Wk of Jan 14--WISH Walking/Running Club

[nucpharm29]

Morning Team!!

Well, after my sloshing around on Saturday, I feel pretty good--and just so ya'll don't think I'm exaggerating about the flood--it has rained over 6 inches since Friday night! Ick! Anyway, my beloved Brooks finally dried out--allbeit now they smell funky (going to clean them later today). And I hit hte gym this am--did 4 miles in 36:26 and then did some arm/back work in the weight room!

MelR--glad to hear that you didn't get as much ice as predicted! Wow on you getting out for a run in the freezing rain! Kudos to you!

Kristi--sorry about the stomach bug. I got it in WDW once, and it wasn't a pleasant vacation.

I am loving all the pictures! No one would ever know from the pics posted how bad the conditions were and how bad some of ya'll were feeling! I now have hope that my race in march won't be so bad!

Don't remember who, but somebody asked where people were thinking of staying next year--I'd love to get a villa on the Boardwalk or Beach Club--but can only book those 7 months out b/c we own at SSR--but we'll see--I also have OKW in the back of my mind b/c if I remember correctly it's close to the start of the marathon and it's the cheapest DVC as far as points go! Well, better go shower!

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone!

Looking forward to getting to the gym tonight, though I really don’t know if I can TM at all. The blisters on the balls of my feet still keep getting full and breaking. ICK! TMI, right? And I still have blood blisters under or around 4 toes. Still wondering if I should see a doctor to get the worst of them looked at. The big toes are hyper-sensitive and I can’t stand to have anything touching them. I can’t even sleep if they touch the blanket or sheets – it wakes me up. I NEVER expected that, so I am about what to do about them. Anyway, I am actually looking forward to challenging myself to get back on the TM, even if I walk a mile or so at a leisurely pace.

I have also decided to go back to a very structured workout schedule, with cross-training thrown in (which I had tossed to the wind over the past several months in favor of TM training). AND, I am back on my diet as of yesterday. I was absolutely appalled to see how FAT I looked in the race pix, though I know I was incredibly bloated too. YUCKY! My next goal is to jog most of the Minnie. I know that Rhonda is already capable of doing that and I am hoping that the motivation of beating last year’s time and letting her perform at her best level motivates me to get there too.

I have to share something really special with you guys, because you will "get it." I walked down the hall to my office this morning and noticed something odd about the doorway. My dear partner, Jessica, who has been so incredibly supportive this year, decorated my office for me. Across the doorway at chest level is red, white and blue crepe streamer with a printed "FINISH" sign affixed at the center. There are more streamers hanging from the ceiling of my office with three printed signs -- "You Crossed the LINE!" "HOORAY" and "26.2" -- all with really wonderful graphics of running women. Isnt' that absolutely wonderful? I, of course, burst into tears, in front of two of my other partners who were standing there waiting to see my reaction so that they could tell Jess (who is out today -- we are closed for MLK day). And every time any of my partners who are in today has come into my office they have ducked under the finish line, and dissuaded me from taking it down when I apologized for them having to duck. It has been so much fun looking at the signs and the streamers and I am really looking forward to putting them in my memory book of this weekend.

So, back to WISH stuff -- I have AWESOME pix of so many WISHers and their families and took the camera to the store this morning to have them all uploaded on line. I will be glad to share the link when I get the information. Then, everyone can look at them and let me know which ones they want emailed to them.

BTW – we are definitely planning to stay at BCV again next year. We LOVE being able to walk back and forth from EPCOT and boating over to the Boardwalk and MGM. SO much fun!

And sharing the 2 BR this year with Carrie and Scott made the experience so incredibly awesome, though I have to apologize for my propensity to gab endlessly, and for all the times I got all sentimental and cried all over the place to Carrie. Poor kid! What sweethearts, though.

I have to say that one of the really wonderful parts of the WISH experience was meeting everyone’s SO’s. Everyone is so darn NICE. And how reassuring to know that each of you that we have come to hold so dear this year has someone truly wonderful and dear to “hold them”. Reading about how each of the couples here supported each other through training and the events and celebrated the accomplishment together is really, really sweet.

Stephanie – Awesome pace at the gym and I am so impressed that you did other work besides your 4 miles! Your discipline and training is really inspirational!

 

[wtpclc]

And sharing the 2 BR this year with Carrie and Scott made the experience so incredibly awesome, though I have to apologize for my propensity to gab endlessly, and for all the times I got all sentimental and cried all over the place to Carrie. Poor kid! What sweethearts, though.

Once I realized no one had died Monday morning, it was all good. We really had a great time and I'm not sure who was gabbing the most. That's awesome that your partners are so proud of you! I'm glad they "get it" too!!!

 

[skfulkers]

OK, but you have to promise you won't think we're odd if I share.

Melissa, Steve, Colleen and Dave caught us at around mile 9. Melissa tells me that she was going to grab my butt, but did not know how I'd react. I laughed and sauid, "I probably would have hit you, but would have apologized later when I found out is was you." Anyway, when you guys walked teh Contemporary Hill, as you promised Colleen you would, I caught up and got Melissa's butt. Not as funny if you weren't htere. The really funny part, though, was Scott had no idea why I was grabbing this woman's butt until well after the race was over. He thought it must have been "something you guys do on the boards." lol.

BTW Dave, that's why I made the same comment to you when you said you were going to yell Go USC.

I remember this well. This was right before we caught up to Lynne and Howard, so I was wondering how much "butt-grabbing" would be going on when we saw them, too.

I can just hear the spectators now: "Yeah, you gotta stay away from those lime green people. They're just grabbin' things left and right!"

 

[aladdinsgirl]

I am going to train so hard this year so I can run 2008 with the 5-hour pace group!! It sounds like you guys had a blast!!!!!!

 

[hockeygirl]

Hi everybody-today is a day of rest for me but tomorrow I will be back at it with a 3 mile run, like Judy said it is another gloomy day here in NYC area. We had been having some really GREAT weather but things have changed the last few days with rain, rain and more rain!! So, I am glad I had planned a rest day today.

Judy-I am heading to Westchester Road Runners this week, I know the feeling, when I used to go there a lot, I would always spend so much money. Hopefully, I can control my spending this time!!

Dave- I love the pictures of you and your family after the race, they must have been so proud of you!

Cam-that is so great what your coworkers did for you in the office! It is great that they are so supportive of you!

Time to go enjoy the rest of my day off of work!!

Laurie

 

[KeenHo]

Hi everyone!

I had such a great experience this past week in WDW. I completed the GOOFY!!!

After running the Half in 2:26, the first race I ever tried to keep to a specific pace (2:30); I immediately revised my time goal for the Marathon the next day. I went in to the race hoping for a finish close to 5 hours.

I was fortunate (I can't emphasize this enough) to run with Lynne and my good friend Kevin (a non-Wisher) on Sunday. Lynne was not only a great companion during the run, she kept us regimented on a 5/1 interval for the first 11/12 miles of the Marathon. This was my first race using intervals and it was working well for us. Lynne even taught Kevin and I about the wonders of a "Back Light" on our Garmin's. Something I knew nothing about and I've had it for some time.

Lynne was a rock of support, understanding and friendship throughout the run. My friend, Kevin, was doing poorly due to asthma and we had to slow it down greatly during the run. Kevin didn't have his inhaler for almost 24 miles of the run. The heat, fog and humidity took its toll on him. We had to slow down to a walk and/or jog for most of the race after we reached the half way point. We could be found racing up to mileage markers and running from sign to sign along the course. We finished the Marathon in 6:12. This was certainly much slower than Lynne had planned for, however, she gave up having a good time to be with us. Her selflessness is greatly appreciated. Although we took our time for most of the second half of the Marathon, we couldn't have possibly had more FUN! I will remember this race and the experience for a long, long time.

I learned a lot about running long distances having covered 39.3 miles in 2 days. Thanks to Lynne and Kevin I didn't hit the wall during the Marathon. The pacing and intervals kept it away.

I am thinking about going Goofy in 2008 because Lynne said she is too. My friend Kevin is contemplating it too. If I do it, due to Grad School ending on December 15, it will be on three weeks of off and on training (just like this year). Hopefully my LR will be a bit longer than 13.8 which is what it was going into this year's Goofy Challenge.

Rooming with Carrie and Scott was great! We had a great time meeting everyone, some for a second time (or third in Cam's case). The WISH Team is a great bunch of friendly, caring and supportive people. I am proud to be one of you.



Howard

 

[wtpclc]

I am going to train so hard this year so I can run 2008 with the 5-hour pace group!! It sounds like you guys had a blast!!!!!!

I was really wishing I could keep up with them, but was really afraid of the heat. Next year, for sure!

Steve - It was all Melissa's fault!

 

[MelRhoads]

I was really wishing I could keep up with them, but was really afraid of the heat. Next year, for sure!

Steve - It was all Melissa's fault!

I resemble that remark!!! Although, I just contemplated and verbalized. I believe that you were the one who put you mischief into action!! (is there a booty grabbing smilie??)

 

[wtpclc]

I resemble that remark!!! Although, I just contemplated and verbalized. I believe that you were the one who put you mischief into action!! (is there a booty grabbing smilie??)

Yeah, but who got me back at the dessert party? BTW, I hope my dad did not talk Phil's ears off too badly.

 

[TXBelle]

Hi WISH team,

I don't know if you remember me, I use to try to keep up with all of you last year, but I dropped to lurking for the past 6mo or so. Anyway, mid last year I injured my hip, and after 8months of PT and going back to a sedentary lifestyle, I am back to try again. Still not sure what happened to my hip, but it feels okay with just a few twinges here and there.

Maggie

Maggie- Of course we remember you! Welcome back! Sending that your hip continues to feel better. Just be sure to take it easy. There is no need for speed at this point, and you do not want to reinjure yourself.

MelR & Carrie- Geez, no one tried to grab my butt on the course. I always miss out on all the fun.

Dave- Absolutely love the photos that coolaunt took! You have such a wonderful family. It was a pleasure to meet them at Illuminations of Sunday.

TiffJ- We are going to have a great group for Minnie this year! Is your mom coming or are you flying solo? I will be solo and am looking forward to a WISH team girls weekend.

Okay, we are going to have to send the dogcatcher out after Jodi and Kevin. Where are you guys?! Time to report.

Cam- So sorry to hear that your feet are still hurting. Have you tried Second Skin? Lots on here seem to be raving about it. It is so great that your partners are supportive of you and celebrated your marathon. My co-workers looked at my medal, said "that's nice", stated that they would never run that far, and then returned to their normal lives. Until they posted the photos of me crossing the finish line, I think many of them thought I had bought the medal on ebay. Thank goodness I have so many wonderful WISH friends who understand.

They held the Houston marathon yesterday. The winner of the 1/2 marathon finished in 56 minutes. The winner of the full finished in just over 2 hours. The race was televised, and I finally had to turn down the sound because the t.v. announcer was a nit wit who kept making comments about why people were not going faster or didn't have better form. I'd like to see him try it!

I got a pedicure today, and it felt great. My feet are smooth again and ready to be seen. Of course, it is only 36 degrees today so sandals are not in my future. We might even get sleet tonight. The city is in a panic. I sure hope I can make it to work tomorrow.

 

[wtpclc]

MelR & Carrie- Geez, no one tried to grab my butt on the course. I always miss out on all the fun.

I'm sure Kevin would gladly have helped you with that! I am so craving a pedicure, but I don't think I'll be wearing sandals again until the Minnie, so it seems a bit of a waste.

Cam - I'd get those toes checked out. You really need to relieve that pressure. I've been whining about my one toe and it''s not tha tbad. You are tough as nails!!

 

[keenercam]

Heather -- may I just say your colleagues are jerks? I am so proud of you!

Carrie -- thanks for the "tough as nails" compliment, but you of all people know I am SUCH a whiner!

Oh, and count me in as another person so sad to have missed all the butt-grabbing fun! And speaking of butts, where is our dear Kevin? I am really getting worried about him! Has anyone heard from him?

 

[sap1227]

Reading everyone's reports and plans for the future, I just want to say again how much I appreciate the WISH board and all of you great posters!

I tend to be a lurker and am very shy by nature, but I have commited to being a part of these weekly threads!

I have walked the 1/2 twice and I am ready to do more!

Last week I started the Couch to 5K program (I started on week 2 so I would be done in time to start training for the Minnie). So this morning I did my first run/jog/walk of Week 3 and felt really good!

 

[aladdinsgirl]

I'm sure Kevin would gladly have helped you with that!

I see we are still in taper madness!!!!

Question for you guys. The Flying Pig 1/2 marathon is on May 7 and I'd like to run that again, but my main concern right is letting my IT band fully heal and then strengthen it. Do you think if I gave myself 1 full month of healing/strength training by lifting weights, doing the elliptcal, and running only short distances on the treadmill (nothing more than 3 miles), that I can start training for the Pig with only 10 or 11 weeks until the race? This will be my 3rd half in a year and a half, so the distance isn't new to me, but my main concern right now is my IT band. Such I forego the Pig?

 

[wtpclc]

Dang Krista! I knew there was something I was going to do Minnie Weekend. Bummer. Scott and I had been talking about doing Flying Pig. After doing a full, I would think you could take some time off and still get ready for the half. Maybe add some walk time in there to make it a little easier on your body?

Cam - I don't know how you walked with the condition your feet were in! I honestly don't remeber hearing you whine. Cry? Yeah, but that was completely different. Your fingers were black, your palms were scraped, your toes were blistered and swollen and you still got around WDW. Nope, NOT a whiner.

Sap - Hang here and we'll cure you of that fear of posting thing. Seriously, the more your participate, the more you will get out of it. Soon, you'll be giving tips to others too. Even if you don't have time to keep up with everyone, let us know how you're doing.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Heather -- may I just say your colleagues are jerks? I am so proud of you!

Here's the reaction I got from one of my supervisors who had done the Avon walk for breast cancer where you walk a full marathon on Saturday and then walk a half marathon on Sunday. Her first reaction was, "did you run the whole way?" I said no, but quickly said, "I wasn't planning on it anyway." Conversation ended.

I should say thought that other people were much more excited and supportive. Plus, I didn't really advertise that I was doing it before the race either. I was pretty quiet and low key about it.

 

[nucpharm29]

Okay, so you know you're training for a marathon when it's okay to make and eat chocolate covered pretzels for an afternoon snack! I just found some chocolate candy coating left over from the holidays and decided that I "deserved" some chocolate covered pretzels. Hmmmmm, guess that's why I can burn 2500+ cals a week but never see a change on the scale!!

sap--welcome--I too have tended to be a lurker in the past--but just jump on in here like I did--it's loads of fun--they're a great bunch of people to inspire you just to lace up and get out there!

I don't remember who posted a pic of the graphic from the back of the T-shirts on the shirt thread--but Thanks!!! Since I don't have any "official" WISH gear--I printed out the graphic and pasted it to my fridge! A little bit of inspiration everytime I go reaching for that darn ice cream!!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I see we are still in taper madness!!!!

Question for you guys. The Flying Pig 1/2 marathon is on May 7 and I'd like to run that again, but my main concern right is letting my IT band fully heal and then strengthen it. Do you think if I gave myself 1 full month of healing/strength training by lifting weights, doing the elliptcal, and running only short distances on the treadmill (nothing more than 3 miles), that I can start training for the Pig with only 10 or 11 weeks until the race? This will be my 3rd half in a year and a half, so the distance isn't new to me, but my main concern right now is my IT band. Such I forego the Pig?

Krista- I think you just need to see how your body responds. Yes, I think first priority is to get your IT band healed up, and I think you have a plan for that for the next month. Then see how the IT band feels when you start training for the Pig after that. Don't make any decisions now, but I think you will be fine in 10-11 weeks of training. I think that's how much I had in before I did my 1st half marathon en route to the full marathon.

Let me also say that I hope you can run the Flying Pig Half because I'm seriously thinking of running it myself and want to meet up with you and Steve.

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Oh, Dave and Heather, I am so sorry!!! Just ignore people like that, or do what I do and challenge them to a local half or full marathon. I've found that shuts them up really quick.

Stephen has a jerk boss too, before the heat thing came up, Stephen was shooting for 4:30. So when he calls in to work on Monday morning and told them he finished in 4:59, his boss said somthing like "oh, 20 minutes longer than you planned". Everyone at my work has been great, and saying they can't believe I finished with my IT band issues and the heat.

Carrie--I wish you could do the Flying Pig! Oh well, there's always next year, which will be the 10th anniversary of the marathon.