Just a quick note to say hello. Welcome to all the new faces!
In response to the questions about training and running and walking, etc. I was never a runner in my life. I trained in 2004 for the 1/2 marathon by walking as part of this group. I started walking around 20:30 minutes per mile and ended up after training right at 16:30 minute miles. The longest I ever walked was six miles and my training was on-again, off-again. I walked the 1/2 marathon in 2005 and barely kept from being swept outside the MK around mile 10. I finished the race and got my Donald medal, but they turned off the mats before I crossed the line so I did not have an official time. I vowed to train better and harder in 2005 and come back strong in 2006. I stayed on this thread and trained with this group once again. I started in January by walking 4 minutes/running 1 minute, which about killed me at first. Then, by May, I was walking 3 minutes/running 2 minutes and found that I actually could derive joy from running. In August I tried to make the transition to run 3 minutes/walk 2 minutes, but I kept getting injured because I was taking on too much too fast. I stuck with walk 3/run 2 and used that interval throughout the 1/2 marathon a few weeks ago. I finished in 3:11, which was 30 minutes faster than 2005.
This year, I am planning to add more running to my training. I have started doing run 3/walk 2 but for shorter periods of time and at a slower speed in order to avoid injury. I know that I have 8 months to get where I need to be for the DL 1/2 marathon and 11 months to get ready for the marathon at WDW. My ultimate goal is to be able to run 4/walk 1.
I know that deciding to train and then starting to train can be very exciting, but everyone needs to be careful not to overdo it and get injured. Slow and steady is the best way to start, especially if it has been a while since you have done any significant physical exercise. Ultimately, the key to the 1/2 marathon and the marathon are endurance. By slowly building up the miles and slowly increasing your speed, your body will adapt and learn to go further, longer. If you try to do too much too soon, that will lead to injury and fatigue and disappointment.
So if you are asking yourself, can I really do this? Can I walk a 1/2 marathon? Yes, you can. Is the WDW marathon a great place to start? Absolutely. The course is basically flat and you're in WDW. What could be better? I highly recommend the 1/2 marathon for those starting out, and I highly recommend this thread for motivation, training tips, and friendship.
Carrie- Did I miss something or did you say that you and DH will be doing the marathon again next year?! Glad to hear it. I am signed up for the marathon in 2007 also.
Okay, truth time . . . Who is thinking of going Goofy in 2007? I almost signed up for it, but I chickened out and just signed up for the marathon. I just keep thinking "You only live once." Does anyone know if registration will be similar to last year, such that if you sign up for both races you are eligible for the Goofy? I noticed that they have a separate Goofy registration this year. Do you think if I decide to go Goofy, I can simply register for the 1/2 too or do I have to contact WDW Sports and change my registration from the full to the Goofy?
I went to a women's bike maintenance class tonight. I learned how to change a flat tire and how to care for my bike. I have a 27 mile training ride on Saturday, then a 20 mile charity ride on Sunday. I sure hope the weather is nice. I have decided to go forward with the MS150 bike ride. I made a commitment to my team and to the MS Society. I need to live up to that commitment. I will train when I have time and do the best that I can.
Melissa-Loved the picture of the boy in the paper! He sure looks comfortable on the bike now. I am so glad that you two can share your love of cycling.
Okay, this post is way too long and I have to be at work early tomorrow. Plus, tomorrow is DH's birthday.
Better get some rest.
I'm not kidding. But anyway..my B-day is coming up and I have told my whole family I need a SAFE bike, b/c I will ride no matter what.
OK, don't get too excited because it was only for a few minutes but hey...I'm thrilled! 
I was nervous about my "new" knee, but it was fine. Well, actually both my knees have been moaning since I got off the TM. They are both like "***!?!?! You HAVE to loose 30 pounds before we will even THINK about doing this!" I shut them up though, telling them OK OK, fine. 
Good to know that in case of imminent death I can at least get out of the way. 
I can't wait!
The thing I love best about WW is that tracking makes me so aware of what and how much I am eating. You'll be thrilled with it, I am sure. Don't forget to drink water too! 
), I cross-train for 3 hours on Saturday and do my long runs on Sunday-- I really use the weekends because I can get away with not working those days 
for your knees! THis is a huge step. The 1st time I ran, I went a mile and thought I was going to DIE! And I had 2 good knees that had never been replaced. 
I've never had good knees and there are some days that they just threaten to give up - that's when I know its time to go do some strength training on my arms. I have noticed they are becoming more tolerant, I just have to take it slow. 
