Virtual Running Buddies -- Week of Oct. 12

[seathyme]

Hello Runnahs!

Starting a new "thread week" on a positive note -- I had a really great 10K run this morning. Ingredients included perfect 40F weather, fresh legs and no cramps. Everything just worked. It was a good reminder that for all the so-so or struggling runs, there are also some great ones. Here's to those!

Looking back to last week, TKay, congrats on your 15lb loss! That represents a *lot* of work, I know. And I'm sorry you lost your mom so young.:( If the lung cancer benefit run works out, that would be a great tribute.

Betsy, good luck with your 5K! We'll look forward to the report...

Susan, how's the motivation doing?? Does the doe-eyed dog help?

Les, glad you're back on the road with the bike. May your tires be strong to withstand all that may threaten them.;)

Natasha, I didn't see the Tollah this week; will think of you when I do.

Hi to Kathy, Bethany, Felice, Melissa, Carrie, Lisa, Mary -- anyone else out there? Good weekends to all~~

[Natasha]

Seathyme, thanks for starting us off, and way to go on that 10k run!! Aren't those perfect runs just the best?

Echoing those good thoughts for Betsy on her 5k today.

Les, glad you're riding again!

Been plugging away here - working, training, socializing ;) We were out late last night with friends. Learned that one of DH's old friends and the guy's wife are moving to our town soon, which is good :) Today we went to the last farmers' market of the season *sob* and had a lovely time enjoying the crisp fall weather, meeting people we knew and a couple of new folks, and so on.

Today there's some cooking on the agenda for a family dinner tonight, and I really need to do some yoga. Maybe I'll also fit in a short bike ride.

How's everyone else doing? Hi to Kathy, Felice, Susan, Mary, Bethany, Melissa, Lisa, and anyone I've inadvertently missed.

Edited to add: I was justr thinking of books I'd recently read, and wanted to put in a plug for John Brant's
Duel in the Sun, about the 1982 Boston Marathon. I read it when I got snatches of spare time on a recent business trip - started it as the plane was taxiing for take off at my home airport, and as it happened I finished it a few days later right as we landed in my home airport. I liked how the book juxtaposed the stages of the race with chapters about Salazar's and Beardsley's lives both before and after the race. When I started reading it, I was cheering for the underdog, but the more I read, the more I found myself rooting for both of them to overcome their challenges, both personal and running-related. I'd recommend it.

I know Hal Higdon has also written about that race - I have excerpts in a couple of issues of Marathon & Beyond - but haven't read his summary yet. I'd like to do that and see how different it is from this version, just for interest.

Natasha

[Elizabeth B]

Hello all!

Seathyme - Thanks for getting us started and I'm glad your run went so well. Yes, sometimes the weather is perfect, we feel strong and running is wonderful - I know those are the runs that keep me going because you never know when you're going to have one (more to follow on that note).

Natasha - Thanks for reminding me about Duel in the Sun. Did I tell you that Dick Beardsley spoke at our running club's spring pasta dinner? He gave us a blow-by-blow of the Duel and had only wonderful things to say about Salazar. Beardsley struggled with an addiction to prescription painkillers after retiring from running and when he spoke about that, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. It gave me a whole new perspective to realize that someone with so much physical and mental strength was vulnerable, too.

Okay, more on a great run - I had one this morning. My time was 28:02, which is a new PR by over a minute. The weather was perfect and I felt good, but the course is a little hilly and I've missed some runs lately so I wasn't very optimistic. My first mile was under 9 minutes and I just tried to hang on to that same pace, which I did for the second mile. I slowed a little for the third mile and pushed to the finish as hard as I could. I still can't believe I ran so well, but I trained hard this summer and I guess that paid off.

I'm off to the grocery store to find something yummy to cook for dinner tonight! I hope y'all enjoy the weekend!

[Natasha]

Betsy, WOW - that is a lot to take off your PR. Congratulations!! You have had an amazing running/tri season so far.

I knew Beardsley does a lot of speaking engagements, but hadn't realized (or forgot) that you'd heard him. That must have been SO cool. Sorry too if you already did the book review and I missed it! My mind is like a sieve sometimes ;) One thing I liked about the book was how Salazar and Beardsley have both showed such class over the years, and apparently still talk every few months.

Natasha

[Kathy B]

Congratulations on your PR, Elizabeth! That is great, and it sounds like you have the right strategy. DS and I have talked during his CC season about the fact that if you have a fast start, you will usually end up with a better time...even if you slow down during the second or third mile...than if you start slower and try to pick it up as you go. I assume it is because even if you slow down, you don't slow down as much.

Thanks for the book review, Natasha. I think I might enjoy reading that. I remember reading a book about Jim Ryun when I was in HS that I found very interesting. Not too long ago, I found out that he is now a politician in the area of KS where my brother lives! Small world!

Way to go on your 10K run, Seathyme! Gotta love it when everything works!

I had a good TM run myself this AM, and also one on Thursday. That makes 4 for this week (yea!), and I guess I am getting into a pretty good routine. I can see myself keeping this up through the winter.

Thunderstorms here today, so everyone's plans were cancelled. I think this will be a couch potato TV marathon for the family today. Sounds kind of fun!

[mabvt]

Hello everyone--

Seathyme & Elizabeth- congrats on your great runs this morning. I checked the board this morning and they inspired me to get out myself.

I went out for a five miler this morning. I chose a really hilly route and can feel it my behind right now! Unfortunately, it was not quite as idyllic as the ones posted above. Do you ever have runs when you feel like a clydesdale? clomp, clomp, clomp. :o That's how I felt! BUT. I didn't stop. And now I feel really good, so...

I couldn't believe all of the leaves that came down here this week.

Anyone want to share goals for the week? I'd like 2-3 more runs this week, to total ten miles...

Happy weekend! Melissa

[SusanMac]

Hi everyone! Quick fly by to cheer for Gecko's DH (where did the bold button go??) He's doing the IM World Championship in Kona today!

He finished the swim in 1:08 (awesome!), and it out on the bike, currently riding around 21 mph (I'm certain I won't ever be able to do that for 112 miles!)

If you want to check him out, go to www.ironmanlive.com. His race # is 820

Good luck!!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Congratulations Betsy and seathyme!!! (forgot - no bold since the spam/porn fest from a couple days ago... Great job on your good runs and PRs.
seathyme - Thanks for starting and reminding us that we can have good runs even in the midst of the crumby ones.
Nat - Sorry you had your last farmer's market - I remember how much fun they are in your area and the great selection. I hope you had a good ride this afternoon. I haven't finished the book you and Betsy were talking about but I get it from my reviewer that it's a good book (about Beardsley).
Betsy - I've found starting out fast is helpful at shorter distances because as Kathy said, it's harder for most people to speed up at 5-6 miles than it is to slow down. Personally, at the 1/2 and marathon distances I'm one to start a little slow and get to race pace in the 2nd or 3rd mile.
Melissa - Clydsedale runs... been there, done that, got the t-shirt and sadly it seemed like I did that before every marathon and always at the most inopportune time (like when I'm judging my training). Still good to get 5 miles in on the hills and I hope you don't feel it too much in the near term.
Susan - Thanks for the update on Felice's DH. He's flying...
Kathy B - Sorry about the t-storms but good that you got out when you could.

I'll add that I had my longest run (in total) since RnR half. I ran with the group from school and we did 5-5.5. After that I came home and did another 45 minutes (~5 give or take) more. I needed to start getting miles back under my belt just to keep in training. This afternoon I baked bread for school (the students bake bread for services each week and we go through about 10 loaves of bread on the 5 days of the week) and now I'm getting ready to head out for dinner witha CL virtual (soon to be IRL) friend. Laura and DS are in town and we're going to dinner tonight (me and LW and them) someplace. I'm at a loss right now and haven't been out enough to know all the places so... I've got some searching to do.

As for runs this week -- I don't know since this week is the last week before mid-terms/finals so there may be some disruptive days and they're fooling around with the class schedule - we're having Monday classes on Monday and Thursday and Tuesday classes on Tuesday and Friday. Don't ask, I don't know.

Talk to you all later and have a great weekend.
Happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Ok, back-to-back I know but I promised a photo. I'll start with one of me because I didn't ask if I could post the one of both Laura and I (I think she'd be ok with it but I won't assume it). Hopefully this works and you'll see a picture of Les with his beard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11791467@N05/1564443581/). There's the other picture of the propellor hat there too.

Have a good evening.
Les

[SusanMac]

Shoot -- I can't see it!

Didn't stay up late enough to see the IM Kona final results. But just looked up Gecko's DH.

He finished in 9:54, coming in 253 overall. Wow! There are about 1800 athletes at the start. His pace for the marathon leg was 7:13. Nice job. I'm sure Gecko & DD had a great time supporting him throughout the day. The wild thing is he gets to do it again next weekend at the Xterra Championships.

As for me.....I had a Bode run in the a.m. (40 minutes) and a bike ride with DH in the afternoon (22 miles).

I need to go walk Bode, then be outside for 4 hours volunteering at a bike race. Problem is...it's pouring rain outside :-( Oi. Should be an interesting, wet & chilly day!

[Kathy B]

Susan, Did you click on the words "Les with his beard"? I missed it the first time I looked, but words are in a slightly different color and are actually the link.

Nice pic, Les, you look good in a beard! :) (And the hat's not bad either. :p)

I tried to log on to the Ironman yesterday, but couldn't get it figured out in the short time I had. Thanks for posting the results. What a race Gecko's DH had. Is he doing ANOTHER Ironman next weekend? Unbelievable!

[Elizabeth B]

Hello all!

I miss the bolding and hope we can get it back, but I'm glad I missed the porn/spam fest that caused so much havoc around here!

Susan - Thanks for posting the info re: Gecko's husband. I can't get over the fact that his marathon pace was 7:13 - that's crazy! I can't run that fast at all, ever, and he goes and runs it for a full marathon, after the grueling swim and bike. Amazing stuff!

Les - I really like the beard! It looks as though you were always meant to have one.

Melissa - I sympathize with your "clomping", especially on a hilly course. I don't clomp up the hills so much, but do on the downhills.

A friend came over to my house this morning and we attempted to run the 8K course from last weekend. But I got talking and didn't see a turn and took us a mile out of our way. What we were discussing so intently was the fact that despite the fact that I had committed to running a full marathon this year, I'm not going to do it. I feel that my running is going well right now and I'd like to be able to get stronger and faster at my own pace, without injury. I was afraid that she'd be upset at me for wimping out, but come to find out, she's been feeling the same way.

So that's it for now - take care, all and enjoy a great week!

[SusanMac]

ELIZABETH - Too funny about your extra-long run. V cool that you & your friend were on the same wavelength re: how your'e feeling about running right now.

LES - Awesome job on the long run. Bet that felt good. Kevlar on your tires? You are now ready for anything. I did click on the text to see your photo. I really like the beard! Does LW like it??

MELISSA - Nice job on sticking out your run. I do find it feels better to finish a bad run than to bail on it, even tho it feels cruddy.

NAT - I'd heard of that book but never talked to anyone who'd actually read it. I might have to check it out.

The cyclocross bike race ended up being quite fun yesterday. Tons of people, even with the rain. I think half the fun for everyone is getting muddy, so the weather doesn't matter. I'm pretty sure that's not a sport for me, but sure is fun to watch.

TKAY - is DH into cyclocross? BTW...tell DH that I'm going to see Phil Liggett speak this week!

Got in a 50-min Bode run this morning. Decided to extend his runs a bit, now that we've been at it for about a month. He did great & is now in deep sleep in my office. We always say a sleepy puppy is a good puppy!

[SusanMac]

P.S. Is it just me....or does anyone else really want the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome thread to go away?? I get a creepy feeling each time I open the list of Healthy Living threads. Eeewwwwww!

[Leslie Ferguson]

LES - Kevlar on your tires? You are now ready for anything. I did click on the text to see your photo. I really like the beard! Does LW like it??

Drive by (proverbially).. Yep - love my kevlar tires on my mountain bike. They're a little stiffer than the normal road bike tires but the little rocks that used to puncture my rear tire won't be as troublesome. LW likes my beard, even encouraged me to grow it and a deciding factor in keeping it.

See you all later,
Les

[TKay]

Les - I think the beard suits you. Looks good! Glad you're getting in some longer runs (and rides).
Susan - I bet the OP on that cyclic vomiting thread wishes it would go away too. :rolleyes: Glad you and Bode enjoyed the run. Dh has a cross bike and has done cyclocross races before, but nothing recently. He got a new bike about two years ago with the express intention of racing cross through the winter. Alas, the thing still hangs in the garage, virtually unridden. At least in the mud. It was sheduling, not lack of desire that kept him away. He also has mountain bikes, road bikes, time trial bikes, bmx bikes....you get the picture.
Btw, thanks for the info on Gecko's dh. Fantastic! And I'm jealous that you're seeing Phil Liggett.
Elizabeth - Nice that you and your running buddy are on the same page. Great going on that PR!
Melissa - Great job on your five-miler--hills and all! As for goals this week, I just want get in all three runs as well as my cross training. I'm scheduled to add a half-mile to my long run this week. Hopefully, schedule and my body will allow that.
Seathyme - Yeah on the 10K! Sounds like the perfect run. Thanks for the thoughts about my mom. Just one of those things you have to deal with. I am going to do the 5K I mentioned, so that will be something positive.
Kathy - Nice job on the TM runs. You're really consistent.

I went camping over the weekend, so didn't do any official workouts. I did the elliptical trainer for about 45 minutes this morning and then a short swim (20 to 25 minutes). It all felt really good.
I'm signing up for the 5K I mentioned last time around. I'm very excited about it. Finally, a race that fits my schedule! I've already been hunting around to find a 10K not long after that.
Hello to anyone I missed. Sorry this got so long.

[Natasha]

TKay, congrats on your recent runs and on signing up for the race!

Les, great photo!! Must have been so fun to meet Laura and her DS. I'm envious.

Susan, thanks for the update on Felice's husband. :)

Felice, WOW! I knew your husband was fast, but still - great result. Please pass on my congratulations. I'm especially impressed by the marathon time.

I had such a fun run and day overall yesterday. Crazy day here today, and it's not over yet. I need to grab a quick bite and then it's off to the run club's yoga class. Should be interesting... :p

Take care, one and all.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Good to hear from you all. Drive by to claim a short run. Also claiming the weirdest day of all - top this: the police had a standoff in the townhouse building next to ours for almost 6 hours today. YUCK! Late for work and need dinner so until later...

Driving by at the speed of riduculous.
Les

[mabvt]

Yikes Les. That is scary!

TKay-I'm jealous of your camping trip. DH and I always talk about taking an October trip bc of the fall colors...but he is spending the weekends on home improvements (sheesh I guess I can't really complain about that can I!) so we haven't made a trip yet.

I was planning on going out for a 3 miler today. I ended up talking to my neighbor, we run together every once in awhile. So I ended up going for a five miler with her. I recall someone (sorry I can't remember who!) mentioned running with a buddy for motivation. It worked today--it went by quickly and we chatted a bit bw huffing and buffing. Also, I had a kashi high carb bar after school and I wasn't hungry. The bar wasn't anything to write home about though...

Have a great evening everyone.

Melissa

[newsomz]

Hi everyone! It looks like you all have been busy. I'm also very impressed with the marathon pace that Gecko's DH kept during the ironman. Wow! I am still in Seattle. I didn't get out for a run but I did do a very nice hike on Saturday. Straight up a mountain so I counted it as my long run :)

Natasha - sorry that the farmer's market is ending. Florida is weird, ours is just starting up again :) The summer is so hot that most of the farmer's don't grow anything for the last half of summer and they start up again in the Fall.

Kathy - thanks for pointing out the link! I almost missed it.

And Les - the beard looks great!

TKay - the camping sounds nice. I hope to go soon. We have a few nice parks fairly close by.

Melissa - sounds like the 5 miler was fun. Hopefully you can keep running with your neighbor. It is always fun to have a buddy!

seathyme - congrats on the 10K!

Elizabeth - I'm glad to hear you had a good run. It is always nice to feel strong during a run.

[SusanMac]

Just got back from a good, 45-minute Bode run. I threw caution to the wind and ran with him on consecutive days. On asphalt. He's a trooper. Tomorrow will either be a walk or trails. Nice autumn temps right now. But...it's raining on & off all week. So, I took the dry window while I had it.

TKAY - Doing the cancer run will be really special for you! Yet another good example for your kids. When is it again? (or, more specifically....how much time do you have to get ready?)

NAT - You are so busy, as always! Hope your yoga class was fun.

MELISSA - Glad the snack & running buddy worked for you. You even got an extra 2 miles in!

BADUNNIN - Haven't heard from you in a while. Hangin' in there??

[TKay]

I was wondering about Badunnin myself.

Susan - The 5K is November 11, about 3 1/2 weeks from now. We're going to make a day of it with the kids. I'm exicted. How do Bode's feet/pads do running on asphalt?
Newsomz - I think you can count a straight-up-a-mountain-hike as a long run. ;) :D
Melissa - You know, I'm always resistant to running with someone else and having to match paces. But when I walk with a friend, the time flies. I suppose I should try a running buddy IRL too. Glad you had a good workout. Home improvements, boy, we could spend every weekend on those too.
Les - Yikes! Sounds like scary stuff. Glad it's over.
Natasha - Hope the yoga class went well.

Having an unscheduled rest day. I've been in need of a dental implant for a while now. I've put off the appointment three times because of my dental procedure anxieties. So while I had a scheduled appointment yesterday, I never thought I'd go through with it. Well, look at me. I did it! Today, my jaw is sore and I have stitches in my mouth. I don't think a run would be the best thing for me. I'm laying low instead. I'm hoping to get back on course in the next day or two. This week, I lengthen my long run to 5.5 miles and I'm really looking forward to that.
Oh, I've been reading Marathoning for Mortals (recommended here). Shoot. I may have caught the bug for long-distance running now. I'm not doing the half in January that my neighbor asked me about. But I do see that distance in my future now.
One more thing. Looking to get new kicks some time this week. Yay!
Hello to anyone I missed. And happy Tuesday!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Now the details of the run from yesterday - ~30 minutes up and down the hill to break the tension. Luckily the situation passed without issues and the guy gave up peacefully. Still stressed LW out something fierce. It doesn't help that she sat in the house with the police about 15 feet away for almost 3 hours before I knew and got home. But I think things will be fine for her in the long run. Now I wonder about the folks in the building next door.

Nat - I hope your day got better after all was said and done. BTW I owe you a note something fierce - maybe after midterms next week...

Susan - How are Bode's feet hanging after the asphalt runs? Most of the dogs I see running around here try to hang out in the dirt but sometimes they are run on the asphalt too.

TKay and Melissa - great reports from you both. And TKay, I knew we'd get to you. ;)

To class...
Les

[Gecko]

Hi everone! Just got back from Kona last night. We had a great time watching DH complete his Iornman race. It was such a hot day, hardly a cloud in the sky. I honestly do not know how people do this race. We are so proud of my DH. All of his hard work and crazy training schedule paid off. He was not happy with his time for the bike, but the reality was that he did not train as much on the bike. There are only so many hours in the day and he still had to work. It was funny coming back on the plane when someone heard his accent and asked him if he was the winner. He is in our eyes ;)
OK, so life almost goes back to "normal" now. He does Xterra on Oct 27 and then nothing else (unless he decides to do IM Australia).

Hopefully now I can get my training back on track. I need to sign up for another race to keep me motivated and I am thinking of doing the Great Aloha Run.

No running or other training today BTW - just a mountain of washing :D

[Leslie Ferguson]

GECKO - Congrats again to your DH. I don't think I could ever do an IM and make the cut off times. I hope you have fun in the Aloha run.

I didn't run today because I didn't have enough time to get a run in and still get cleaned up for work (the gym at school leaves a lot to be desired). But since I needed to go to the store for non-perishables and there's one nearby campus I took my Church History Book (The Venerable Bede and the History of the English Church) and walked to and from the store. It was pleasant and I got some reading in too.

Until tomorrow -- Happy trails,
Les

[seathyme]

Felice, ditto the congrats to your DH! And I can't believe he's contemplating another big race so soon... enjoy the return to your own training!

Betsy, I don't think I've had a chance to say YAY about your 5K PR! What great progress you've made.

Les, I'm really sorry you, and especially LW, had such a disconcerting experience at the neighboring house. When I lived in Fresno, on an otherwise calm and pretty street, there was a SWAT team standoff at a nearby house for several hours one day. It was dramatic and creepy. It was an isolated incident, as I hope yours will be as well.

TKay you are very brave to show up for that implant. I'm with you on hating dental procedures! At least it probably makes it easy not to overeat for awhile... :p Hope you heal quickly!

Susan, sounds like Bode is turning into quite the runner dog. Bet he loves it! Do his joints seem to be handling the back-to-back days?

I had another good run yesterday -- not spectacular like the previous one, but no complaints. I saw a great blue heron again, this time only about 15 feet away. I could see every detail of that elegant bird; it took my breath away (as if I had breath to take away...).

Hello to Nat, Melissa, Carrie, Kathy, Lisa (how's it going?), Bethany and anyone else!

[SusanMac]

TKAY - I have an implant. Got it about 5 years ago. Definitely don't do anything that gets your HR up for a few days. Your body is healing, just like with any surgery.

SEATHYME - That sounds so cool!! We took the camera to the dog park today. Geez....running dogs are really hard to capture on film!

LES - Did you actually read while you walked? I think that might make me dizzy. Bode's paws & pads do fine. I run on the sidewalk, which lets him spend a lot of time in the grass, so I think that's OK for him.

GECKO - When is the Aloha Run??

Probably no workout for me today. The dog park hike is hilly, and we're there about 90 minutes, so I don't feel like too much of a slug :-)

QUESTION OF THE DAY....
Do you hang out in your workout clothes? I mean, beyond running? I bought some super cute running pants last year (kind of like yoga pants w/a wide leg). And if I ever wear them DH teases that it looks like I'm going running. But, I see everyone else wearing them. I figure why spend another $80 to get basically the same clothes item for just hanging out? Not sure it would pass the Tim Gunn test...but then, I'm not a style diva living in Manhattan.

[TKay]

Gecko - More congrats from me for your dh's accomplishment. Here's to your training (after that mountain of laundry we all know and love so much ;) ).
Les - I have a neighbor who reads while he's walking. Sort of like chewing gum and walking, I suppose. Not sure I could do it. I hope things get back to normal quickly after that awful scare.
Seathyme - Cool about the blue heron. That must have been quite a lovely surprise.
Susan - Thanks for the tip about my heart rate and recovering from the procedure. I had it on Monday and I took it easy again today (see below). Thinking about an easy run tomorrow, but we'll see. Glad Bode has some cushy grass to run on.
I did a gentle weight walk with my neighbor today. We went a little over and hour but really took it easy. No lunges or squats or anything. It was sprinkling (a shocker around here), and the ground was quite slippery. I actually had to--gasp!--wear a jacket.

Now for the question of the day: No, I usually don't hang out in workout wear. I know the kind of pants you're talking about, Susan, and I think they are cute. If you can pull it off, go for it. I see people in outfits that could go either way--you could workout in them or just lounge. I just don't happen to have anything like that. But I agree. You paid enough for the pants, they fit and are comfy. Why save them just for workouts? (Tim Gunn wouldn't approve of my anything in my closet, so take my advice with a grain of salt. :D )

[Gecko]

GECKO - When is the Aloha Run??

It isn't until Feb 18. I know that is a long time away but it is a longer race so it will give me time to work my way up to that distance. I did it in '06 and did the first part as a 5K and then ran-walked the rest. I like the longer distance as I am really am the tortoise rather than the hare when it comes to running - I am not fast but I can keep going :D

Great Aloha Run (http://www.greataloharun.com/)



QUESTION OF THE DAY....
Do you hang out in your workout clothes? I mean, beyond running? I bought some super cute running pants last year (kind of like yoga pants w/a wide leg). And if I ever wear them DH teases that it looks like I'm going running. But, I see everyone else wearing them. I figure why spend another $80 to get basically the same clothes item for just hanging out? Not sure it would pass the Tim Gunn test...but then, I'm not a style diva living in Manhattan.

I wear my running clothes all the time - clean of course ;) . They are just so comfortable and in this climate of warm all year it just works for me. Although they are somwhat out of my price range I love the clothes in the Athleta catalog.

Athleta Catalog (http://www.athleta.com/)

[Natasha]

Just popping in to answer Susan's question because it sounded like fun :p

I do hang out in (as Felice says, clean!) running clothes and other gear sometimes - it's so comfy, and I just love quite a few of my pieces. I don't wear them just anywhere out of the house, but for something like social coffee with my running group, trips to gear stores, or casual errands, I occasionally do. I get most of my gear from Mountain Equipment Coop and they've got some truly awesome items (IMHO).

Oh, that reminds me - the club running jackets are in! We'll get them on the weekend.

That's about it - I have a ride and a really short run to report from yesterday. Tonight I may blow it off to socialize instead :D If not, I'll run again. Either way sounds great to me!

Les, I think the beard really suits you!

Hi to all and have a lovely evening!!

Natasha

[Kathy B]

Hi all. TM runs Monday and today for me. Yoga and weights (finally) as well. Today DS and I watched "F/X" (an old movie from the 80's) while I jogged. Anyone remember that one? I had seen it years ago, but didn't remember anything, so it still was a good way to pass the time.

Susan, I don't really have much in the way of workout clothes. My one orange outfit that DD calls me a "carrot" every time I wear it, otherwise mostly shorts and some tanks or t-shirts. So no, I don't usually run around in them.

Les, did you ever hear exactly what the standoff thing was about? Glad it ended peacefully! What a scary thing!

[newsomz]

My answer to Question of the day:

I don't hang out in my running clothes because none of them are nice enough. However, I do have some yoga clothes that I will run errands in. And I agree with TKay, I don't have any clothes Tim Gunn would approve of so take my advice with a big heap of salt!

Gecko - Congrats again to your husband and thanks to the link to the Athleta Catalog. I'll have to check it out soon to see if I can find some more presentable running clothes.

TKay - definitely take it easy for the next few days. I'm having surgery next week and will probably be down for a week or two.

Kathy - watching a movie while running sounds like fun! Did you get to see the entire movie? That must have been a long run :0

seathyme - sounds like you are having a series of satisfying runs. Good job!

Les - I hope your runs are a little more mellow :)

As for me I haven't gotten any running in this week. The trip to Seattle really botched my schedule. On top of the trip I also got sick :( I wasn't able to do stadiums today because I have to study for a mid-term! Okay, back to studying. Hopefully, I'll get a nice run in this weekend!

-carrie

[mabvt]

Chiming in on the running clothes question.

Generally no, I don't hang out in them. I do hang out in clothes that I've used for pilates and yoga classes. Generally I don't wear them beyond my yard though. They tend to be older/shabby and attract dog hair. :o Hmmmmm. Maybe I need to do some shopping.

Here is another question for you. I've been running since last March-ish. That was when I did my first 5K. Now I am running anywhere between 3-7 miles 3-4 times a week. My weight has been going up little by little. Only a total of maybe 7-10 pounds (it fluctuates) total. I'm not overweight but could stand to lose a few. So what gives, I'm not eating a ton more...muscle gain or ??? Any thoughts?

No runs to report.

Melissa

[Leslie Ferguson]

TKAY - I don't know how I missed your dental procedure. I remember when they extracted my tooth they wouldn't let me run for 3 days (luckily I had it extracted a week AFTER Boston). It sounds like you're feeling better.

SUSAN - Yes, I really can read and walk at the same time. Remember, I used to live, walk, and read on a moving platform (a ship).

SEATHYME - Things are pretty much back to normal now - almost like it never happened. But I'm still getting questions on campus, especially from the faculty and Student Affairs staff. That's cool about the GBH - it seems a little late for one to be up there but I may be wrong. Every once in a while you'll find one here in Alexandria in the streams that I run by.

NAT - Hope you had a good time tonight and thanks for your comment about my beard, I like it and so does Kathy.
Today DS and I watched "F/X" (an old movie from the 80's) while I jogged. Anyone remember that one?

Les, did you ever hear exactly what the standoff thing was about? Glad it ended peacefully! What a scary thing!
Oh how I remember F/X and F/X 2 - not the greatest movies but fun none the less, and lots of big names. As for the standoff, the only thing I can get is the guys neighbors saw him with a gun through his window, they called the police, and when the police showed up he refused to cooperate or come out. My understanding is at that point in time they had to treat him as a threat and take precautions to protect others. I guess (and somewhat confirmed by a classmate who used to be an Alabama State Trooper) the cops outlasted him and he gave up (like about 99% of the non-hostage standoffs when the person is inside).

CARRIE - Good luck on your midterm. When is it? I've got one in class next Wednesday and a take home paper due a week after that.

MELISSA - Sorry I don't have any thoughts right now about your weight gain.

Today's run, besides being hot (it was 81 when we started) was pretty good. We had a brisk run of about 50 minutes. Afterwards I stopped at the multi-purpose field on campus (they play soccer, football, and ultimate there) and my classmates were playing Ultimate. They conned me into playing and I had a blast. I kind of took them by surprise when I deftly picked up the Frisbee underhanded and threw a dart about 3 feet off the ground to a teammate (they have never seen me play Frisbee). Of course, I failed to tell them that I did 2 years of High School in San Diego with a bunch of Frisbee playing folk and we played Ultimate for about 2 years together. I think they may try to convince me to play more often - now all I have to be careful of is my ankle.

And no, I don't normally wander around in running gear but most of the time I run in tank tops and I don't normally wander around in tanks regardless. But I'm not averse if I need to - I do grocery shop after lifting weights so...

Oh well, I've gone too long so until tomorrow - happy trails,
Les

[TKay]

Les - Walking, reading AND working on a floating deck. Pretty impressive. :)
Melissa - I don't have any answers about the weight gain either. Is it possible that you're eating more because you're hungrier? I know you said it doesn't seem that your diet has changed. Hmm. Maybe someone else has some insight.
Carrie - Here's to healing while you study.
Kathy - I so want a TM at home so I can watch movies/TV! When I can catch a funny program at the gym (their channels are rather iffy), it really does make the time fly. Which movie is F/X? I'm drawing a blank.
Natasha - Enjoy your new jacket. Sounds exciting.
Gecko - I like both Athleta and Title Nine, but have yet to do anything but fantasize when I look at them. Isn't that nuts? And now that I'm running more, I really do need to invest in more clothes.
Got back on the TM today (first time since my Monday dental procedure). It felt really good and did not make my jaw pound or ache. Hooray! I kept the pace easy and only went for 35 minutes. I'm hoping to still get in my long run over the weekend. I'll be at 5 1/2 miles this time. Ds#1 came home from school sick today. I hope he's well soon. I've got workouts to squeeze in! ;)
ETA: I got my new running shoes yesterday. When I ran today, I didn't even notice them. I was about halfway through when I thought, "Oh, I guess these are comfortable." I didn't notice my feet at all. I guess that's a good sign.

[mabvt]

Tkay-Glad you're feeling better! Dental work icks me out.
Tell us about your new shoes!

[Elizabeth B]

Hello all!

I definitely don't hang out in my running clothes - mainly because they're usually pretty stinky and gross after I've been running in them! Actually, right now my running clothes are fairly nice and I'm very protective of them. But after I get done swimming or get home from work, I change into my "home clothes", which this time of year is a long sleeve race t-shirt and a pair of sweat/yoga pants (that's actually what I'm wearing right now). But I don't wear them out unless it's for a really quick errand.

TKAY - I'm glad the worst of your dental procedure is out of the way. Congrats on the new shoes, too. It's a good sign when you don't notice them.

LES - Wow, no wonder that rattled LW! To be in a new environment and have that happen, yikes. I would have been freaked out. Also, I didn't realize you were adept at frisbee, too. Very cool.

MELISSA - I don't have any real insight into your weight situation - it could be some muscle gain, it could be increased appetite and it could be normal fluctuation. Have you ever notice how on The Biggest Loser, sometimes they don't lose any weight one week and then drop an incredible amount the next week? I think that that may be due in part to normal weight fluctuations combined with the training. Just hang in there and keep exercising.

We were under a tornado watch tonight so I ran on the treadmill which I haven't done for ages - 7 months maybe? I'm such a terrible treadmill runner, clumsy and afraid that I'll fall. My friend was drinking out of her water bottle and daintily wiping sweat with her towel while I was afraid to do either because of the fear that I'd wipe out. With the shorter days and colder weather, I guess I'd better get used to it.

My live running buddy and I are running a Halloween race and are making costumes - energy gels. I'm a Gu and she's a Power Gel. I've been working on my costume all week and although DH has been poking fun, tonight he said that it's finally starting to look pretty good. It's odd, I know, but there's a $100 prize for the best costume.

Tomorrow morning I'm off to Florida for my father's 73rd birthday on Saturday. He's had many health issues over the last few years so we really want to celebrate - my mom is throwing a party (her last, she swears) and my DB and DS will also be there. Mom's birthday is Monday, so it's kind of a joint celebration.

That's it for now - I'll probably check back in Monday to see how everyone's weekend went.

Take care, all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

TKAY - New shoes??? Do tell! New shoes will do it every time. Sometimes you do strange things in the Navy and living and sleeping and walking on a moving ship were among the strangest that I can explain here. Hope you continue to heal.

LES - Also, I didn't realize you were adept at frisbee, too. Very cool.

We were under a tornado watch tonight so I ran on the treadmill... With the shorter days and colder weather, I guess I'd better get used to it.

My live running buddy and I are running a Halloween race and are making costumes - energy gels. I'm a Gu and she's a Power Gel.

Tomorrow morning I'm off to Florida for my father's 73rd birthday on Saturday. He's had many health issues over the last few years so we really want to celebrate - my mom is throwing a party (her last, she swears) and my DB and DS will also be there. Mom's birthday is Monday, so it's kind of a joint celebration.

Yep, I have all kinds of secrets hidden in my background. Defensive tackle, swimmer, frisbee player, cellist, Rocky and Bullwinkle fan... I hope you get used to running on the treadmill, I'm not looking forward to the winter months because there's no convenient place to spin at home. I may have to move things around in the basement and spin down there. Gels for Halloween, that's too funny. Please post a picture. Have a safe trip to Florida this weekend.

Today was a ride day to rest my ankle (it's a little perturbed from all the running this week so far). It wasn't too long but it was fun. Found out something interesting, the Kevlar tire isn't as "sticky" as the base tire. I didn't spill but I hit an off camber spot that I have ridden on numerous times before and had my back tire kind of feel like it wanted to squirt away. Nothing bad but I do have to be careful grinding around corners from here out. Oh well, I'll take being careful around corners over new tubes all the time.

Have a great Friday and I'll see you sometime soon. Happy trails,
Les

[newsomz]

Melissa - I don't have any ideas about the weight fluctuations either! Sorry.

Les - Thanks for the good wishes on my mid-term. It was last night and I think I did really well :) Good luck on your upcoming test & paper. And I understand about the heat... It has warmed up here, too. Bummer I really enjoyed the two fall days we had.

TKay - I third the request for more information about the shoes! I really need to get some new ones and can't decide what I want. Last time I got trail running shoes, however, I rarely run on trails (mostly on the street/stadium) so they seem a little bulky.

Elizabeth - the Halloween run sounds like so much fun!! And great idea for a costume. Good luck with the contest. Have fun in FL this weekend.. It's a little sticky but maybe it will cool off when you get here (I hope so!). What part of FL will you be visiting?

I'm planning on a short run this afternoon when I get home and then an early Sunday morning run. That should make me feel a little better about missing both Monday & Wednesday stadiums and get me back on track.

Have a great Friday afternoon!

[Kathy B]

Here is another question for you. I've been running since last March-ish. That was when I did my first 5K. Now I am running anywhere between 3-7 miles 3-4 times a week. My weight has been going up little by little. Only a total of maybe 7-10 pounds (it fluctuates) total. I'm not overweight but could stand to lose a few. So what gives, I'm not eating a ton more...muscle gain or ??? Any thoughts?

Melissa

Melissa, There could be several things involved. If you are eating more (even if it's not "a ton more"), it could be offsetting whatever calories you burn with your running. Especially if you eat a little more every day while you run 3-4 times a week. While it might not be enough to cause weight gain, it could prevent any weight loss. Then if you are building muscle, that could account for gaining a few pounds. Also, it could be related to slowing metabolism with age. I don't know how old you are, but I know metabolism slows down and weight can slowly start creeping up starting in the 30's. Running will certainly help keep your metabolism revved up, but if you are 40 for instance, it will not rev it up as much as the same amount of running when you are 20.

[TKay]

The shoes I got are Adidas Supernovas. At least that's what the box says. I have a pretty neutral step, so they're suited for me. I love them. They just slip right on and off like they were made for me.
Elizabeth - Have a good trip.
Les - It's give and take with those bike tires, no? Here's to staying up and safe (and flat-free). You're a man of many talents.
Newsomz - I take it you're feeling better? Here's to good runs this weekend.

Me, I did a 45-minute stint on the elliptical machine today and about 20 minutes in the pool. I'm just breast stroking at this point. I'm discouraged with my freestyle. I'm going to take lessons, just need to find the right instructor and the time.

I have a question. How much are you willing to spend on just the right socks? I saw a pair at the Nike store the other day that looked fantastic. Cost? $12 a pair. Would you purchase them?