Virtual Running Buddies - 9/14

[SusanMac]

After all the fabulous support last week, I figured I should start this week's thread.

No workout to report :-) I do have a "race" this Sunday, though. It's our annual Dog Jog fund raiser for the Humane Society. This will be Bode's first. I'm confident there will be no jogging, since Bode will insist on meeting & sniffing every dog there. He's extremely social, and I think he'll have fun. He'll get a little bandana for participating. I'll try to get a few pictures.

We are having fabulous autumn-like weather here. I was hoping to get out for a brief bike ride today, but the winds are 15-20mph and, well, I dont' have to do that anymore. So, hopefully I'll get out Sat or Sun. Started today with a 90-minute Bode walk, which was very enjoyable.

TKay - how is your knee feeling?
Badunnin - are your aches getting better? I forgot to recommend a few glasses of wine....but you probably already thought of that ;-)

Any fun plans for the weekend??

[seathyme]

Thanks for starting, Susan. That Dog Jog sounds like a blast! Please do post pics if you get a chance. Welcome back to the land of I-could-workout-today-but-conditions-aren't-perfect-so-maybe-I-won't!:D Many of us live here.

Although I will say that conditions here this morning were perfect for a run, so I went out for a really nice hour. Good thing, too, because I'm responsible for a pile of churchy things the next couple of days -- major memorial service tomorrow, pre-church meeting Sunday, then preaching, then post-church event.:rolleyes: We've been invited to a Sunday afternoon party at a friend's house, so hopefully will have enough energy left to enjoy it. And as background throughout the weekend, there is a big Sox-Yankees series on tap! With any luck we'll be playing baseball in October in Boston.:D :D

Hi to everyone else, and happy fall weekend!

[TKay]

Thanks, Susan, for starting this time. And like Seathyme said, welcome back to the world of workouts that mere humans can do. :D My knee is much better, thanks. I did two runs this week and my knee felt great both times. I've been doing some precautionary icing at night, lots of good stretching and ibuprofen. That's really helping.
I took the day off yesterday because I really want to keep my knee healthy. I have lots of work this morning, but I'm hoping to squeeze in a workout before the kids get home from school. I checked out the local gym prices (my old membership expired) and I think I'm going to join the LA Fitness that's close to home. The nice thing is I could jog there (about 1.5 miles), workout and jog home. Oh, who am I kidding? I'll probably drive anyway. I'm excited to have access to a pool because I really want to get into swimming. I'm also looking forward to the cycling classes and running on a soft, cushy treadmill. So much easier than concrete. I found a workout that combines 20 minutes on the TM, 20 minutes on the elliptical, and 20 minutes in the pool. That one sounds fun.
That's it from here. Hello to everyone and happy weekend!
Oh, I haven't selected a new target 5K yet. Been busy with back-to-school duties and work. Still have it on the agenda though.

[Elizabeth B]

Hello all! Sorry I haven't been around much - we had company this past week and then I've been busy taking race posters for our upcoming local race around to businesses.

Bethany - I was sorry to hear about your aunt. I hope you find some peace in the fact that you were really there for her. And I'll bet you were stiff and sore after your race - it was what, 10 miles? And a trail run? Shoot, I think driving 10 miles in the car on the interstate is a long haul, and that's not scrambling up (and down) a muddy trail. Hopefully, you're starting to feel better.

Susan - CONGRATULATIONS, IRONWOMAN! I loved your race report, but you make it sound so easy! You trained really well for it and went into it in fantastic shape, and I'm so happy you had a great time. Are you planning on ever doing it again? IM Louisville is only a few hours away from here...

Les - I can't recall all of your posts from last week, but do seem to remember that you saw the video of your retirement ceremony. That will be fun to pull out in years to come, like after you finish the seminary. I hate seeing footage of myself, especially speaking.

Vicci - I'm sorry that you had to wrap up your beach vacation, but it sounds like you had a great time. In fact, it sounds like you have a great time wherever you go!

TKay - I'm glad your knee is feeling better and it sounds as though you have some fun workouts planned and are psyched about them, which is great!

I switched my weekday runs to the evenings this week (because it's still dark at 6:15 am) and am getting used to them. I hate the fact that there's more traffic in the neighborhood, but am glad I don't have to wake up so early (although I was getting used to it).

Tomorrow I'm volunteering at a race on the other side of town and hopefully, handing out race fliers for our race afterwards. Later tomorrow I'm swimming and Sunday I have a long run planned. I swam Wednesday for the first time in ages and couldn't believe how good it felt! It's funny because even if I've had a bad day, am stressed out, or whatever, I get my run in. But with swimming, I've gotten into a bad habit of cancelling it for any reason at all, something I need to stop!

That's all for now! Take care, all and have a great weekend!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting this week Susan. I too am not too surprised that you might bail on a ride in a 15-20 mph wind - I would think about it even not having completed an IM.
I watched part of the Sox game (while reading a little "light" stuff for school - Irenaeus :rolleyes: ) seathyme, and believe me the game was a lot better than the reading. It sounds like you have a busy weekend planned - hope you have a little you time in there too.
TKay - Congrats on getting into a gym with a pool and you'd be surprised how hard it would be to run back from the gym after running there and working out. How about biking instead? Glad your knee is feeling better and probably good to not push it too much. I hope things calm down a little with your kid's schools too.
Betsy - Yep, watched the DVD and was laughing and crying all over again. I plan on watching it later on and sending copies to folks who asked for it since they couldn't make it from California for the ceremony (can't figure why ;) ). I understand "fair weather" swimming - I hope you break the code on how to get to the pool anyway.

It's raining! And that's a good thing. It rained most of the day and might rain into the morning. Not a bad reason to not ride today. I'll be running tomorrow morning and won't be heading out with Galloway (the old group) as they're running 22-23 starting at 6 am. :eek: But I'll run with a group from school - they're on tap for 6 (not quite long enough in my book) on the Mt. Vernon trail which will be fun. I'll probably run a little more on my own and/or ride tomorrow - need to start getting back to the routine and a longer run on Saturdays isn't a bad plan.

Happy trails all and have a good weekend.
Les

[seathyme]

Betsy, hope this morning's volunteering was more rewarding than last week's! You are certainly doing your part for the local running community. I understand about procrastinating swims -- for me it would have to do with the whole get there/dive in/chlorine thing.:p And this is from someone who really loves swimming!

Les, how was the school group run? Did it feel like mixing business with pleasure?;) Hope you had fun.

Despite a busy weekend, and despite some rain, I got out for a run this morning. Took it quite slow, as it was the second day in a row, and also because I've been back reading a little of the Low Heart Rate thread on Cool Running, after mentioning it to Kathy. I didn't do it in a disciplined HR Monitor way, but did consciously try to keep my HR down. Was it a coincidence that I had no cramps and no need to walk during a 6-mile run? Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't...

Kathy, I'd be curious if you're trying out the LHR training and if so, how it's going.

'Ello to everyone -- how's the weekend going?

[Kathy B]

We are having the same weather here, Susan, with temps in the 40's this AM, and a nice cool day to follow. Good luck to Bode tomorrow.....do they have age group prizes? Or maybe by breed would be more fair as some have longer legs than others......at least they have bandanas for all the participants. Would that be considered SWAG? :p Sounds like a lot of fun!

Elizabeth, you sounds as busy as ever! When is your local race? Are you running in it yourself, or just helping "run it"?

How far did you end up running today, Les? Hope the rain had stopped. How many are in your running group from school?

TKay, glad your knee is better and that you found a nearby gym you like.

Seathyme, well, it's going.....SLOWLY! ;)

Actually, I have mostly been jogging on the TM and using the clock, since I hadn't gotten a HR monitor yet. I found one at Dick's today, but I didn't have a coupon with me, and I can definitely save some $ on it. I'll have to go back this week. I read quite a bit of the threads. They are pretty dry and geared toward people training for marathons, but I took what I could from them.

At this point I plan to shoot for 4-5 days per week, 50 min of jogging, keeping HR 140 or less. I figure I can do that during the winter, pick things up a little in the spring if things go well. I still want to do the Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving, but I'll just trot (for real!) this year.

Having said all that, I'll have to get busy. I have been jogging some, doing yoga some, occasional weights and today took a tennis class with DD (which was very fun!). I need to really start planning out my weeks to get my jogging in.

That's more than enough from me. Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone!

[Leslie Ferguson]

seathyme - A little mixing business with pleasure but it's all good. Of course, it would be better on some of these Saturdays to have a little more business as I'm starting to lose my edge since I haven't run 10+ miles in one outing since Labor Day. Maybe taking it a little slower is better for your cramps (not probably but most likely). I hope your day wasn't too hectic today and the remainder of the weekend is as nice as it looked while watching the Sox win tonight.
Kathy B - The bandanas might be SWAG or just plain old WAG. ;) The rain had stopped by this morning so it was reasonably dry when we ran. Our group has had 5 total runners over the past 2 weeks. 3 of us have been there both weeks and we've had a different person each week. This morning we had a bonus though, a wife came out and rode with us which made the slower two happier for the company. Good for you to stick with your low heart rate training, even though it is hard for you ro slow down like that.

Things couldn't have been better (except a couple extra miles but...). It was 65 when we started. There were 5, 4 runners and a cyclist, we did an out and back on the Mt. Vernon trail with the turn around point at Mt. Vernon. I think the trail distance for out and back was 6 miles but we did extra because we kept doubling back to go back for the slower two. Still probably had 6.5-7 and need to start getting a little more distance in soon. I could have run after we got back to school or taken a ride today but we're still putting the house together and we're getting closer every day, thanks to the Container Store today.

It's going to be grand this evening - it's supposed to drop into the 40s. :cool: This is the perfect time of year - 65-70 in the afternoon and 50 at night - why can't it be like this all the time? ;)

Happy trails all and have a great weekend,
Les

[Elizabeth B]

Hello all!

Kathy - I love your comments about Susan's race with Bode - WAG, indeed! You sound "as busy as ever", too! I don't know how you fit a tennis lesson in there, but good for you! And like Seathyme, I'm interested in following your LHR training. I haven't worn my heart rate monitor in a couple of years, but you may inspire me to start using it again.

Les - Your run sounds nice, even if it wasn't as long as you may have wanted it to be. Running the Mt. Vernon trail sounds a lot more interesting than running some of the trails around here. Does the trail go right up to Mt. Vernon? I seem to recall that Mt. Vernon is on the water, but it's been about 33 years since I've been there.

Seathyme - Great job on your 6-miler!

I had a MUCH better time volunteering yesterday, thanks for asking. The volunteer coordinator for the local running club does a great job. I was the first chip clipper after the finish line, though, and had 3 different girls (they were all pretty young) come across the finish line in tears and need medical help - one asthma attack, one leg injury and one girl who was clutching her midsection and couldn't even tell me what was wrong. Makes me remember that running all out for 3.1 miles is no easy task.

And to answer your question, Kathy, I'm helping get a neighborhood race (8K/3K) off the ground. It's actually much more challenging that I expected and in ways I never expected. But it will be great when it happens and brings runners to my part of town.

After volunteering at the race yesterday, I swam, then came home to shower and dropped off posters for a couple of hours, then came home again to work in the yard with DH.

This morning, I had a nice 9.3-miler and then watched our Tennessee Titans lose by 2 points to the Colts (imagine that). Why 9.3 miles, you might ask? Because there's an upcoming 5K/15K race and I'm trying to decide which one I'm going to enter. I still haven't decided, even though this morning's run went pretty well - it may be a race day decision.

Take care, all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

I'm glad your weekend went well, at least on the running side Betsy. 15k today sounds great - how are things down your way? Life is getting very nice here now that Fall is coming. That's so cool that you're helping get the races set up in your neighborhood too. Love the distances - 3k and 8k, distances for everyone. The Mt. Vernon trail goes right along the Potomac except right at National Airport (on the road side of the airport) and there's an alternate path that is right through Alexandria. The Trail starts at Mt. Vernon and I thinkit goes as just past Theodore Roosevelt Island, about 18.5 miles in all. Here's the link to a bike club review of the trail (http://www.bikewashington.org/trails/vernon/vernon.htm), not a lot of neat pictures but a good description. The south end is nicer than the north end because there aren't too many people down there. Good luck choosing the distance for the race too.

Did a little riding today, it was great. About 65 degrees and little breeze. Still getting to new roads and new roads that are killer climbs.

Hope everyone else had a good weekend and I'll see you on the morrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[seathyme]

Just a fly-by to say that SWAG and WAG made me LOL!! Thanks for a much needed laugh.:D

Great workouts this weekend, Betsy! I'm impressed with your 9.3 miles, and your volunteering followed by a swim as well.

Les, glad you had fun with the school group.

Kathy, I'm thinking it would be better to set time goals than mileage goals for the LHR training as you're planning -- it's pretty frustrating to have a "typical" run take several minutes longer than it used to...

Planning a run for tomorrow morning, and looking forward to it.

Go Sox.

[TKay]

Elizabeth - I'd have no trouble choosing between the 5K and the 15K. :rolleyes: That's great that you're preparing for both. And fantastic about the volunteer stuff. I hope the neighborhood race is a big success.
Les - So glad the weather is behaving. What a relief from the heat, no? Sounds like there are some interesting routes to be explored where you are. I wish we had a few more hills in these parts--you know, areas for me to avoid. :D Enjoy.
Kathy - Sounds like you have your training plan all set. I must say, I like the control of the TM sometimes. I don't always have a feel for how fast I'm going on the road and with the TM, I can really track everything--including my HR--more easily than during an outdoor run. We have a couple of tennis facilities near us that let you see the players as you drive by. I keep eyeing these places, thinking, someday. How fun to play with your dd.
Seathyme - Hope this morning's run was a good one.

Quick report: I did do the triple threat workout at the new gym last week. I ran for 20, did the ellyptical for 20 and swam for about 15 (ran out of time). It was so much fun and I was SPENT afterwards. I can't wait to do it again. I found an article on swimming technique, so I'm really going to practice. I just did the breast stroke, but I want to freestyle up and down the pool.
I ran on the TM for 35 yesterday--good run--and I'm back at the gym this morning. My plan is for 30 minutes on the ellyptical (I don't think I'm spelling that right) and then back into the pool. It's very exciting to be working on something new to balance out my new enthusiasm for running.
Also, I'm shopping for a new swim suit. The grandma skort/dress thing I'd wear by the pool just isn't cutting it at the gym. :D
Here's to a great week! And hello to everyone I missed. :)

[SusanMac]

Well, I have a workout & a race to report :-) I got out on the bike on Sat for 22 miles. No HRM. Just rode. It felt really good, and I was stronger than I expected. I love this autumn-like weather.

Sunday's Dog Jog was a blast! We got there a bit early. There were probably about 400 dogs. 2 Brittany's. Countless Labs & Retreivers. 4 Standard Poodles. 2 Great Danes. Only 10 or so actually "jogged." The rest of us enjoyed the 2-mile walk with lots and lots and lots of sniffing.

Here are a few shots:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d736b3127ccebc2bba6e327200000037102AcMmbRk3cMY
Making new friends

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d736b3127ccebc2ba7b4723e00000037102AcMmbRk3cMY
Being nice for a treat :-)

Here's my personal favorite...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d736b3127ccebc2ba799f32300000036102AcMmbRk3cMY

[seathyme]

Bode looks great, Susan! And the Dog Jog looks like it was a total multi-breed blast.:D Rocky and I just came back from the nearby park that gets taken over by dogs for awhile in the early evening. He was playing with a border collie/beagle mix puppy (think small) and a Newfie (think enormous) and a Ridgeback, all at once. It was hilarious.

Susan, I'm curious to know whether, during your training, you chose a target heartrate, and if so, how did you decide what it should be? Obviously you built up a tremendous aerobic base, which is the purpose of the LHR program detailed on CoolRunning. They get really technical about it over there; there's gotta be a simpler way to achieve a similar thing.

TKay, nice job on the gym workouts. Glad you're getting the variety -- I admit I miss that without any home equipment or a gym at the moment.

But so far so good, as it was another great day for a run here. Very chilly this morning, so I wore *tights* for the first time this season. Love that!

Hi to all~~

[Leslie Ferguson]

Evening folks, it's been quite a day here but first...
Susan - Neat pictures of Bode and the dog jog looks like a blast. That can't be too many rides since the IM, how did it feel? Especially not to be hooked up to the HRM.
TKay - We could get you to love hills like the rest of us. ;) But really, I love the hills and I bet we could find a couple fun ones out your way. Triple threat - we'll have you doing a tri before you know it. ;) How do you like the elliptical machine? I liked it as a cross training thing but it got a little old after a while.
seathyme - I bet it was a little chilly there this morning. I saw the game last night and saw how cool it was then - it was pretty cool here this morning so I can only imagine.

But for me, I had a nice run today ~7.4 miles. I decided to abuse myself and went to mapmyrun and found out that there's only a total climb of almost 200 feet in that loop and about 75 feet in one hill (read steep). I'm at work in the computer lab right now on a study break (they pay me to sit here and study and help if anyone comes into the lab - so far in an hour no one has come by).

I hope to ride tomorrow to break things up but my run tonight was just grand. Hope everyone is well and I'll be in touch.

Happy trails,
Les

[seathyme]

I saw the game last night and saw how cool it was then - it was pretty cool here this morning so I can only imagine.


Not gonna discuss the game. Here in Red Sox Nation we thrive on our suffering, which is what redeems the whole inane thing.:D Nice job on the run! 200 feet total and 75 on one hill is no joke. Glad you had fun.

[VictoriaL]

Susan, nice photos! Bode looks like such a sweetie. Spooky wonders if, somewhere, there is a "cat walk"...

I had a great run this afternoon. As much as I loved running on the beach, DH held me back (I didn't tell him) and I just never felt as though I got into a good stride. But I can't complain since we were out moving for 50-70 minutes every morning (negating, hopefully, some of the "bad" stuff I was eating. And eating.). But today I was on my trails for a solid 62 minutes and it felt wonderful. The blooming goldenrod in the fields are messing with my eyes and nose, though. :(

You all sound as though it was a busy weekend all around. Betsy, the amount of things you cram into a day-- reading about it makes me tired!

[SusanMac]

Seathyme - I used a recent 10K race as my anaerobic threshold HR. Then created multiple workout zones based on that. I've read that your AT is more important than your max HR (since you never workout at your max HR), and easier to measure.

Les - you get paid to surf the web? Very cool! Nice job on the run. I bet you're loving exploring all the new routes for both cycling & running. I've been meaning to ask....did LW find a new job? or is she taking a break?

Victoria - You might have to make your own little neighborhood 'cat walk.' :-)

TKay - True confessions....I've never been on an elliptical machine before! I no longer belong to a gym, so I think it will be a while.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Susan - It is nice to get a couple minutes on the clock and on the web. It was a so slow night and I had done most of my studying by the time I checked on. I am so loving the new routes and the hills but also having a couple flats - nice to have some variety as opposed to all of one or the other. LW is working still but not in a "regular" job. She's mostly doing sewing of two types: (1) quilts for display at the store she worked at or clients she still has in Norfolk; or (2) clerical appearal for students and alumna/ae from school. That all keeps her pretty busy - in fact she's got 6 quilts going right now, all in different states of completion.

Back to the grind for a little more studying/writing before lunch.

Happy trails,
Les

[Elizabeth B]

Hello all!

Susan - The photos from Bode's race are adorable - my personal favorite is the middle one. It looks like he had fun, too!

Seathyme - Tights! I'm jealous. After a brief cool spell, our temps are back up in the high 80's here. I'm so ready for fall.

Vicci - This past weekend was a busy one - I usually like to have stuff to do on the weekends, but that was a little too much. You're no slacker yourself, BTW.

TKay - Your new workout routine definitely sounds fun! Books on swimming are always a good idea (I'm a Total Immersion fan myself), but what really helped me was taking lessons. I think my lessons cost $45 and now I can swim freestyle as long as I want - money well spent!

Les - It's nice to hear what LW has been up to. Does she like it up there so far?

I ran tonight after work and it went pretty well. I'm going to bring my swim bag tomorrow and TRY to get to the pool.

Vicci's comment about being busy made me think that one of the reasons I enjoy hearing from all of you is that you're ALL busy people with many interests (besides running). Even when I don't respond to all of your stories, I still find them fascinating and think that you'd all be great people to meet IRL.

Well, that's it for now - take care, all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Betsy - LW is enjoying it here and it looks like we'll have more fun this fall too. I think we're mostly settled now - just a few more tweaks and we're there.

I rode this evening as I expected. I found a couple more roads to avoid during rush hour. Rode for an hour (more or less) and felt good. It will be cool enough soon to wear more than a short sleeved shirt too.

Study break over so I'll go. Talk to you later,
Les

[SusanMac]

Woo hoo! First post-race run to report today. DH & I ran at the dog park w/Bode. 40 minutes. A lot of good hills, but we just took it slow. It's all dirt trail, too, which feels nice on the legs. Once my legs loosened up, it felt quite good. Bode is literally zonked for the rest of the day :-)

I also like to hear about the variety of activities & interests among this group! Keep the elliptical, tandem biking, swimming, quilting, dog-walking, vacation & yoga updates coming!

Speaking of vacations...Nat, are you back yet?

Les - If you have time, please have LW check out my interior decorating discussion on the Other BB. Would love her input!

Tonight is my IM celebration dinner w/my 2 training girlfriends. Really looking forward to it.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Susan - I'll have Kathy take a look at your question. Just finished a tough day at classes (more later) and I think I'm headed out for a run with at least one other from school in a couple minutes (leaving at 4).

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Hi, all! Things are really hopping around here, but I did get in 60 minutes of TM yesterday and today.

I have a computer class tonight, my third one. I found out I can take these two hour classes at work which cover all kinds of computer topics and get PAID to learn about them! What a deal! Kind of like getting paid to study, huh, Les? Everything I know about computers right now (which isn't much) I learned by trial and error. At my last class the instructor was showing us how to take the cover off to replace things like the memory card. I told him I was sure DH would have a cow if he ever saw me taking the cover off of the computer for ANYTHING! :p

Cute dog pics, Susan. He looks like such a good boy! :)

Glad to hear about everyone's good runs, sounds like there have been a lot of them.

Tkay, good luck finding a suit this time of year! You'll probably have to go to a regular swim shop for it. I tried to find one for DD in July, and there wasn't a lot to choose from that was decent even then at the dept stores.

Carry on, gang! :D

[seathyme]

Good reports, everyone. Susan, I hope you and your IM friends are eating a *lot* at your dinner!:D

This is a quick note to say I took a killer yoga class last night and several muscle groups are feeling it. I'm usually a morning rather than evening exerciser, but have been trying a few of these evening yoga classes with my new teacher. The class was supposed to go 7:45-9pm. It was approaching 9 and we were still doing these pretty intense standing poses. I was thinking "Waah, I want to lie down for savasana NOW!" So I told myself not to be obsessed by the big clock on the wall and to let go the sense of fatigue and just go with whatever she asked us to do. I kind of broke through to a second wind -- the mental shift really worked. I was pleased. And, also totally relieved when we finally WERE done. The rest of the class was decidedly younger than me, but the teacher isn't, so I decided that's a lame excuse for my fatigue.:p

Hopefully will get up early enough tomorrow for a run before work.

Have a good night, all.

[VictoriaL]

So Susan, what does the Ironwoman eat/ drink in a celebratory situation?! ;)

Tkay, try the Lands' End website for suits. I needed one a few years ago at the last minute in late August and they had lots. Their sizing (the chart is also on the website) is right on as well.

seathyme, I've been looking around for local daytime yoga classes because I feel as though I would just fall asleep in the evening! Good job at breaking through and finishing the class last night. Hope the muscles are feeling better.

Kathy, I would have a cow if told I had tinker around in my computer. Some things are better left as mysteries... :)

I went out for a 65 minute run today and my HR was smack in the middle of my target range. Felt good. Unfortunately my Walkman started to act up at the end. Are cassette players even made any more? Wah. I love my running tapes!

[Kathy B]

Vicci, If you don't mind me asking....what is your target HR when you run? I really have no idea what most people shoot for or have as a range when they are running.

As for the computer, the instructor was really just showing us the inner workings and explaining what the parts are...not really how to fix anything. But he is so straightforward and explains things really well, that I was actually thinking "I'll bet I COULD do that!" (Change a memory card or add another drive). After a few more classes, I can just see DH trying to reign me in! :D

[VictoriaL]

Kathy, when I got my Polar HR monitor, the instruction booklet had a formula for figuring out your target heart rate (mine is 121-139). If you'd like, I'll dig up the booklet and give this info to you.

I know nothing about computers other than how to log on. :)
My laptop was being repaired and I was watching the service guy do it. I saw him lift out the keyboard and had to leave the room... ;) Again, better left as a mystery.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Drive by after studies... Susan we answered your post on the other thread.
Kathy B- I love getting paid to study. :D Computers are fun and I've tinkered with them off and on since 1993. I know you can do bad things to them but for the most part my biggest things to avoid are liquids and static electricity. The only other thing we used to have problems with was connecting the internal power cord wrong and you can't really do that any more. Enjoy your computer class.
Vicci - I know tape players are made still because I had to buy one for class a couple years ago and remember seeing them in the store recently. They just aren't in the front row anymore.

My run was good but the temp was wweird tonight. It was cool, or so I thought, until I got about 35 minutes into the run and felt like I had cotton balls in my mouth. Dehydration had set in. :( Still we ran for just over an hour and hit some of my favorite running hills. :cool:

See you all tomorrow and have a great evening.
Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Victoria - Tex Tubb's Taco Palace :-) And, yes, Seathymewe ate a ton. Nice job on the killer yoga class, btw! And kudos on the mental focus.

Kathy - FWIW, I've read so many places that the published HR equations aren't reliable b/c each person really is so different. My anaerobic threshold (race pace) HR is 164, so for most of my runs I need to stay below 142. But, that seems to be lower than most people I know.

Les - Sounds like youv'e been getting in a lot of consistent runs lately. Pretty awesome for everything you have going on.

Long dog walks are the in cards for me this week. I'd like to get out & ride today, but my schedule might not allow it. And tomorrow's supposed to be super gusty. We'll see. Maybe a Bode run instead?

[TKay]

Hi all - I have been mostly lurking lately.
Susan - I can't believe I haven't commented on sweet Bode before now. What a cutie! Looks like he had a great time on your dog run. I can see why you might choose a run with him as your workout of choice. You get in some good exercise and also get to spend time with that sweet mug. Glad you enjoyed your celebration.
Kathy - Interesting about the HR issue. I don't check mine much while I'm running but you've got me curious. I may have to dig out my old monitor and get it going. The computer? You are a brave one if you take yours apart. I let dh handle stuff like that. I'm scared to death I'll kill the darn thing (and it's pretty close to the end as it is :D ).
Les - Seems like you're finding a nice balance with all you have going on. You're getting in your rides and runs and keeping up with your studies. Good for you. You mentioned hills a few posts back. Actually, I think I'd like running hills. I act like they intimidate me, but I really like variety when I run. There's nothing more boring than a straight, flat run with no breeze. To me, that's like torture. Crazy that I like the TM, isn't it? I think I enjoy that because I can totally zone out and the machine keeps my pace steady.
Vicci - Sorry about the tape player. I used to have some favorite tapes I'd run to years back. I wonder what became of those? Thanks for the Land's End recommendation. I've had good luck there (see below for what ended up happening).
Seathyme - Great work on the mental breakthrough. That must have felt great. Do you find you sleep well after yoga? Or does it sort of pump you up before bed?
Elizabeth - Thanks for the tip on Total Immersion. I'm going to check it out at the library. I'm also looking into swim lessons. After my last "swim," I think I could really benefit from them. I think it will fast-track me to better form.
I took off Tuesday and did a walk with weights and strength-training yesterday. I'm planning a long run today, but will go by how my legs are feeling. Want to avoid a knee flare up if I can.
I found this great store for swimming supplies. It's a triathletes' resource called TriZone. I know they sell products on-line, but the warehouse is near where I live. They have a small retail store in front. I got a basic TYR swimsuit and some goggles I can't wait to try out. They have competitive wear, wetsuits, bike supplies, you name it. The sales person was super nice and helpful too. She hooked me up with a place that will recommend swim instructors. It's all pretty exciting. I'm glad I have something else to focus on besides running because I fear I may have really injured my knee otherwise. I was too enthused to hold back!

[SusanMac]

[B]TKay[B]- Wow, you have a lot of updates. Congrats on the new swimsuit & inspired workouts. TYR is my fav for swimsuits.

Speaking of zoning out when you run.....I've been meaning to mention a really good article in the current Runner's World. It talks about how what you think about while running impacts your workouts & races. It goes into associative thinking and dissociative thinking, and explains when to use each type for different workouts. I kind of expected them to say you should always use associative thinking, but they didn't. There's a time/place/benefit to zoning out sometimes, too. Pretty cool stuff.

[TKay]

[B]TKay[B]- Wow, you have a lot of updates. Congrats on the new swimsuit & inspired workouts. TYR is my fav for swimsuits.
Speaking of zoning out when you run.....I've been meaning to mention a really good article in the current Runner's World.

Yeah, I did sort of go on and on. :rolleyes: I guess I'd been saving it all up. :)
I like the TYR best of all the suits I found. The fabric just seemed nicer. I saw some Speedo suits that would work, but they had that really shiny look. I didn't even try them on.
Thanks for the tip on the article. I'll check it out.
I ended up running on the TM for 55 minutes (part of which was a lenghty warmup). It felt great.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Yeah, I did sort of go on and on. :rolleyes: I guess I'd been saving it all up. :)
I wouldn't worry about it - we've all been there. :cool: Glad you're doing well and I bet you'd like some of our hills (not all of them - I don't). I know what you mean about inclines if for no other reason than to have something to do.
Susan - I'll hav to look at the article too. For the most part I don't zone out when I run but I have other issues and really do pay attention to where I step most of the time (ankle doesn't always like running anyway so...).

Rested tonight - music practice at school for a special service tomorrow and an in-depth study session in our New Testament class (the professor is a little hard to understand at times and is probably very brilliant). Might ride tomorrow after class and before the special service.

Hope all are well... happy trails and happy Friday,
Les