Virtual Running Buddies (week of 3/9)

[badunnin]

Since Susan decided to piggy-back on last week's thread, I'll start. ;)

Run yesterday was really nice. About 3 miles, nice slow 13 min pace. Felt really good after a busy week to just kind of lope along a bit. According to my new snazzy running plan, (and it is snazzy), it should have been a tempo run at 12:45, but 13 isn't that far off! Sunday is a long run. Slooooow, but long. Looking forward to it.

[Kathy B]

Felt really good after a busy week to just kind of lope along a bit.

Hi Bethany! Glad you found your run relaxing....just the thing after a hectic week. I'll ditto what you said....loping along it was! Easy 30 min on the TM plus a little warm up and cool down today. I believe DS calls it a "recovery run" although I suspect it wasn't supposed to mean recovering from work!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting Bethany, 12:45 -- 13:00 not too far off and I wouldn't sweat it (like you would be sweating up your way (unless you're on the treadmill then...). Have a good run on Sunday.

Kathy - Love recovery runs -- recovering from a hard run typically but recovery from work would be ok too. :cool:
Susan - To answer your question from last week's thread. I think my knee issues stem a lot from too much tension/resistance on the tire or too high a gear. That and three or four days in a row isn't the smartest thing for me anyway - tendonitis from old injuries will pop up too easily. As long as I keep the tension under control and the frequency in check I'm normally good to go. It also helps to shift my weight around on the bike and kind of shimmy on the seat while spinning - takes some of the pressure off my knees.

No running today but did a lot of running around today at work, nothing that I'd specifically call exercise but going up and down stairs (my office is on the third floor) multiple times is a good workout. My story and I'm sticking with it! The neatest thing today was I got a present. Not from LW but from a guy at work. OK and explanation may be in order... he went to Bahrain for work. Before he left I asked if he would pick up some Saffron for me (they sell there cheap). He returned today with a 1 g. box of Saffron filaments from Safinter (http://safinter.com/). I was (and am still) both in heaven and tickled by it. I was so giddy that I had saffron that I was like a 5 year old. One of the guys who works for me said if he knew spices would make me so happy he'd have "bought me off" earlier. ;) :cool: Once I break the seal - tomorrow with some Morocan couscous (most likely) - I'll truly be in heaven.

Tomorrow morning will be a long run of some distance (probably between 10-14 miles). After that... LW is off tomorrow so maybe...

Anyway, enough about that and I'm off to bed. Happy trails to all and have a great weekend.

Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Reporting in late on Saturday -- back to back again this week. It was that "off" temperature this morning, a little too cool for short sleeves and a little too warm for long sleeves. That only becomes an issue when I'm running 10+ miles on a 5 mile out and back course. But still made it in good time and was plenty warm by the finish - logged about 12.5 miles today and that's just fine. I think my shoes may be on the death march because my knees are a little achy (and that only happens when my scoots are dying).

I hope folks had some of the great weather we've had today - 68 degrees for a high and that's just fine.

Happy trails all and don't forget to set your clocks ahead tonight.

Les

[Elizabeth B]

Where are all the VRBs?? Come out, come out, wherever you are...

Les - My knees get achy when my "scooters" are dying. After a couple of bad runs, I'll finally turn them over and discover that they're worn out. By the way, which wardrobe choice did you make yesterday - long or short? Hint - you'll understand why I'm asking in a few sentences.

Bethany - You are really kicking fanny with your running lately! I went to a Nashville Predators hockey game last night (I hadn't been in a couple of years). I admire you hockey players for being so comfortable on skates.

My run Saturday was a little uncomfortable and I'm blaming it on a bad weather forecast. The forecast was for cooler temps (50's) and rain, so I wore tights and warm socks, which was a HUGE mistake. The rain cleared very early in the morning, leaving us with a beautiful sunny, warm (70's) day. I tied my jacket around my waist, but I was stuck with the tights and socks. I was happy to be done.

I had swim class this afternoon, which went well. We worked on some skills we’ll need for the tri – passing and pushing off from the pool wall under the lane markers. We did several 100’s and they weren’t all that hard. Still, I only have a couple of months to swim 200 yards.

Although I’m planning on runs Monday and Wednesday and pool time on Tuesday and Thursday, I’m going to take it easy on the runs to rest for Saturday’s half marathon, so I think it will seem like an easy week.

That’s it for me – take care all!!

[badunnin]

Les - I'm hoping I have a few miles left on my scooters, but am already thinking about if I want to go back to the Adidas or stick with the Brooks. I really like them both equally, and remember being surprised when I went to my LRS last year (Hanson's, of course!) and after trying on a dozen pairs of shoes, ended up holding the Brooks... and a pair that I had worn for years but had gone away from for a bit.

Betsy - I hate being wrongly dressed for a run! I don't feel like such a star today though. I went out last night, and between the burger I had that gave me indigestion, the very disturbing dreams I had, and the loss of the hour, I decided to take a walk instead of my long run, and my long run has been shoved to Tuesday, when I know I'll need it more. I'm done working at 12:30 that day, and so will take off early, enjoy the afternoon, and "luxuriate" in running 6 miles when I'm normally teaching. It always feels so hedonistic. ;) I'm jealous of the Preds game though!

On the China note, I'm definitely going. I cleared it through my principal and my HR director, and I'll take 2 days without pay, but on June 13 I'll be on a flight headed (ironically) west!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Betsy - I'm with Bethany, I hate running in the wrong weight clothes. As for yesterday, I did the first 10 in shorts and the lightest long-sleeved shirt I own. Still wanted to strip it off at 7 miles but then would have been cool during the walk breaks through the swamp so gutted it out. Did 10-12.25 in a tank and was happy as a clam. On swimming... adrenaline will help you finish the remainder of the swim but getting through 200 will be good to do before the race. Have a good "slow" week this week and a good half.
Bethany - That's great that you'll get to go to China in June. I hope you have a great time. I've been down that path with running shoes in the past - tried everything then ended up in the shoes I was wearing anyway. Still nice to try others just in case. Have a great early-release day on Tuesday too.

Lifted today and not much else to report. This coming weekend I'll just do the 8k at Shamrock - didn't get signed up for the half months ago and thye're closed now. Oh well, I think I need to be getting ready for my trip to the Far East too.

Anyway, new shoes (hopefully) tomorrow and a run. Hope everyone else has a great time.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Happy Mon, gang! I stayed off the PC all weekend long, which was a nice break.

Badunnin - thx for starting us. Sorry I posted on Fri! 1) I totally forgot (my days were all mixed up last week), 2) I thought there was a potential for getting stalked :-) All of my runs lately have been the 'loping' kind. They feel pretty good.

Les - thx for the trainer/knee/tension tips. I'll keep an eye out for that myself. Running in spring is often really tough b/c of that 'in between' weather & figuring out how to dress.

Elizabeth - nice job on the run & swim. Is your tri swim going to be in a pool? (I've forgotten) I've never done one like that, although a friend is trying to talk me into one.

I have big news! (for me, anyway) First bike ride outdoors this weekend! Woo hoo! Yes, it's the little things that get us excited sometimes. But, up North, riding outdoors is a huge milestone. I think this means Spring has officially begun. Sat was my first ride outdoors, my first ride in cold temps (35) and my first ride w/my new training group. I was stressed all day Friday (what a dork). But, it was really fun, I was dressed right, made it up all the hlls, and met some great people. 22 miles. Then DH & I went out for another ride on Sunday. Feels good to be out on the roads again.

Running is in the plans for today. I'm running in my old shoes so I don't put any more dirt & miles on the new ones. Need to call the shoe store this week to exchange those puppies!

Have a great Mon everyone. Hope you're all getting some beautiful spring weather too!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Susan - Biking outside is a great thing after beign relegated to the trainer all winter. But I'm not a fan of riding in 35 degree temps and my hat's off to you and DH. 22 miles on your bikes - that still amazes me. I hope you had a good run today and get your scoots replaced soon - new shoes are our friends (see below).

I ended up getting new scooters this evening - moved to Asics Landreth 3. Of course, since they are new they feel great and I confirmed the old ones were dead because I noticed the lettering was worn off the heel - that's never a good sign for me since I don't run heavily. Anyway, after work I got new scoots and came home for a run in the brisk late afternoon. The run was short-ish (for me) and I ran for 46+ minutes but it was a run and it was outside and it was light! It is definitely nice to have light after 6:30 now. :cool: I think the new shoes will be helpful since I'm nursing a couple achy knees right now (another sign my shoes were gone).

That's my story and my report for the day - hope all are well and I'll see you tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

More big news. I ran yesterday......in *shorts*! I wasn't planning it, but the temps got up to 50. Wow. I think my pasty white legs caused some snow blindness issues w/cars driving past. I'm not the only one, though.

Last night was the spring kickoff meeting for my women's cycling club. We had about 50 women! Wow. Looks like a really fun group this year. Hoping with the larger size I can find a few women who ride my speed (last year I seemed to be "in between" most everyone!)

Planning a brick for later today. Another first for the year. Guess I'm trying to shove it all in before the sleet comes on Thursday :-)

Bode now spends all of his time getting covered in mud. Gotta love spring!

[badunnin]

Les - congrats on the new scooters!

Susan - it's super warm here in MI as well, and it's kind of nice (even for this winter baby!), but should turn again in a few days.

Proctored the ACT this morning, then went to mom and dad's for a nap (no fur balls at their house to disturb) and a run on the mill. I know, I know, great weather, etc. But there's plenty of time for outdoor runs. I just didn't feel great, and bailed after 3.5 miles of run/walk. Because of my early start this morning, I didn't get a great breakfast (I'm more of a grazer) and I hadn't been drinking anything (couldn't leave the room to pee), so I did it on a cheese stick, some pea pods and carrot sticks, and a Luna bar. :o Really not surprised that the run was so bad. We'll try this again tomorrow. *sigh* Gotta take the bad with the good I s'pose.

[Leslie Ferguson]

50 cyclists sounds like a big group Susan, DUH I bet there's someone in there to ride with. It looks like it's supposed to be decent most everywhere in the next few days. Hope the brick went well and you get another good outdoor exercise tomorrow before the weather turns on Thursday.

As you said Bethany, that's not a lot of fuel to try to run on so probably better to do something easy. Like you said, there's always more days out there to run out there and it's probably not ever going to be nasty there like here. Hope tomorrow goes better.

Run -- derailed. Spin -- derailed. Set out to make potluck dinner stuff for tomorrow (experimenting with veggie burgers) that wouldn't come together so I'm without unless I get home early tomorrow (doubt it). Oh well, this too shall pass. Hope all are well and that we hear from the rest of the gang this week.

Happy trails,
Les

[kwormann]

Hello everyone :)

Was sick last wee, and then had trouble getting geared up again this week. :)

I did my first 45 minute straight (no walk stops) run today. I only went 3.4 miles, though. That is slower than my fastest walking time. Is that weird?

My friend has convinced me I can do a 10K April 14th, so that is what I am working toward. She ans I are going to run 4 miles Saturday, then next week in Houston I will run 5.

Im glad everyone else is having nice weather too! It has been GREAT here, 20 degrees above normal in the afternoon. (although I never would complain about the normal temp of 55... :))

Want to say again, thanks for letting me join in. I learn so much from all of you, ESPECIALLY your "bad" days!

[Elizabeth B]

Hello all!

Kim - I'm sorry you were sick last week, but congrats on the 45-minute run. Are you going to do a local 10K? I wouldn't be worried about your mileage for the 45-minute run, by the way. Moving from 3 miles to 6 miles was a bit of a hurdle for me. Just keep plugging away and you'll be fine. When I'm adding distance, it helps to go slow.

Susan - That's fantastic that you were able to ride outside. And don't think you're a dork for being apprehensive about getting together with a new group. I get like that, too. That's one of the reasons I enjoy this running/swimming stuff - it gets me out of my normal comfort zone. I was a nut the entire day before my first swim class.

Les - Congrats on the new scooters. I have a friend who wears Landreths and loves them. It sounds like yesterday was a busy day for you - I hope today was better.

I have very exciting news to share - I bit the bullet and registered for the Memorial Day tri (registration is capped at 350 and there were already 100 registrants) AND I did 8 lengths of the pool last night, which is roughly the same distance that I'll be doing in the tri (yards v. meters). I couldn't believe it! We did several 100s in class on Sunday, so I thought I'd do a 100 and after that, I still felt pretty good so I kept on going until I'd done 200. If I can relax my breathing, I'm fine. I just get anxious and tend to blow out too hard/gulp air in. The swim is a pool swim, by the way. I think I'll do better with that for my first attempt than I would with an open water swim.

I skipped the track tonight and did weights instead. When I ran Monday, my legs were a little tired and I want them to be very fresh for Saturday. The plan for the rest of the week is a swim tomorrow night, pre-race pasta dinner on Friday (Dick Beardsley is the speaker), and race on Saturday. If I'm not too wiped out, I'll fix DH corned beef and cabbage (which he loves).

I am LOVING the early daylight saving time!! How fabulous to be able to get home from work and run in my neighborhood!

Take care, all and LES, good luck in the Shamrock on Saturday!!

[kwormann]

HI Betsy. It is the Purity run. :)

Congrats on registering for your tri! Im VERY impressed!

[SusanMac]

kwormann - sorry you were feeling badly. It's not so weird to have the occassional run that is slower than expected. As long as you're running, it's all good. Are you going to the rodeo while in Houston? It might be over by then. I haven't been since it left the Astrodome.

Elizabeth - Yay!! I'm so excited you signed up for the tri! I have a sprint tri the weekend after that, so we can taper & prep together. Glad you're feeling good about your swim. And good to know I'm not the only 'dork' about group things.

Well, I had a great workout yesterday. DH & I went on a 30-mile bike ride. He took me on a few wicked hills I had successfully avoided all last summer :-) But they were fun. I'd do this route again. Then I had a 1.5 mile transition run. My quads were sore this morning, but it felt good. Nice swim & run this afternoon. Literally 3 minutes after I finished my run the skies opened up & started pouring. I almost felt like someone was watching over me, the timing was so strange.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kim - I'll echo, after all these years of running it isn't weird that your new long run is slower than your fastest walking speed. Many of our group could attest to that. It's hard to explain why, it's just one of those things. I think you'll be fine for a 10k in the middle of April. I hope you have gotten over the crud you had last week.

Betsy - Great job with your swim. Do you breathe only on one side or can you breathe on alternating sides? I find that when I breathe on the same side all the time I can have gasping issues when I first start swimming again. Great to bite the bullet - never any fun to get all psyched up for a race to be closed out (like the half this weekend). I hope you have a good race on Saturday too, it sounds like you're ready.

Susan - Nice dodging the rain today and a 30 miler too, lovely hills it sounds like. But you sound stoked about them.

Weirder day today than yesterday. Capped by my leading a discussion at church this evening for about 40 minutes. As for dinner, fell back to a 4-bean salad (something I could throw together after coming home). Maybe I'll run tomorrow, at least I would like to since it's two days back to back without running. Maybe this is my runners funk...

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Les - Your salad sounds good. I need to teach DH how to 'throw together' dinner. Otherwise, I'll be eating the exact same pasta dish all summer long!! I've even started a "Scott's Cookbook" document that has instructions for a lot of basics that are in my head, but not his (rice, burgers, roasted potatoes, etc) He hasn't used it yet

ETA -- logged a nice swim & hill run today. Fri will be my long-swim day.

Off to a new training class tonight for Bode!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Good hill run and swim today Susan, sounds like it is nice up there too. If you'd like I can send you some of my TNT "man-easy" meals, things that are a little more complex than pasta and rice but still nothing to make DH cringe - and even might get him into the kitchen more frequently. And the stuff I'm thinking of is simple things like a loaded couscous with a Moroccan bent to it. That and a couple other simple to fix dishes.

Success tonight - thanks to 80 degree temps at 5:45 when I decided to start out on the road and light until I got back around 7. The first mile or so was a little off for me but I plugged on and got into a swing. I didn't push too hard because of the race on Saturday. That and I slept terribly last night so I didn't want to risk anything. But I'll say that two for two with my new scooters - a great thing since my old ones were doing a number on me. And I like the new Gel Landreths (didn't like the original ones).

Need to hit it, I need some sleep tonight and I may just fade into oblivion. Until tomorrow -- who's got the new thread?

Happy trails,
Les