Jen: Congratulations to you and your family. And welcome to the world, baby girl!
Okay, we're back home and trying to get things into order. How is it possible that a 7-day trip seemed so...short?
I guess I just can't squeeze in the Goofy, WISH meets large and small, and touring.
Seriously, WISH is so big and overwhelming that I was glad for the opportunity to meet with many of you at Beaches & Cream or the expo or on the course for a little smaller groups.
Corinna: Great race, again! You're fabulous, a racing woman to follow. I'm proud to move in your footsteps. You have so earned very second off your time (and every pound off your frame). Those pictures are very revealing (although not as revealing as leopard shorts). So...that speedwork really works, huh? I might need to be consistent with mine next time.
And you are too hardcore enough for the half fanatics, I'm positive about that. Just need a little nudging to sign up. So, about this Frozen Half Marathon. Nudge, nudge.
I didn't think the cold was awful, per se, although I could have done with slightly warmer conditions and less wind. It was thew wet shoes that really did me in. Still, I had so much sympathy for the participants who don't train a cooler climate.
And most of my concern was for the volunteers and spectators. That had to be hard. Thanks to
you, Mel, Jeanne, and all the WISHers who got out there.
Brought tears to my eyes, it did. Or maybe that was the wind.
Richard: Thanks for posting the expo picture! That's when I was still looking happy.
Speaking of happy, I'm very happy you did your EE ride, and know you'll get your churro next time. Ditto to what Corinna said--you're the poster-child for the Goofy. I'm so glad your family came along with you, and wished I'd gotten to meet them and hang out with you some more. Not enough time, I've afraid.
I definitely think you should do the princess. In the leopard print, topped with a Minnie skirt. Yep, I know you're up for it. And yes, "we want the leopard."
I loved reading your--and Corinna's--posts about your progress and your training, btw. Very impressive! And if this is a transitional year, I can't wait to see what happens for you! I understand your concerns about balance--between training, races, a professional life, a personal life, and even (maybe) a social life. Balance is on my training wishlist this year (I'd take flexibility, too!) Congrats on the continued weight loss, btw!
Julie: Holy cow! What a great race for you! You did more than PR--you blew your race out the water! Woo hoo! We missed you at B&C, though, and I think you need to come up with an ice cream-and-bourbon social at our next event to make up for it.
Mel: You definitely made the right decision about the Goofy. Not only for your foot, but because you were still out there on the course, supporting us all. Your smile is one of the best things about that whole stretch.
Half marathon fanatics, huh? That sounds like a fun goal!
Jeanne: Ditto on Mel's questions. How are you doing? You looked great when I saw you, but how are you feeling? Did you overdo it this weekend? I hope not! What is this American Tobacco Trail of which you speak?
Jackie: Great races, both days. I think your times were excellent, and am impressed that you overcame those severe cramps. I'm sorry we missed you at B&C and the Boardwalk, but can understand Bill's p.o.v. DOOD had some similar reservations, but I told him to "man up."
Now if he'd just accept the fact I'll go without him and be as happy as a clam.... (Although DOOD did enjoy meeting everyone, really! Just having a hard time keeping all the names and faces straight.)
JenB: Speaking of supportive people who deserve every ounce of praise for their accomplishments...um, that describes you, too! Great job following your plan for the half and full! You rocked the Goofy!
Maria: You were missed at the meets, but with me in spirit!
Kathy: Awesome, awesome race Kathy. You left me in the dust (er, ice). I can't believe how graceful you make smokin' hot walking look. So proud of you!
As for me: First, thanks to you all for your support, both on the course and off! I'm getting over the disappointment in my performance. Sulky, sulky, sulky.
After all, I had tons of fun with Richard (and then Jackie), who both got me through the half once things got touch. And DianeL, of course, who was with me for the full--joined by Richard for a brief while. And playing tag with John & seeing him conquer the Goofy was a delight.
I'm recovering now, and committing to a stronger, healthier 2010. I'd like to see my next half at least meet the pace of my long training runs for the Goofy, which were 1-2 minutes faster than what I actually did on race days.
Sans blisters, I think that's do-able.
So I'm trying to figure out my schedule, which is always a challenge given a sporadic work schedule. I know I'll be focusing on halfs instead of fulls. I'd really like to do the Princess, but I'm not sure the scheduling works out. I think it'll have to be the Princess or the DL half. And it might just be me. (But shhhh, don't tell DOOD. He'll get jealous.)
I like Mel's idea of a traveling race, and think that would be a good way to be social, bond with my family, and still challenge myself with races. The good news? I have airline vouchers from the canceled holiday flights, which means the financials aren't as hard to negotiate as the timing! So, I'm definitely one for choosing a future race to do together.
And we should probably talk about teams. I have not idea what's going to happen next year with the teams, and I don't think anyone does. I love my cousins, and want to hang out with you regardless. Me, though, I've lost a little love for the tracking/competition aspect, and could do without that. Also, I think we'll need a new captain--new blood, you know?! Mwa, ha, ha ha!
We did DL a couple of years ago, but stayed in Huntington Beach since we were attending a wedding and drove over for the couple of days so I can't help except to say I really, really enjoyed the parks. 
The real problem is that there's a really beautiful inaugural half/full/relay in April in my brother's hometown, which just happens to be on the Blue Ridge Parkway. MOUNTAINS. Someone stop me. NOW. 
and Tobacco Road
half marathons. 
.
