Wk of Nov 19--2007 WISH Walking/Running Club

[getnthinr]

I am hopelessly behind here -- though I will say I am tickled for Lynda's boy (my "baby" is a boy, and a child I had after they said I'd never be able to get pregnant again, so I think boys are terrific!) and Cam and Howard's son the singer/doctor.

I had a tough, sad weekend. I planned to do a 20-miler Saturday but was interrupted so many times by one member of the family or another (the primary hazard of doing long mileage on the treadmill) that I gave up shortly after 9 miles. Sunday I gave it another go, only to be stopped at just under 10 miles by a panicked call from my mom saying my dad had fallen and she could not help him up. I rushed to their house, but was not strong enough to help him stand either. Fortunately my older brother arrived about 15 minutes after me and was able to lift him and get him back into bed with no problem. I returned home to the treadmill and started all over again, managing to finally get in my 20 miles, and was headed out to get groceries when my brother called to say they had taken my dad to the hospital - believing he'd had a stroke. Doctors confirmed he did have a stroke, and he is now still under observation at a hospital in Chapel Hill.

Life feels so odd -- as though I'm sleep-walking through it, sort of going through the motions. I am still planning on my series of races -- including the very special race on Dec 3rd to raise money for the NC kid's camp Victory Junction Gang Camp because the doctors say my dad's condition may go unchanged for months. I am thankful for every day we have had him with us -- he is a great dad -- and I hope he will improve, even if it is unlikely that he will recover completely.

Sorry for such a bummer of a post.

 

[wtpclc]

Wendy - That is so hard.

Judy - Take care of that hip! Lots of ice! Hope it's better soon!

 

[Minnie]

Wendy - I am sorry to here about your dad

Judy - for a swift recovery

 

[solotraveler]

Good morning all!!

Mel-- What a neat ornament!!! Might need to go get me one of those.

Matt-- Wow, sub 2:00!!! Great job!!

Goofyguy-- Wow, that is an incredible story. It's a very good thing you were there. I'm sure he and his parents are incredibly grateful.

You know, I kind of have to agree with Cecilia too....why in the world was a 15-year old running a full marathon without a support team inthe first place. Most of the big races have age limits for a reason! I have a 15-year old brother myself, who happens to be an outstanding cross-country runner. No way in the world would I ever think it would be a good idea to run a full marathon at that age.

Beka-- Yes, MFM DOES work. I'm living proof. I have changed up things this year with the Goofy attempt, but the intervals and the LRs will get you to the finish line. Don't worry about only going 20. Once you get to 20 miles in the race... well, there is sort of no turning back at that point. I had a TERRIBLE 20 miler before last year's race (Up the one plowed road, back down the one plowed road...), but afterward I knew that if nothing else I could walk those last six miles to the finish line. At least the weather here is looking up, right.

Cam-- WTG!!! You must be so proud!!

Wendy--

Lynnda-- Congrats!!! That's great to hear.

Jen-- I agree with Carrie... the full training isn't that much worse that the half would be. It just takes a little more time. If you can complete the half, I have no doubt you could train for and complete the full.

Carrie-- I feel your pain, sister. Northwest changed my flights twice before last years marathon and twice for this years marathon!! (Last year's changes were not good.... but this year's changes have actually been for the better.... but I feel your pain nonetheless.)

Ok, training update-- 9 miles Saturday averaging about 9:30/mile. I just couldn't get the engine in gear--- it was like I was asleep the entire run. Sunday, well.... Sunday didn't happen. My boss (remember him, the one that robbed me of sleep) decided to come home early from Florida and I had to pick him up from the airport at 11:30--- otherwise known as right in the middle of the time I had carved out to get my run in. Since the rest of the day was fairly well booked, it didn't happen. Yesterday I did 5.(something) miles in 50 something) minutes (9:24/mile). It wasn't a great run for a couple of reasons (weird intermittant shin pain, I was very underdressed for when the sun went down, etc).

I realized after I missed my 18 that I am going to have to be incredibly flexible throughout playoffs to get my training in. That might have to mean long runs on weekdays and moving things forward or back a day or two, but I've got to do it. For example, I'm making up this 18 miler Thanksgiving morning. I have the time and it needs to get done. If we host playoffs next week, my back to back will be Thursday and Friday instead of Saturday and Sunday. The way I look at it, I have 3.5 weeks until taper. At this point it's about getting those long runs in, getting my confidence level up and figuring out a race plan. I can do this.

I better get a move on for now.
Happy training all!

Kevin

 

[plutosmyfav]

Goofyguy-- your story is amazing. I think you have a second calling-- racing medic in case of emergencie. Your finishing time is still outstanding.

Lynda-- Congrats on the baby We'll be expecting pics real soon

Cam-- Oh you must be bursting with pride for Andrew. That is so awsome!

Matt-- Awsome sub 2!

Carrie-- Yikes! I'm so sorry your flight got cancelled. I totally forgot one must check on these things.

As for the 20 versus 22. I did 22 last year and I honestly felt like I was well trained for the first 22 miles of the Full. I'm seriously considering doing 24 this year.

Sunny

 

[Jen117]

Good morning/afternoon!! I am planning to hit either the elliptical or treadmill after work when my girls have swim class. They are being so good about mommy missing some of their things. I signed them both up for the kids races, so in the end they will get their medals too!!!!

Judy, rest that hip. When my back pain flares up, then best thing I have found is rest. I have been running lightly the last week and stretching more. It seems to be helping.

Cam - Oh how wonderful for your son!!! You should be so proud.

Carrie - to NWA. I get frustrated flying with them. Tho I am not sure that the other airlines are any better. My fave is Midwest Airlines, but they are limited to locations.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the guy that I kind of work with that got me into running IS going to run the 1/2 at WDW. 2 weeks ago he said he wasn't going because his wife decided not to run the full. I told him that he was the one the motivated me to start and then he felt guilty. Then the guy he is supposed to run with told him that he needed to pick up his packet. So now he decided he has to be there. He is a slow runner like me, so I hope I can pass him up at some point!!!!

OK, have to go take the office staff picture.... blahhhhhh

 

[keenercam]

Wendy -- I am so sorry to hear about your Dad.

Lynnda -- How exciting! Another little prince in your family. Billy is going to love being a big brother!

Thanks to everyone who sent their congratulations to Andrew. I told him last night about the responses I had read and he said "Awww, that is SO nice. WISHers are the BEST." Judy, he especially liked knowing he has another aunt who I assured him is a real sweetie.

Carrie -- I am sorry about your flights. I am just glad you gave yourself the cushion on Saturday before the full.

Sara -- So happy to see you here. Have a fabulous vacation! Sending you for great weather. We were supposed to have rain in Hilton Head when I checked a week out, but the rain that was predicted for Friday and Saturday is no longer a threat. YAY!

Kevin -- I really admire your determination and your flexibility. I know it will be hard to carve out time for those back to back LRs but it will all be worth it. I know I will feel much better when Howard has time to do a weekend or two of that. Unfortunately, he is thinking he won't get in back to back LRs until mid-December!

Judy - I am sorry your hip is bothering you. I really strongly suggest looking for some hamstring stretches to do before your training sessions. It made all the difference in the world for me. You have come so far and you don't want to derail your efforts now. I am firmly convinced I stressed my hamstring/hip during the 1/2 last year and it got progressively worse until nearly every step after the first mile during the Minnie was so painful.

Christa -- a workout room at church? How cool is that? I keep wishing there were one in my building here at work. You'd think with 18 stories and a basement and penthouse there'd be SOMEPLACE for a fitness center. I probably shouldn't complain, though, since at least there are showers in the building.

Oh, my kayanos arrived last night. They sure are cute. I didn't fall in love with them like I did with the 1122s but once I bent them and twisted them a bit, at least I was able to get the sole to bend with my foot. I wore them grocery shopping and will take them to HH to try them out on a LR. I am so glad that roadrunnersports lets their VIPs try the shoes for 45 days even outside and takes them back no question. If all else fails, I found that zappos has the 1122s -- outrageously expensive, but since everything else in this sport is free what's another pair of shoes, right?

Oh, one last thing. I have been unable to find cliff blocks ANYWHERE around here until last night at Eastern Mountain Sports -- they were on sale from $1.99/bag to $1.70. And, some of you will get a kick out of this. The woman behind me asked what they were and I seized the opportunity to tell the sales clerk (cute young guy) and her how effective they are when you're training for a marathon and that I've already used them through 2 halfs and a 15K.

 

[wtpclc]

"Awww, that is SO nice. WISHers are the BEST."

He is a very intelligent boy!

I seized the opportunity to tell the sales clerk (cute young guy) and her how effective they are when you're training for a marathon and that I've already used them through 2 halfs and a 15K.

Good for you!

Kevin - Please don't say this could happen again!!!! After I got the e-mail that my flight was changed, I remebered that you had this problem with them. Ugh. I wish we had more options in GR!

 

[solotraveler]

Kevin - Please don't say this could happen again!!!! After I got the e-mail that my flight was changed, I remebered that you had this problem with them. Ugh. I wish we had more options in GR!

Here here. I once heard that the GRR people were in discussions with JetBlue, but obviously that hasn't done anything yet.

What I might do is call them up and see if you can get changed to something earlier. Just say that you "have" to be in Orlando by, let's say, 8:00 and see if they can do something. Worth a shot, right?

 

[Honeibee]

Just a fly by...

Just got back from Target and got THREE WISH ornaments! Thanks Mel!

 

[skfulkers]

I realized after I missed my 18 that I am going to have to be incredibly flexible throughout playoffs to get my training in. That might have to mean long runs on weekdays and moving things forward or back a day or two, but I've got to do it. For example, I'm making up this 18 miler Thanksgiving morning. I have the time and it needs to get done. If we host playoffs next week, my back to back will be Thursday and Friday instead of Saturday and Sunday. The way I look at it, I have 3.5 weeks until taper. At this point it's about getting those long runs in, getting my confidence level up and figuring out a race plan. I can do this.

Kevin,

I know exactly what you mean about juggling the LRs around. Funny enough, I'm sitting here at work with a Google Earth map open looking at possible LR locations in the middle of Indiana. Guess I'm being real productive today. I know I have to be in Indiana for a project a week and a half from now when I'm scheduled to do 10/20 that weekend, so I'm looking up all sorts of parks, old railroads, etc, to find a place to run. And WHEN I'm going to have time to do this, I have no idea. It may be a Monday and Tuesday. I just know I HAVE TO find time to get the LRs in. Why does work always have to get in the way of more important things, like finding trails with decent scenery and adequate places to stage water bottles??

 

[gatorphipps]

I just know I HAVE TO find time to get the LRs in. Why does work always have to get in the way of more important things, like finding trails with decent scenery and adequate places to stage water bottles??

I ask this question often!

Wendy - So many and for your family. Along with praying for Liz, I will pray for your dad this Friday during my (hopefully) 20 miler.

As for the 20 versus 22. I did 22 last year and I honestly felt like I was well trained for the first 22 miles of the Full. I'm seriously considering doing 24 this year.

Sunny - This is what I have been saying...I am right there with you.

Christa -- a workout room at church? How cool is that? I keep wishing there were one in my building here at work. You'd think with 18 stories and a basement and penthouse there'd be SOMEPLACE for a fitness center. I probably shouldn't complain, though, since at least there are showers in the building.

Yeah Cam, it is nice and it only cost $10 a year to join. I have had to drop my YMCA membership b/c of $$ so this is a great option. My DDs also go to school at our church (and my DH is a minister there) so it really works well. They have treadmills, weights, stationary biks, elipticals, and and indoor track so I only need to find someplace to swim (for cheap) so I can get everyting in. Oh, and I know most everyone who comes in so that is good and bad...b/c I don't like to sit around and talk when I am doing a WO.
BTW..I tried the Cliff blocks last weekend and I think I can handle them...they do have a nasty salt flavor...that doesn't go well with the strawberry flav I picked out.

 

[Big Vic]

Wendy - Sorry to hear about your dad.

Cam - Congrats to your DS.

Everyone else - keep up the great work!

The ankle is doing well. The swelling is going down daily, and my toes aren't as black as they were a day or two ago.

I'm going to start walking on the TM on Thursday and see how it goes. I won't push it, but we have to keep moving forward.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I saw this on the Resorts Board. Haven’t been able to confirm yet though.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1282365

If this is true, we need to develop a backup plan quick!
Paul

Paul posted this on the other meet up thread. I thought I’d give everyone the “heads up” for putting Plan B in place, whatever Plan B is.

Lynnda, congrats on the boy! Great to hear from you.

Sara, so teach that cheer to DH, he's going to need to scream to help us along. Have a safe trip and a great time!

Vic, glad your ankle seems better. Hope the walking goes well Thursday.

Wendy, so sorry to hear about your Dad. Prayers for him and family.

Judy, hope you can get that pesky hip to cooperate real soon.

Christa, glad you found something you can tolerate on your runs. I haven't tried the Cliff blocks whilst running, but I'm thinking the salty is part of the replacement need. So, what's wrong with strawberries and salt?

Yay! Cam for finding the Cliff Blocks and for telling many of your upcoming participation! You scored big!

Kevin, I am sorry about the obstacles you are encoutering to get to the finish line. Glad you are figuring your way through it all.

 

[wtpclc]

What I might do is call them up and see if you can get changed to something earlier. Just say that you "have" to be in Orlando by, let's say, 8:00 and see if they can do something. Worth a shot, right?

Unfortunately, the only flight with a better arrival time is at 11 am that morning. Neither one of us can take that much extra time off being a short week as it is. I've checked all teh way to Lansing. Much beyond tha tis too far to drive and wiuld require more time off. Oh, well. I'll just start doing a Jet Blue dance fro next year.

 

[MelRhoads]

Wendy - so sorry to hear about your dad.

Mel - Somewhere i missed the ornament thing. Can you fill me in?

Sara - I hope you have a good thanksgiving vacation. You seem so busy, i dont know how you get it all done!

Carrie - sorry about your flight!! That would throw me for a loop!!

Christa - That is great that your church has a gym!!! I'm glad you were able to get your run in!

Today phil and i kayaked war eagle creek (very beautiful) and then went for a short run. So far, it has been an incredible day!!

 

[keenercam]

Christa -- you may prefer the lemon lime flavor, though I prefer the strawberry. I just saw that coolrunning has these in a 12 pk for $22.94, I think, and they had a flavor called cran-razz, which might also be a good one to try.

Vic -- so glad your foot/toes/ankle are improving! :

 

[Kristi1357]

I finally got out there today after a week of not exercising!

MfM called for 45 mins. w/r. I only made it 32 mins. I was beat! I had absolutely nothing left. I have not been eating well, and only sleeping 5-6 hours per night. I am also in the middle of working a 13 day stretch.

I have to start sleeping more, and eating better. PRONTO!

(thanks Carrie, for the kick in the butt! )

 

[chimera]

I get the Clif Bloks at gotbody.com. Cheapest place I've found and I get 'em by the box. I prefer the Cran-Razz...strawberry can be a little sweet. I haven't tried the lemon-lime yet.

MelR...if you go back to the beginning of the thread, there's a photo. Tiff found a really cool WISH Xmas ornament at Target. It's even lime green!

Tough decision to make on whether DD13 will be doing the half this year. I had a call from her coach today, suggesting she take a week off from training. DD hurt her foot on the 4 miler she did last week. I've been concerned since her knee issues came up but the orthopod said that she was clear to do the half. I think now she just hadn't had enough time to train properly with her schedule of band, volleyball, honor society, etc. I gave her a heads up on the phone tonight, but we'll have to talk more when she returns home from her dad's. I'm hoping she'll come to the decision on her own, rather than me having to pull her out.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

BTW, our weather man is reporting that it's snowing in Orlando. Apparently it's cold enough in upper atmosphere to make snow, though it won't last long since ground temp is in the 40s. Not likely that we see anything like that here. If we did, that would make only the third time seeing snow for me

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Just checking in so that no one thinks I have disappeared I haven't been able to do much running/walking as I have been experiencing ongoing pain in my right foot. It didn't hurt during my last LR or even after for a day or so but then it started and has been a problem ever since. It is significant enough to cause me to fear a LR but not so bad as to require a doctor's visit YET so I am trying rest first and will try another LR this weekend. If it happens again or causes me to shorten my LR significantly then I will be headed to the doctor.

I found the WISH ornament at Target today and brought it home. Can't wait to put it on my tree this weekend!

Lynnda- so glad to hear that another little boy is coming your way. How exciting!

Wendy - so sorry about your Dad. Hope his recovery goes better than expected!

Cam - BIG CONGRATS to Andrew!! He is so amazingly talented and lucky to have such great support from his wonderful parents and sister!

*********Illuminations Dessert Attendees***********

Please contact me at your earliest convenience if you haven't paid and/or emailed me since my PMs last week. I need to tie this all up by the end of the month (which is coming SO fast at this point!) so please get in touch with me. We are not yet at our hoped-for minimum of 50 so I am hoping that the few remaining to respond will help us get there! Thanks again for everyone in helping me make this all happen - I can't wait to see our awesome group of WISHers (and supporters) on January 7th!