Wk of Jul 23--2007 WISH Walking/Running Club

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone!

Pat -- Thank you so much for your words of wisdom about college. I am so reassured and you are right -- email should make the whole staying in touch much easier. :

Lily -- Those pix bring back such happy memories! You and your DS were such an inspiration to me when I was flagging at that point. What I remember most is that you were making the most of the experience, posing at mile markers, taking pix with friends, laughing and singing (weren' t you with us on the whole "zippity do dah" song thing? It was an amazing experience. I am really hoping that this year will be fun and that I haven't gotten in over my head, signing up for the full when the 1/2 was such a stretch for me.

Carrie -- Good job on signing up, sweetie! Just remember, finishing is the goal. I can't tell you how many events I've noticed that people just pull out of the races. I can certainly understand that, and especially for injury, but I want you to know we will all be thinking of you and cheering you to the finish!

Okay, I came right from the gym (40 mins cross training riding the bike) so I have to go get a shower and start my day. Hugs to all!

Can't wait to hear from Judy! I hope she survived without killing her MIL and ending up in some Italian prison!

 

[Jen117]

Carrie - I am a newbie to running and have only done 2 races, but was never last in either (2nd to last in my first one, but there were only 26 runners). My greatest fear each time is that I will be last and everyone will laugh, but so far that has never happened. And the cool thing is that when there are more people at the finish line, the claps and hoots are way louder and make you feel all tingly inside!!!

Those Pics are awesome. I will be running all alone and I hope that I can run into other WISHERS to talk to. 13.1 miles will be awefully lonely by myself, yet I run/walk at weird intervals when I need a break so I don't want to worry about holding someone else back.

Now, I have to decide if I can muster a 10K the 9th of Sept. or drop back to a 5K. I have to see the doctor first about my possible asthma first, and then decide if I can start increasing distance. My 4 miles just won't cut it for a 10K!

 

[solotraveler]

Hi all!!

Just a drive-by this morning... I'm swamped!

Carrie-- Way to Go on signing up!! Have a great time!

Denny-- I used the Marathoning for Mortals plan to great success during last year's race, so I'm a big cheerleader for that program. What Mel said about making sure to practice your walk breaks is very true. It helps to train your body to slow down and then pick it back up again if that is what you plan on doing during the race. I'm impressed that your training has been so consistant... I tried and tried to get started training very early but could never do it. Good on ya!

This morning I bailed on my run. Bed was just a wee bit too comfy with the rain outside. I may try and get it in this evening if the weather pushes out and my legs feel OK, otherwise I'll make it a crosstraining day and push it tomorrow.

Oh, and I almost forgot to thank everyone for their Swolphin advice from last week. I did a little extra checking and decided to split the difference--- I changed my whole stay to the Yacht Club instead. I loved it last January and I love the location..... they had a room, so I jumped at it. Now I only have 5 more months to avoid making changes to it

Happy training all!
Kevin

ETA: For anyone on the fence yet, the Full is up to 70% capacity and the half is up to 90% capacity.... time to get those registrations done!!

 

[debm]

Hi. I just sent my registration for the 1/2 in yesterday. I hope it makes it in time since it is at 90%. I know I don't usually post but I do read the thread a lot. Maybe I'm a bit shy! I did a 10K race this weekend that turned out to be 6.45 miles on my Garmin. They called it a 10K plus so I guess it was. We had two storms last week that knocked out lots of power and caused downed trees so they had to adjust the course. They set up a 5K+ course and then had us run it twice or three times depending on what distance you wanted. I came in 3rd in the 10K for "women over 35." Had to brag because my family and friends are getting tired of hearing about running I think. Maybe it makes them feel lazy?!?!

Are we allowed to use that Donald sig graphic?? It's so cute!!!!

Well, my kids are fighting and after my 4 miler this morning I went back to bed so I haven't even had breakfast. Have a great day everyone!

 

[Maherae]

Jen , you may have signed up alone, but do not worry..you will not be running alone!! All along the way you will see WISHers! Even nonWishers will talk!! My only experience has been the Minnie..but it was GREAT!!
Debm, GREAT job in your 10K!! Our Sunny created the Goofy, Mickey and Donald siggies and lets us use them. Copy and paste this into your signature, changing the { to a [

{img]http://livinglively.com/clipart/donald07_wFeat150.jpg[/img]

Kevin, a drive by from you is better than nothing!!
Cam, Fantastic getting out there early this morning!! I can't imagine getting up, dressed, driving to the gym, exercising, showering, dressing and THEN going to work!! WOW!! I'm right there with you about Judy!! I really hope she has some fun times with her DH!!
Lynne , I know you are lurking...when is your next qualification event?

 

[wtpclc]

debm - COngrats on signing up and huge congrats on your 10K!! That is awesome!

 

[Honeibee]

Hello everyone. I am back. Let's just say that's ten days of my life I'll never get back.

Training suffered severely. In the entire ten days, I got in two sessions. Both DH and I headed out early, but only got in two half hour walk/runs. We were in a very remote part of Tuscany, on a wash-board and gravel dirt road. It made walking very difficult. Plus the heat was un-be-lieveable! We had tremendous jet lag, and were so tired from sightseeing and the heat. So I am back now, and training with a vengeance.

Lily - Thank you for thinking of me while I was away.

Cam - OMG! Ha ha ha! I managed not to kill MIL, but I had lots of times where I fantasized about her just dissipating into thin air. Hey your 5K time was kicking! Don't you dare discount it!

Helen - I didn't read last week's thread yet, but I think I figured things out. Oh Helen, I am so very sorry.

Craig - Excellent suggestion to Helen about the shelter. My Lena was a stray when she found me 14 years ago. I sponsor a special needs shelter cat in NYC and I am currently fostering an abused Quarter horse. I'm a sucker for the underdog.

Sunny - I'm sorry to see you are still having issues. I was hoping by the time I got back I'd see some good news from you.

Here's a tiny funny from vacation....On our first day out and about, we went to San Gimignano, and I was standing in one of the piazzas looking around. I must have had a look on my face because DH asked me what was I thinking. I said "OMG, this is just like Epcot!"

Here's a silly picture. Ignore my rather largish rear end....

 

[debm]

I have a question that's been bugging me. As I stated above I just signed up for the WDW 1/2 and as of now I'm coming by myself. And I know I won't be renting a car--just planning on using ME to get to/from the airport. Is there any problem getting to the Expo without a car? I've just never noticed if there were busses that run to Wide World of Sports. So how do I get there---on foot?

Oh and I just wanted to say for those that are congratulating me on the 10K. It was just a small town one put on by my YMCA. And I'm not sure that there were very many people that came in after me. Sooooo.... getting 3rd place was not like a HUGE accomplishment. But I did get a PR---ran the whole thing at average 9:50 miles. THAT was a big accomplishment for me. So just wanted to set the record straight before someone thought I was going to be planning on coming in 3rd place in some Disney race!

 

[wtpclc]

deb - 9:50 miles? Yeah, that was an accomplishment. The 10K I'm afraid of coming in last for is "just a little home town Y" race too! Way to go! That is really great!

They do have buses that will take you to WWoS. We rented a car for the first time in Jan (due to airport), so I don't remeber the details, but the y are avaialble and someone will know more.

Judy - Welcome back!!! We missed you!! You're back, ytou did not kill or get killed, we'll call that a victory. I bet you're not as far behind as you thought with all the sightseeing you put it. Lol. It looks just like Epcot! That's something I would say!

 

[solotraveler]

Deb-- Buses will run from each Disney resort to the Expo about once every 45min-1 hour when it is open. Make sure to check with Guest Services about where it will pick up and what the schedule is. There is also a bus that runs from MGM to WWoS that runs about every 20 minutes or so. No need to try to get there on foot And great job on the race! 9:50 milse are something to be proud of!

Judy-- Welcome back!! You may not have had perfect training, but you were in Italy, right?! And hey, look on the bright side.... it wasn't three weeks!

Kevin

 

[Kristi1357]

Summer has been busy, busy, busy, so I give up trying to go back and catch up with everyone. I have been reading about all of you, just not replying. Off the top of my head:

The cake - in full disclosure, my friend Evelyn made the cake. It's actually from a Disney Party Planning book from the 90s that we both bought when we worked at the Disney Store. I was going to make it, but simply didn'[t have the time with planning everything else. So, Evelyn did it for me - she's the best! If anyone ever needs ideas for a Disney themed party - it's a great book.

Judy - Welcome home! Congrats on not killing the MIL! Or did you & you just didn't mention it...?

Sunny - more . I know with my gastro problems I had to go through many docs, before finding one at Beth Israel in Boston that knew what was wrong with me. I saw 4-5 gastros in Nashua, then went through about every dept. at Lahey. I finally self-referred myself to a doc at Beth Israel that specialized in the esophagus specifically, not just gastroenterology. He knew within 5 mins. of meeting me what was wrong with me. This, after years of seeing other doctors. Any chance you can move higher up the chain and see a specialist in Boston? I know that's hard with most insurance though. Please take care of yourself! And don't rest until someone gets to the bottom of this!

Jodi - loved your pics from your 5k!

Carrrie - for signing up for that race

Cam - I was thinking about you & your daughter going off to college while I was wogging today - and how much I am not looking forward to that day! It dawned on me that my Mom was only 37 when I went away to school on Long Island! I am 34 - OMG!!! (yes, she had me at 19 and I started college at 17, but still!) When I am 37, I will have a 6 year old. So, I was having an "I'm an old Mommy" pity party for awhile there during mile 2.

Ok, my memory is gone now! So, here's my 4 miler from today:
13:14
13:14
13:23
14:30
54:23

I lost a ton of steam at the end. I had to pee, so I was pretty uncomfortable for the last mile or so! Shoot, if I can train for the Half and stay under 15 min/miles, I am a happy camper. All I need is pics with characters and no rides on any nasty sweeper buses!

This is me and Zack at the Kids Races this past January. As much of an unorganized awful mess that was - we signed him up again. I am hoping since they split the kids races into 2 days, it will be better managed. Heck, I'll setlle for managed at all!

 

[Dennyha]

Jen,
We learned about 4 years ago that our daughter had exercise induced asthma. Her life was basketball, and she was struggling to get air. She was crushed. She thought her basketball days were over. We went through a few iterations on her medications, but when the doctor found her appropriate treatment, it hasn't slowed her down one bit. Today, she is 18 years old, and leaves for college in 3 weeks, where she earned a full scholarship (partial academic, partial basketball) at an NCAA Div II school.

My point is, if you do have asthma, it doesn't have to restrict your activities. Work with the doctor to find the right treatment, and it'll be nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Good Luck.

 

[plutosmyfav]

Kristi- great cake! and great kids run pix

Lily-- loved your pix, too

This is pretty much drive by.

As for my apt today. First, did I tell you who my ns is? Judy may know of his namesake: "Dr. Fager, the equine namesake of a Boston brain surgeon who performed two operations on John Nerud after he was thrown from a horse in 1965, came into the Champagne Stakes undefeated in four lifetime starts..." He's also known as one of the top neurosurgeons in the country (or was in his day)-- so he's quite famous.

And would you believe, he is the first doctor I can recall in many years who did the strangest thing--- he asked me questions and then he looked me in the eyes and listened to my answsers. He was as much interested in what I had to say as to what was on the MRI!!!! Talk about old school! Totally different than prestigeous Dr. Dumb-dumb.

But all this intro is really to say, this guys been practicing over 50 years and he is puzzled by my back. He says I do not have a herniated disc, but I do have arthritic spinal stenosis in L4-L5. He says he never sees this kind of thing in someone young (I guess young is a relative term). He is totally on the fence about surgery (as am I). He got out his plastic spine to explain to me and when he pointed out the thick hair-like things and referred to them as joints I exclaimed, "Joints???", "could they have been affected by levaquin????" At this point he was startled and looked a bit disoriented so I reminded him how my whole sad story started with pn, followed by levaquin, followed by nearly simultaneous elbow tendonitis and RL sciatica. Now here's the part where I wish I had a camcorder taping the visit. I have two half memories; 1) him shaking his head to the possible levaquin connection and 2) his eye's lighting up light-bulb style and exclaiming "well with this information I certainly don't want to rush into surgery" as if maybe this could be a long-lasting residual of teh levaquin???

Bottom line: He went over my new MRI at least 6 times, each time more puzzled than before and decided to call in another expert. I will have an apt with the two of them Aug 14. In the mean time he upped my percocet script, forbade all activity and gave me a drs note to stay out of work until Aug 15 - Sept 1. I asked why the range and he said if I'm doing better I could go back the 15th. I said, "oh, I'll use my best discretion" which made him laugh.

Real bottom line: He said the surgery I may be looking at is spinal fushion? Oh I haven't even researched that one. It sounds very serious. I just can't deal with this at all.

But I dared to ask if this could be from abuse on my part and he said no. And I really don't think he was just being nice. Dx has been blaming me for this saying my heavy lifting must have caused this. BUT it had been months since I did real leg presses when this all started and it did start along with the pn/levaquin. I sure wish I could know for sure if that did all this damage to me.

Sorry for the ramble... I can't begin to contemplate surgery and I certainly can't begin to contemplate what this means for WDW '07 or Applefest. I just can't face any of that just yet.

Sunny

ETA: Judy don't laugh at my spelling, I'm on drugs and can't spell under normal circumstances

 

[jodistar]

Sunny – I love all the graphics that you are coming up with : ) . I hope everything works okay with your back!

Thanks Everyone for the positive feedback about my run on Saturday – I hope they have that one again next year….I’d do it again.

jodi - Thanks for the cool pics!! Looked a little steamy there!

Yeah – I was a little steamy but not nearly as bad as the beginning of the week.

Jodi--Great job on your 5K! I love running 5K's, but for some reason I haven't done any this summer. I'm doing the Ladies Distance Classic 5K with my Mom on Aug. 5th, but that might be the only one as official training starts Aug 21 and my shortest run is 5 miles. Sorry things have been so crazy at work lately, hopefully you can still make time to run and cross train--I feel your pain! Sometimes I think I should quit my job so I have time to train for the marathon.

Thanks, 5k’s are lots of fun – I wish I could find another 10k race but I haven’t had much luck, so I’m just doing 5k’s.

Work is finally getting a little bit better but it definitely has it’s days (weeks).

I made copies of my marathon training program and then I went through my calendar and wrote my long runs out--I think I'm going to throw up!! How in the world am I going to be able to do this??

I still have to mark my calendar, what training plan are you following? I can’t remember if you had already said. What plan is your husband following again (he’s doing the Goofy Challenge, right?)?

Oh, that reminds me. You guys want to hear something outrageously funny? DH does all the laundry (I know, I'm totally spoiled!) and I was lecturing him on not using fabric softener or dryer sheets (and to dry for that matter) on our wicking running clothes (although as I've lost some upper body fluff, his mistakenly drying my undergarments has prevented me from having to buy the next size smaller! ). So, on Saturday we actually bought a second hamper! for our running clothes. Isn't that funny?

That’s cool – can you train my DH too? How is the DH’s running doing? Howard needs to hang out on the board a little bit more, both of you are very cool.

Kevin – What kind of training are you following for the Goofy? Trying to survey the Goofy people here.

Hi Kelley – Welcome to the board!

Great job on the 10k RedSonya

Kristi – Great job on the croc – Did you make the cake yourself?

Lily – Great photos…..I can’t wait for Marathon weekend!

So Dave – You’re announcing the surprise trip (Marathon weekend) to your wife in October? When? Special Occasion?

Judy – you’re back – yeah! Welcome back!

Sorry if I missed anyone in this posting (I’m trying to get everyone!)

 

[TiffJ]

Judy- Yea!! You're back We missed you around here. Hope you had a few moments of fun on your trip.

Sunny- I so hope this Dr is on the right road to get you recovered! And you come here & vent whenever you need to. We are here for you.

Deb=do not belittle that accomplishment That is an awesome pace no matter how many people were in the race!

Kristi-great pace on your 4 miler! I love the pic (I saw your b4 & after pics on another thread & you look fabulous!) I'm hoping the 5k & the kids races go smoother this year.

I did 3.45 miles today avg 14:31 pace. I just dont know where my speed has gone. I used to be much faster. I think partly the heat & partly I could still feel a little soreness in my legs from Sunday's LR.

O.k. my turn to vent. You have my permission to stop reading now if you like. This weekend we are going to Atlanta meeting my parents who have my kids this week. We are going to a Braves game & the new aquarium.Fun, yes. My neices are also supposed to be meeting us there which I'm thrilled about because I love them. (I'm old enough to have full grown neices ) well, now I have found out their mother (my step sister) is coming with her DH & other kdis. I cannot stand to be around her. I will not go into the full saga of our relationship. Just to say I have absolutely no respect & no use for my step sister. So I thought o.k she's just going to the aquarium, so I'll just ignore her & hang out with my kids. Well now my dad is planning on taking all 14 of us to lunch first. And did I mention that Saturday is my birthday. I am having to waste a birthday with people I dont want to be with doing things I dont want to do I would rather spend my birthday cleaning out the garage! O.k. rant over. DH is not home so I have to rant to someone. Did I mention I love you guys

 

[Kristi1357]

My point is, if you do have asthma, it doesn't have to restrict your activities. Work with the doctor to find the right treatment, and it'll be nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Jen - I could not agree more! I have had asthma ever since I can remember. As long as you take you preventive med(s), you should be fine. It is kind of a pain to take a rescue inhaler everywhere all the time, but better than the alternative!

Sunny - Sounds like I would really like this doctor you have. Isn't it great when they actually listen to you & look you in the eye?! Of course, I am not a doctor, but I think you are onto something with that prescription maybe causing this. Seems fishy that this started during/after that drug. Just keep plugging away until you get answers! Take it easy & follow the doc's advice. I want to meet you at the Applefest afterall! I was at the Burlington Mall at lunchtime yesterday and was thinking about you since Lahey is right around the corner from there.

Tiff - rant all you want! I've had my share of being coerced into these types of situations. It stinks! And thanks for noticing my pics! (I told you guys I'd be a terror once I learned how to do this stuff!)

 

[TEK224]

Judy - Welcome back! Glad you survived the trip!

Sunny - Let's hope this Dr. can figure things out for you. Take it easy and follow his advice.

Tiff - Good luck! I hate getting roped into those type of situations. And on your birthday, too!

Deb - good job on your race. Doesn't matter if it's a small local or a big name race. You put forth the effort and did a great job!

Nothing to report for me. Today was an off day (if you can count a hectic work day as an "off" day.

Terri

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi guys...sorry I've been so bad about keeping up with the posts here!

Carrie: Congrats on signing up for that 10K. You'll have fun...don't worry about your time. Trust me lol....I'm in for it tomorrow BIG TIME in the 5K I'm running! I know how it feels to worry about finishing and times...but knowing you and your spirit I'm sure you'll do great AND have a blast!!! Glad to hear you are going for it!!

Cam: When are you in Williamsburg with the family? We're going too in a few weeks !

Denny: Welcome and glad to see you over here!!!!

Sunny: Thanks for the graphics and just to let you know...keeping you in my thoughts as you battle your health issues!!!! Hang in there!!!!

Jodi: GREAT job on your run!!!! WAY TO GO!!!

As for me...been running (albeit slowly) and getting back into KBX after being away for 2 weeks on vacation (that has been torture). I'm sooooo sore today I can barely walk and tomorrow night I have a race. It's not looking good for me to get a personal best NOW LOL. Oh well....I'm still planning to race...or perhaps hobble...to the finish line. I'm trying to build my fitness level back up to "pre-vacation" levels as I near full marathon ACTUAL training (my God...that's a frightening prospect).

So tomorrow night is the race...and I was supposed to run with about 8 other girls and they all dropped out so it's just me....but I still need to do it. Just gotta' get out there . Back in the game so to speak!

I'll report back on Thursday! Great job to everyone for continuing their training through these dog days of summer!!!

 

[debm]

Amy --good luck tomorrow night. I don't know how long your race is but I can understand that "hobbling" feeling. For some reason my legs/hips are really stiff. I think it is my muscles and not my joints. PT says I need to stretch more. I can run, once I get going, but I can't walk at all. I look really funny walking from my kitchen to my dining room even. And I know how it feels to have everyone abandon you for a race. Just feel good that YOU are going to do it. I almost backed out of the YMCA race on Saturday because I didn't have anyone to run with--they backed out. But I'm SO glad I did it, and I ended up meeting a lady and husband who are going out to Disneyland! She says she might run with me....at least part of the way...she's a bit faster than I am! So anyhow...good luck tomorrow night...and good for you for going ahead with it. You will be glad you did!!! Debi

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning Team:

Arrrrrr mateys, I did my 30 min SWOG yesterday . Surprisingly I'm getting faster in the water. I used to do 12 laps in 30 min and yesterday I did 14. Other than that, not much to report. The Empire State Games are having their opening ceremonies tonight. Some of you may remember that I was thinking of entering the Master's 10K, and walking in the opening ceremonies. I'm glad I didn't push that because of my leg, but I'm thinking about going to the opening ceremonies tonight and seeing what they're all about. Just gotta see if it works into the family schedule.

debm- Congrats on signing up for the 1/2! And great job on your 10K! No need to belittle your accomplishiments in the local 10K. We take all we can get. You were out there doing it, and you earned your accomplishiment. 9:50 mpm!! I'd take that right now. Great job! Good to hear from you.

Judy- back!!! Glad you survived your trip with your MIL, and I guess glad everyone else survived too. Good to have you back.

Kristi- the cake looks great. Must have been a fun party. Good job on your 4 miler! Thanks for posting the pic of the children's races too!

Lily- Thanks so much for posting your pictures during the race. I hope I find some WISHers along the way too - as I'm going to be in those corrals by myself too.

Whoa Sunny- that was some drive-by post. Oh I'm so glad you have finally found a doctor that listens to you. How refreshing! It sounds like you had a great appointment, and yahoo on the note to stay out of work too!!! You're right, don't worry about what it means for WDW or Applefest yet. Take things one day at a time, and make your decisions when you have all the information. It sounds like you are finally getting some medical help though. That is wonderful! Get yourself better!!! You are such an inspiration to many of us here.

So Dave – You’re announcing the surprise trip (Marathon weekend) to your wife in October? When? Special Occasion?

Hi Jodi Hmmmm, You know I haven't thought about how I'm going to announce the marathon trip to her. I was just thinking that she would see how my training was going, that I was serious about this running, and I would tell her my plans. You have a point. I should give this some more thought and announce it right. We don't really have any special occasions in October. Maybe I can plan a getaway weekend or something and announce it to her then? Any ideas? Oooh, reading Tiff's post reminded me that DW and I are going to a meeting in Atlanta in October. Maybe I can announce it to her then.

Tiff- good run. Don't worry about pace. As long as you're out there putting in the steps, it will come along. Sorry your b-day is not working out as you might have hoped. Maybe you can celebrate it the way you want with your DH the following weekend or something.

Yay Amy's posting! Hi Amy Good luck on your 5K! I can't wait to hear how you do. I remember your times were getting way down there, and I bet you are in better shape than you think.

OK, well off to do my leg exercises. Have a great day everyone!