Friday, January 23, 2009

All Signed Up

I signed up for the 2010 WDW Half Marathon today, and it was SOOOO much more fun than signing up last year!

Last year, I clicked the button and feared the training that was ahead of me.
This year, I know what's ahead of me and I look forward to the workouts and the running!

Last year, I only knew Rae, Kate, Jonathan and Bryan when my year started.
This year, I have a whole slew of Team Voice members -- old and new -- right beside me!

Last year, I thought the joy of the race would come from running through MK and EC.

This year, I know the JOY of the race is the comraderie with Team Voice, the sharing of the experience, and the support that I will both GIVE and RECEIVE between now and the end of the race!

[Remember to post in the forums get our new TV members off on the right foot!]

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Day One

Okay, I've now completed Day One of the 2009 training year!

Last week I rested and did the bare minimum at the gym, to give my knee a little more healing time. But this week, it's back to serious training.

And it was fun! I was beginning to miss the good feeling I have after a nice workout -- both the sense of accomplishment and the relief of burning some calories to offset my never-perfect day of eating.

How about you? Time's a-wasting!

(Post in the Team Voice forums today, to give our newbies some encouragement!)

Friday, January 16, 2009

Happy, Sad

So I was very happy to finish the race! I was also very happy to get the race over with, so I could relax a little bit.

But now, the blues are setting in.

It's over -- the excitement of the weekend -- being with my family, friends, Team Voicers, Mouseketeers, Disney fans -- race day -- the cheers and well wishes of all the strangers along the course -- looking at the medal a few times a day with relief and awe.

So now it's back to training, and back to focusing on food again to make the most of my Weight Watchers experience.

I'm ready. It's time.

(Go post on the Team Voice forums today so that new members can join in and experience what we accomplished this year!)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

I Did It!

I finished the WDW Half Marathon, and I am very proud of myself.

I’m mostly proud that I stuck with a goal for an entire year. I worked through ups and downs, and suffered through workouts and training runs, and also had moments of joy during the year.
But I absolutely, no way hosea, not in a million years could have accomplished this goal without Team Voice!

At MouseFest 2008, I met Jonathan and Bryan, and Rae and Kate for the first time. In just a matter of days, we were friends. (That happens at MF.)

All it took was for me to say to Rae and Kate that I had always wanted to run a WDW race, and they immediately started convincing me that I should go for it.

I – with a deep breath – said okay, I’ll join Team Voice and will start training. I came back to the gym and told Rob, my trainer, that he needed to get me ready for a half marathon, and his eyes GOT REALLY BIG. But he took a deep breath, and said okay.

When I later told my husband Dwain, he quietly said okay (but silently wondered if I was going to have a heart attack and if he should order some more life insurance)! And then when I told my family, they were a little shocked, but did what families do – supported me and encouraged me.

So January came and training began, and the Team Voice forums started heating up.

One thing that amazed me right off the bat, was the support that we gave each other despite VAST differences in our running abilities. The guys who could run at Mike-speed and were focused on improving their times were just as happy when I met goals like running 3 miles for the first time, or a 14-minute mile for the first time.

We also came from different parts of the country, were different ages, had different home and work situations – but what we had in common was a big goal and a true belief in each other.

It was amazing!!

I could not have finished this year of training and the race without all the support I got from Bryan, Chris, Heath, Jeff W, Lisa, Matt and Mike Fess – you’ll never know what a difference it made! All the “you can do its” sunk in and helped me believe in myself.

My trainer Rob had the knowledge to get me strong while saving my knees! He also knew I’d need to be mentally stronger to get through the long runs, and did a great job at toughening me up – I think I only reached the point of tears twice this year!

And my husband Dwain just stood by and kept his mouth shut, despite the doubt he had after seeing me have a lot of great ideas over the years and not get around to finishing much. But when I hit milestones throughout the year, he was the right there with congratulations.

My family was way more excited for me than I expected, and my parents even decided to come and see the race. I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to get them to WDW, but this did it! And my brother David was super enthusiastic, and 110% sure that I could do this – it was cool to go through this experience with him.

I also have a BIIIIGGGG hug and thank you for Jonathan – you were truly an inspiration to me. You experienced ups and downs like all of us, AND you were willing to put them out there on your blog. And then every time, you bounced back with an amazing positive attitude that was a beacon of inspiration to all of us!

And lastly, the two who got me into this mess – Rae and Kate!! You gave me the most wonderful gifts I’ve received in a long time – the gift of finishing something instead of giving up when it got hard – the gift of a new belief in myself that I really can accomplish important goals – and the most magical gift of support and friendship from the most amazing people!

I think I’ll do it again in 2010. See you there!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Here We Go!

Updated Schedule Below!!

It's almost time! As you read this, some Team Voicers might already be on the way to the World!

A few reminders ...

-- Print your waiver from the marathon website before you go.
-- Read the final race instructions that have been posted.
-- Print receipts for items you paid for when you registered!

-- Pack your timing chip if you have one or bought one!
-- Take your running shoes on the plane with you, not in checked luggage!
-- Email me (debwdw@gmail.com) with your cell phone number to share with the other Team Voicers.


Team Voice meets:
-- Noon, Thursday, Packet Pick Up with Jonathan & Lisa, meet at Milk House
-- 8:30 p.m., Thursday, AKLodge, Victoria Falls Lounge,
RANTfest with Matt, Chris, Mike F and others

-- 9:30 a.m. Friday, Packet Pick Up with Rae & Deb, in front of store between stadium and cafe
-- 4 p.m., Friday, Rae's group dinner at Crystal Palace (check with her for open slots)

-- 2 p.m. Saturday, Lou Mongello's meet at MK, Tomorrowland Terrace
-- 8 p.m. Saturday, Epcot, meet in front of France, walk to Japan for Illuminations

-- 10 p.m. Saturday, Jellyrolls at Boardwalk ($5 cover charge)
-- 3 p.m. Sunday, MK, Aloha Isle for Dole Whips

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT'S TIME?!!