Wk of Jan. 13th-- WISH Walking/Running Club

[nepatsfan73]

Now that our victorious WISH Warriors are returning from the front, I am hereby returning to my prior role (whatever that was exactly). The forum seems to be"running"/populated again, so I am off to decide what the heck I'm going to do as to the 2009 WDW Marathon weekend.

 

[Honeibee]

Greetings Race Team -

I just want to say.......

I HAD SO MUCH FUN IT SHOULD PROBABLY BE ILLEGAL!

OMG I had the BEST time! I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing the Half! OMG what a total blast!

I am SO proud of Charlie! He did so well in his first marathon! Plus, he was fine afterwards! We spent all day Monday at Epcot and he did DiveQuest and had a great time. He's a little stiff going down stairs but that's it. I'm so proud of him! He wants me to make "WISH Flash Cards" because every time I say something about one of you, he says "Now which one was that?" He certainly remembers Rhonda and Kathy though. For reasons that shall remain unspoken here. We have photographic evidence....Whatever happens in Cam and Howards Beach Club Villa...stays in Cam and Howard's Beach Club Villa!

I'll have a little bit of a trip/race report probably tomorrow, with pics.

I too want to add a huge THANK YOU to all the Scream Teamers for the Half. You guys have no idea what you meant to me. How energized I felt when I saw/heard WISH screamers! Thank you so very much!

I'm happy with my 3:03:28. I really really really wanted to come in sub-3 but I did take eleven minutes off last year. I'm thrilled with that!

Karen and John - Thank you so much for the backpack! I love it and will always use it in the parks! John,

Kristi - I'm sorry you had a lousy Half. Sign up for next year and we'll train virtually together. I really want to do WS#2 again. That was a total blast! Charlie is going to sign up for medal duty for the Half. I'll make sure he wears a WISH shirt!

Angie - I can't believe your back was hurting you Sunday morning. You are SUCH a bundle of energy and so enthusiastic I had no idea you were hurting!

Krista - I'm really sorry you didn't get to join us. I can't believe there wasn't a work-around. Please sign up for next year. We had SO much fun!

Pat -

Where's Martha????? OMG I am SO proud of her!

OK, OK, I'll go skim thru my work emails....then I'll be back!

 

[runwdw2008]

We made it home yesterday (Tuesday) ! I cannot thank the wonderful people on this forum enough. Your encouragement before and during the marathon were great. I made it -- and have the medal to show for it. I missed the "official time" by a couple of minutes, but stayed ahead of the sweepers and finished which were my goals.

Thanks to all the WISHERS I met: Dave, Erica, Rhonda, and all the other faces whose names are lost in the running fog. A special thank you to all the WISH spectators -- you were great -- and to the special WISH angel who gave me the ice -- it made all the difference in that mile.

It was a wonderful trip. We are all still in a state of disbelief that we were actually there and I actually finished a marathon. It was a wonderful celebration of God's faithfulness. I can't wait to show off my medal at my next doctor's appointment!

Thanks guys!
Dona

 

[Minnie]

Was any of our WISH TEAM travel in the Orlando Int airport about 2-4pm yesterday????????

I saw a bunch of Marathon T's and wondered if it was any of you????

CONGRATS TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AuntieM03]

Congratulations to you all!!!

I have a question. I am planning on doing the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon. I have never been in a race, I am trying to figure out what to put on the registration for estimated time. I am on W2D1 of Marathoning for Mortals. I am doing just over 2 miles at just under 15:00 per mile. I have no idea how to figure out what I might be doing by August. My plan is to run 4, walk 1. I just don't know how fast I'll be able to do it. I had thought about just putting 3:30, but I am not sure if that is the best thing to do. My trainer says my goal should be 3:00, but I don't know about that either.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Maherae]

Michelle, If your trainer thinks 3:00 is doable for you, go with that. If you are faster, you'll have to move past more people! If you are slower, they'll have to move past you! If, at the time of the race, you really feel that 3:30 is your pace, you can always move back a corral...you just can't move forward. I'm sure that there are dishonest people out there who put 2:45 just to get into a closer corral. Anything faster than that requires proof of time. Hope this helps! Anne

 

[AuntieM03]

Thanks that helps alot!!!!

 

[RedDragon]

I'm here! I was just so swamped yesterday and haven't had a chance to say THANK YOU ALL MY WISH FRIENDS!!! You all are the best. I met so many of you and everyone was so supportive during this race. I didn't run the time I was hoping but I finished in under 6 hours. The first half was really good but then my IT band seized up and it was slow going the rest of the way.

Special shout out to Carrie and Scott! They stayed with me the last 2 miles and Scott caught me as I collapsed after finishing (IT band on both legs seized up)!

Judy: you are the best! Thank you for all your words of kindness and support! I don't know where I'd be without you. You did GREAT on the 1/2 and should be very proud of your effort!

Cam and Rhonda: you guys did great! Yup, what happens in Cam and Howard's BCV, stays there!

Cruella de Mom: great meeting you! Thanks for your support when I was in such pain. I hope you got the time you wanted!

Shout out to Chad for crossing the finish line with us! You da MAN!!

Heather, Jenn: you're the best for cheering us on both days! I bet Jenn now understands her parent's talk about the WISH team!

Lily: WTG on the Goofy! Can you walk yet?

Howard, Charlie: you all did so well! Awesome job!!!

Colleen: thanks for passing along the message to DH. He really did feel bad.

And, Calcio, as always:

WISH team rocks!!!

 

[Big Vic]

I'm not much into the mushy stuff, but I wanted to post this for most to see.

You, my WISH teammates, are without a doubt, the kindest, toughest, friendliest, and funniest/craziest, group of people I've had the honor to associate with in a long, long time.

From our meet and greets, to the volunteers, to our scream-teamers, you guys are the best.

I want to thank those who bought and then gave away the cowbells, clappers, and other scream team equipment. I also want to say thank you to Karen and John for the backpacks. That was very cool.

To the new folks we met, it was very nice meeting you. To our old friends, it was nice seeing you again. To those we haven't met yet, we'll do it next time.

For the scream-teamers, you guys don't know how much I appreciated seeing you on Sunday. Kathy, Jen, Anne, Heather, Kristi, Angie, Krista, Steve, Stephanie, IronZ, and everyone who braved the heat and crowds to cheer us on. I appreciate each and everyone of you. A special mention goes out to Jen117's DH. Everytime I looked up there he was. Sir, ya done good!

For our volunteers, a very special thanks to you too. Getting up at 0'dumb-thirty to work a marathon takes dedication. It was very much appreciated. I couldn't get over to thank those at waterstop #2 red as we ran by, and Kim and Mike, I don't remember seeing you, but thanks again for being out there.

I'm trying to decide if I'm going to do the full or the 1/2 next year. It will be one or the other.

Ok, I'm done. Back to being a dork.

 

[Honeibee]

Martha -

Vic - Ohhh, shucks. It wasn't nuttin'.

 

[Kristi1357]

Since I wasn't in Cam & Howard's villa on the night in question, I'd really like a PM about the craziness going on there!
And maybe I should re-think booking BCV for next marathon weekend...you people are crazy!

 

[biggertigger]

Hey Gang,

I don't end up signing on very often, so cherish the moment

I really enjoyed meeting everyone again at our WISH meets and the races. It takes me a while to get to know people, so please forgive me if I called you by another name...I'm tryin'!

Thanks, LILY, for keeping us all in high spirits before the Half. It was my first, so I was pretty nervous. I had so many friendly faces there - Judy, Helen, Jennifer, Erin (my great pace-buddy), and so many others. It was funny to see so many of us chowing down at O'hana Sunday eve, seems like that's a popular place to put back the calories.

I'm considering the FULL for next year, sort of a 'Marathon Before Forty' goal. If Mel can do it, I think I might be able to, as well... my legs may have a different opinion, but a little Bio-Freeze will shut 'em up

THANK YOU ALL for your incredible ongoing support and friendship - not only to my DW but for the rest of us (myself, DD15 and WT).

You Guys SO rock.

Take Care,
Jeff

 

[Honeibee]

Jeff - Ohh shucks.....Thank YOU for chatting away with me for a bit Saturday morning. It took my mind off what I was about to do. Sort of.


Martha - I don't think you got to have this, so here...this is for you!

 

[panthergirl]

Hi everyone! I'm back home now after a great marathon weekend. I just want to echo what so many others have said - THANKS SO MUCH - to all of the scream teamers who were all along the course for the half. I appreciated all of you so much. I had a tough day with a very sore back (from tight hamstring on my right leg) and blisters on the balls of my feet (first time that has EVER happened). The big groups of WISHers at the TTC, MK, and outside of Epcot (some of whom I saw at earlier spots -you guys get around) helped more than you will ever know. I also really enjoyed the many brief encounters I had with other team members during the race. What a nice bunch of people. I just wish I was better with names. But, trust me, I remember each and every one of you. I did a bit of cheering for the full at the YC/BC and continued for a while more outside of Sci-Fi. It was very nice to meet Krista and Angie and I really have some cowbell envy. I got to get me one of those things! Anyway thanks again to all of you. Now it's on to more training!

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Hey everybody!! Stephen and I are still here in WDW, just got back from AK and heading to Jiko tonight for dinner. Right now Stephen is working out, but I conveniently left all my running clothes at home. Heh, heh.

I just wanted to say how much fun I had with everyone this weekend, it was a blast! I am so proud of each and every one of you who competed in the different races. I know some of you were hurting and maybe ready to quit, but let me tell you in all honesty you all looked SO strong coming into mile 12 for the half and mile 24.5 for the full. I was so proud to cheer for you and to call you my teammates. You all rock!! I have a TON of pictures from the full marathon that I will post when we get home on Sunday.

I'm looking forward to training with you all this year, I decided to go ahead and sign up for the half and we'll see what happens with the baby in August. I'm pretty sure that as long as I keep my training up, I should be able to have the baby and be ready to race 5 months later. Fingers crossed!

Angie--It was so great meeting you, I had the best time scream teaming with you on Sunday! Thanks for being there!!

Anne--Let me tell you, it was an adventure! Especially when I followed the exit signs at WWoS and it took me out on another road--not Victory and I ended up at AK parking lot at 3:00 am. Or how about when I left TTC after Stephen passed and took the monorail back to Epcot to drive to SSR to check us in before heading to mile 24. Yeah, who knew the roads would still be closed and when I made it out on the highway after exiting Epcot that all traffic was funneled out of property! My 3 options were: Orlando International Highway, I-4 East, or I-4 West. I still don't know how I found my way back onto Disney property!!

Judy--Volunteering sounds fun for next year, but I'm not sure I can do it with the baby. Glad you made it home safely.

Pat--

I'll talk to everyone when we get home! Love you all!!!!

Krista

 

[Jen117]

Hey all... just got back from the World... sigh... and now we are trying to get DD's homework done for tomorrow. She didn't want to do it at WDW!!! I made it back and am feeling pretty good. I was really disappointed in myself during the marathon, wondering why I didn't have more drive. But then people kept telling me how proud I should be of finishing and how it is such a great accomplishment, then I realized how far I have come. My goal now is to lose those last 30 pounds and train to get faster.

OK, as for the race, my PF flared up at around mile 9 and by AK I was dying of heat. But I kept plugging along and didn't ever want to give up.

MEL AND VIC - I am only going to say this once. As we trudged along those last 4 miles together... Need I remind you both that you said NEVER AGAIN!!!!!

Mel - Oh you didn't drag me down at all. In fact, I was worrying that you had more in you than I did. I am so happy that we both finished and got that medal. Like I said above, we should be PROUD because we did it. I will run with you again anytime, and I promise to not drop like a fly next time!!!

OK, kids need dinner, I will check in later.

 

[wfloyd]

MEL AND VIC - I am only going to say this once. As we trudged along those last 4 miles together... Need I remind you both that you said NEVER AGAIN!!!!!

Anything said after 20 miles doesn't count. Just like what ever happens in Cam and Howard's villa.

Bill

 

[chimera]

Well if Jeff does the full, then I'm doing the half We talked about alternating years until WT is older.

We did 2 miles tonight, slooooow and easy. I feel pretty good, ankle is back to normal and I was able to take the stairs at work again. Only slightly stiff when I dropped something on the floor and had to bend down and pick it up

I think it's finally sinking in...I finished a marathon!

Jeff just registered for the Sarasota half so he'll be ramping back up soon. I have Minnie up next so don't need to start real training for a couple weeks.

Angie...hope your back starts feeling better soon

Susan...sorry we didn't get to meet. Will you be joining us next year? Good luck with those INTERVALS

So, Jen...what are you registering for next year?

 

[TXBelle]

I had so much fun last weekend! You guys are the best! Anne and I really enjoyed cheering everyone on at Mile 20 at the turn-around point. I have already started my shopping list for next year: more oranges, big rolling coolers full of ice and non-Dasani water, licorice whips (thanks again Kathy for the great idea!), more washcloths, sport beans, pretzel rods, and, of course, MORE COWBELL!!!!

I signed up for the 2009 1/2 marathon and the Minnie 15K today. I look forward to another year of training with all of you. The WISH team rocks!

A special Thank You to Anne for being such a great cheerleader and scream team partner on Sunday! And an extra hug to Laura, Sandy, Kristi, Kathy, and Lynnda who all traveled 13.1 LONG miles only to find that there was no Donald medal waiting for them. We all must write Disney and complain about that! Two years in a row they "misplace" the medals and run out at the finish line? Inexcusable. I might need bail money if they run out of medals before I get to the finish line next year because I will definitely hurt somebody.

 

[Sandy321]

Thanks Heather -
Like others have stated, it was so hard to get to know everyone - so many of you knew each other - Tim said he really enjoyed sharing the time with the Half Scream Team -

I'm still waiting for the swelling to go down on my feet, but I signed up for an 8K in March and the Chicago Half in August - we have to sit out the '09 Marathon as our first born is getting married Jan '09!! DH thinks we can make a side trip!! I'm going to want to dance at the wedding dear!!

It was overwhelming - and like others have said Tim and I echo, we couldnt have done it without the WISH Team - Tim was so exhausted, full of blisters we left the staging area of the marathon, stopped at Hurricane Hannahs for a beer and burger, only to realize the SCREAM TEAM WAS THERE!! Tim put down his beer and started screaming for the rest of the pack - as I bring our burger out a lady approached Tim and said "I RECOGNIZE you - you screamed for me, and you didnt know me - all those shirts stand out - but you called me by name, and it made a difference, and I want to thank ALL of you!!"

Now about that letter to Disney - not only am I hurt that I didnt get a medal at the finish, but to add insult to injury - they turn off the chip timer? Would it kill anyone to leave it on? I mean seriously, YOU DIDNT SWEEP me, so leave on the timer!! BECAUSE DISNEY (or whoever is in charge) doesnt take into account how long it takes to pass the START line- - they have a predetermined time necessary to open the roads, so I get the sweep time management - but I MADE it thru those points - so give me a TIME - keep your certificate - but I dont think (and maybe I"m just so so ignorant - and I accept it is all my fault, if I hadnt stopped in MK I would've made it in 4 hours, not 4:05)

<stepping off soap box - I"ll try and remain off of it> (it just means I'll BE BAAACK!)