Russ,



I don't know you except what I read thru these emails, but I just want to
offer this in the best way I can.

A little over 2-1/2 years ago, a good friend of mine lost his wife to
cancer. Both were big Diz fans. Not runners at all, but they golfed there
a lot, had the vacation club membership (more then 3 months of time if used
right), had their honeymoon there. Big fans. When she passed away it was
obviously very hard for him, as it would be for anyone who loses a spouse.
Took him until about 6 months ago to even start thinking of dating, he's
only 52, but he started when he was asked by a woman he knew. It was hard
for him to bring his new lady friend there to watch me and his daughter in
law run the marathon this year. But the new lady friend understood the
history and made the trip. I'm sure, privately, there was some anguish on
his part, and some on hers. She knew they'd be doing things he did with his
wife. She knew it would be hard on his friends and family to see him there
with someone else, and it was somewhat hard, and strange, to see him at Diz
with someone else.

But a couple days into the week trip we made of it, things were pretty
normal. Sure, this new friend doesn't like all the things we did, but
overall the trip went pretty well. They're still dating and seem pretty
happy.

The spirit of his late wife, who he first met in grade school, will always
be with you. I think anyone's new date would hopefully understand that. As
a minister friend of mine, who counsels his parishioners who have been
widowed, told me though, it's how you, yourself, handle it. You respect her
memory, knowing that you will always love her even though she's passed. But
you allow yourself to live your life in the present, not letting her passing
overwhelm your life, and if you fall in love with someone else, realize that
your feelings for this new person in no way disrespects your late wife. But
he also said you have to communicate this to your new lady friend. Let her
know how you feel about the past and the present and the future.

Well, hopefully this helps a little. I hope to see you both next January.



Mike McGee

Geneva, IL



_____

From: teampenguin-disney@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:teampenguin-disney@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Russ
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 4:52 PM
To: teampenguin-disney@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: TP-Disney Registered



The present plan is going alone, but I have asked someone to come with
me. She is afraid it will be in the shadow of my late wife. That is a hard
one to overcome. However, with or without her I will be coming.

This may have to be my last, there are old injuries catching with me.
Even with that I still try to run between 5.5 and 7 miles on most days. My
long runs are about 10 to 12 miles.

I am excited to be running the Half again. If nothing else to get out
of the cold weather here in Utah. This winter has been particularly cold
and snowy. I am glad there is an indoor track near where I live. Though it
does take more concentration to run on an indoor track when it is only 1/6
of a mile per lap. Just being able to have a few outdoor runs now that the
snow has melted has been good.

For all those who are going I wish you all success in your preparations
and training.

If Sylvia and Col reads this please send me an e-mail. I had to have my
computer repaired, and in the process they lost your e-mail addresses.

Russ Armstrong

Orem, Utah

From: teampenguin- <mailto:teampenguin-disney%40yahoogroups.com>
disney@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:teampenguin- <mailto:teampenguin-disney%40yahoogroups.com>
disney@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Susan Barmess
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 12:12 PM
To: teampenguin- <mailto:teampenguin-disney%40yahoogroups.com>
disney@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: TP-Disney Registered

Russ, this is wonderful to hear. I'm sure it will be a bit emotional for
you... one of those sneek up on ya kind of emotional moments. Will you be
going alone or is someone going with you?

Sue

----- Original Message -----
From: widefoot1
To: teampenguin- <mailto:teampenguin-disney%40yahoogroups.com>
disney@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:teampenguin-disney%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 11:50 AM
Subject: TP-Disney Registered

Well, I did it and registered for the 2009 Half Marathon. This
will be number 9. I believe I have mentally recovered enough where I
can do it.

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