably took me 30 minutes to type it all in (I'm slow ).

I'll do this in a nutshell now...

Lynne - Awesome!!!

Lynnda - to keep you out of the hospital and on your way to a speedy recovery.

Vic - love the pic of the boys!

Craig - hope the new shoes work out well for you!

Howard - I'm with you on the drugs! I like your list to success!

Kristi - I'm a big procrastinator too. It's my middle name.

Judy - sounds like Mr. Strait helped somewhat.

MelR - for your DS. for you.

Mel - thanks for keeping these threads going. You rock!

Stephanie - I have those Brooks shoes, too! I love them. However, for the half, I'm running in Brooks Ariels. I'll probably switch back to the GTS's for the LR half.

Sunny - what a wild year for you. Whew! I'm so glad you are doing better.


Oh, gosh - I know I'm leaving out a lot of folks I included in my original message. So sorry. To all those fighting colds and other - for a speedy recover. For all those nursing injuries - I'm right there with you. More for you, too! My gracillis muscle is still giving me fits. Supposedly, it's a common injury for athletes (it's hard for me to think of myself as one after being a couch potato for so long. )

As for dinner plans after the marathon, DH, friends and I are eating at Bomas. Anyone else? We will be doing O'hanas on Monday night. For Tuesday, we'll be eating at the Biergarten. Oom-pah pah, oom-pah pah!

Good luck with your final tapering-down runs this weekend. See you all next week! Safe travels, everyone!

 

[kareneast]

Hi All,

Kristi – WOW! Driving straight through from NH. Have a safe trip down tomorrow.
Mel – Glad the orthotics are working for you! I would also like to take this time to thank you for all you do in maintaining this thread every week. We'll look for you Sunday morning near the BC
Judy – Sorry we will miss you at Kona Friday morning. I guess we’ll have to wait until later in the afternoon to meet. I’ll keep an eye out for you & Charlie Sunday by the BC
Dave – Congratulations on finding the Luke & Yoda ornament at the after Christmas sales.
Lynne – Congratulations on your membership into Psi Sigma Alpha & your rotation in HI! What a GREAT place for a rotation.
Cam & Howard – You guys are like a breath of fresh air…..toooo cute!
Terri – Have fun at the Eagles game. I’ll be cheering them on from home.
Lynnda – that those antibiotics start working for you.
Cam – We tried to get a dinner ADR for Le Cellier too, for after the Half, but the only thing we could get was a late lunch. Which actually works out better anyway. We’ll eat at 2:50pm and then have plenty of time to get over to MK to watch Spectro & Wishes.
Pat – So very glad your leg is feeling better!
Melissa – Sorry the boy is still not feeling well. for both of you!

Yesterday I was very congested, so decided to give myself an extra rest day. Today is a scheduled rest day. Tomorrow’s plan is to do 5 miles. Hopefully I’ll be able to do it without coughing the whole time.