Virtual Running Buddies -- Week of Nov. 16

[TKay]

Hello...hello? Is this thing on?
I guess I'm starting us out again this week--even though I have no run to report. I've been down with the chest crud. While I feel okay (just a little tired), I think I should lay low until it clears. The timing's actually good. Ds #2's belated birthday party is after school today. I've been prepping things for that with my non-running time.
How's everyone doing? Here's to a great weekend. Cheers!

[seathyme]

Thanks for starting, TKay. Sorry about the crud! Hope it clears soon.

I can report a run today, but it was a crappy one. Cold rain was coming down this morning so I took my run as a lunch break (have been sermon writing at home). My body was not happy about the change of routine -- I admire Susan and those who can vary time of day for running! There may have been other factors at work, but for whatever reason, it was not fun. I've been writing about gratitude (about which there is just not that much new to say year after year:eek: ) so tried to focus on the pleasures of being outside and having a body capable of motion... sorta worked..... now back to writing. Title is, "What do Abraham Lincoln and the Simpsons Have in Common?" title might be the best part of this thing.

Hello to all!

[Kathy B]

I don't have a run to report at the moment either (though there is still time!), but wanted to pop in and ask Seathyme, have you ever read The Lord is my Shepherd by Harold Kushner? I did a SS lesson on that book right before Thanksgiving a few years ago, and found the book very inspiring. "My cup runneth over" was a great section. Just thought I'd mention it in case you need something else to do with all your free time ;) !

Tkay, sorry to hear it caught up with you. Take it easy and get well!

[seathyme]

Thanks Kathy! I have a couple of Kushner books but not that one. Always on the lookout for new stuff, so thank you.:)

[mgs]

I had posted a non run day and complaints and all... then it vanished.

which is good b/c it turned out I did get a little run in this eve! DH unexpectedly came home an hour early so I dashed out. I wasn't even thinking about going today and I had been noshing all day so I wasn't sure what my stomach would think but I did fine.

So, my complaint was the timing of workouts. If I want to really be able to run my event in a week I had better really start thinking about getting some runs in! I will probably end up getting out of the house early = before DH leaves for work - a few times next week. I will also have to run in LA while visiting my brother for t-day. That will be the hardest for me b/c it will end up being a big production. We are driving down and back so that takes out Thurs and Sat, so only Friday to do any running to prepare for the event on Sunday... so I really do need to find a little run. I could use mapmyrun I guess - thanks for the tip, guys!

we decided to go skiing as our Christmas this year. We found a place that will be really nice and expensive... we could go a little more expensive and call it Christmas!! so we will. I think it will be fun. DS and I will both be taking lessons. they actually have a free class for people who want to see their kid take their first turn so we will do that one and then I will take a lesson myself. other than that if we do snow angels I will be thrilled. DH is a little bummed to not be getting presents (definitely a spoiled brat - try hard not to raise one! It is hard on the future wife, trust me!:p ) So I said, fine a few small gifts for us. We have been planning getting ds a trike anyway and we still will. He is only 27 months so he won't really appreciate the ski trip like we will.

Another exciting friday night - laundry.:D

tkay - feel better!
seathyme - I always thought I couldn't run any time but the morning, but now I don't have a choice so I chug along...... Your sermon sounds really interesting. I think your premise to be thankful our bodies some how keep going. And hopefully will go longer than they were built for (about 65 years or so, really)
Kathyb = is Harold Kushner the Rabbi who wrote "When Bad Things Happen to Good People"? That book really helped me and still does, actually...


the people upstairs have their 2.5 year old grandson this weekend. Wow it is loud. I am feeling really sorry for the people who live below us right now....:o Unfortunately this kid is up a lot later than ours (DS usually falls alseep around 7pm) and it is not going well for us. DS was exahusted when I put hin down at 645 tonight and now at 730 he is still in there singing to himself. I know I should be happy he isn't crying, but I wish he would be able to fall asleep with all the noise. Ahh city living. can't wait to move. A fun experience but sure am glad it is only 1 year...and only 6 months left.:D

I hope to get 2 runs in this weekend but DH is on call so he will have to go in for some of the day, then we will want a little family time... I'll see what I can come up with. maybe during nap time.

meg

[Leslie Ferguson]

seathyme - love the title too. Sorry you had a bad run today, it is amazing how a difference in time impacts a run. Hope you have a good weekend.
Meg - I hope you enjoy skiing and that's a great Christmas present. I'm glad you got your run in today even though you didn't expect to. Way to go!
TKay - Thanks for starting this week and ditto - YUCK on Crud! I hope you feel better soon.
Kathy - I may have to add that book to my reading stack too (that's about as high as my ceiling right now). But it's probably something I won't get to until next this summer.

YIPPEE!!! I ran tonight after school. A good hour's run - something I needed. It was a bit nippy - ok - really cool by the time I finished. Partly because it was dark and partly because the wind was blowing well. It wasn't bad when I left in the failing light but about half-way was cool on my thighs and hands.

Tomorrow - LW and I are going to the National Mall to do a 5k around the monuments. Pictures will be taken and I'll try to post one or two.

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Meg, I couldn't quite tell from your post, but have you ever been skiing before? The kids and I went for the first time with my brother last year, and we had a great time. Hope your little one gets a better night's sleep soon. Yes, Harold Kushner also wrote When Bad Things Happen to Good People.

Les, a 5K at the National Mall sounds so fun. DS would LOVE to do that! Please do post pics. I remember when I was in school, I had so much reading to do that I didn't read anything outside of my textbooks except Harlequin Romances, (because you could read them in about two hours, and you didn't have to think! :D )

I did an easy 40 min on the TM last night, and a little more industrious 60 min today. We are off to the HS play tonight. They are doing "The Sounds of Music" and DS is playing in the pit orchestra.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

[Natasha]

Kathy, hope the HS play is fun! Sounds like a nice outing. :) Good work on those runs! Speaking of your DS, how is his recovery going?

Les, your 5k with LW at the National Mall sounds great. Look forward to seeing a photo if you can swing it.

TKay, sorry about your being sick :( Take care and feel better very soon!

Meg, sounds like lots going on at your place. Where are you going to ski, if you don't mind saying?

Seathyme, I also love the sermon title. I'm sure the sermon itself will more than live up to the catchy title :)

Hi to Susan, Melissa, Betsy, Bethany, Vicci, Mary, and everyone else!

Since I last posted, I have a run, a ride, and a hike to report (with another hike coming up shortly). All were enjoyable. I'm loving being at home this weekend with some time to putter around.

Natasha

[SusanMac]

Les - Hope the 5K went well. Was this the fundraiser for the homeless? So glad you & LW got to do that together.

Seathyme - Remember what you always say....a cruddy run is better than no run at all! Gratitude as a theme never gets old, b/c we *always* need reminders. Heard a great WPR program recently of a minister (Will Bowen) who wrote "A complaint free world." Very interesting discussion, and somewhat related b/c it was about the huge impact you can make simply by being more positive.

MGS - Skiing on Xmas day is soooo much fun! People wearing Santa hats. Everyone in a good mood. And the slopes & lift lines aren't terribly busy. It sounds like a fantastic trip! Assume you're going to Tahoe. Which resort?

Squeezed in a 40-min Bode run yesterday just barely in time for sunset. Lots o' meetings the rest of the day and Bode was sooo nice, patient & quiet while waiting for me.

Xmas errands today, which is good cuz it's raining. Run w/buddies tomorrow.

Hi to the rest of the gang. Nice jobs on the TM runs & hikes. Seathyme -- take it easy

[Leslie Ferguson]

What a great day for the VRB with TM runs, hikes, spins, and other seasonal events - way to go.
Kathy - At this stage of the game I don't have much free time for recreational reading - conservatively I'd guess I have between 300-500 pages assigned each week plus research for papers etc. But there is time on break and over the summer to do recreational reading. And who knows, that title may come up in one of the suggested reading lists for our classes (Virginia Seminary is relatively progressive in its literature). Hope the musical went well today.

Natasha - It sounds like you've had a relaxing week after your trip to California. A couple hikes, a run, and a ride -- I'm envious. ;)

Howdy to the rest of the gang.

It was great this morning, a little cool to start but many layers (including GoreTex pants) and I was a happy camper. The day turned out fantastically and there were an estimated 30,000 people walking around the National Mall. Michael MacDonald (Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan) and the lead singer from Hootie and the Blowfish were there to sing after the walk was done. I'll see if I can get pictures from the others who were there. I took some but of course I'm not in them because I was taking them. I had a blast and had a lot of fun taking with my classmates but got a little wind burned - such is life. LW had a blast too. Later this afternoon I ended up taking a 19 mile ride and got most of the way to Mt. Vernon before turning back. I don't know if I'll be able to do that again (beacuse of the weather) but 19 miles was fun.

Thanks for asking about the 5k walk and I'll locate pictures somewhere.

Happy trails,
Les

[mgs]

I did a long run today! well, long enough to make me think I will be able to finish my 5k next Sunday! It was 2.83 mi according to mapmyrun and I felt really good during most of it. I am pretty pleased that I am getting back into the swing of things way quicker than I ever have before!

I have only been skiing 1 time before on bunny trails in the Poconos and that was 13 years ago. We are all really excited. We will be going to Tahoe the North Star resort. It looks really cute with an ice skating rink in the middle of the little town. It will be very quaint. My parents both grew up in VT and I am familiar with ski towns, but believe it or not I never went skiing there! With all of our trips to see Grandma and Grandpa I guess visiting relatives was more important.

All the runs sound like a blast today! Would love to see some pictures Les!

Meg

[SusanMac]

Just got back from a phenomenal run. 60 min, all trails, good friends & conversation. It just felts steady & nice. A few small hills. Lots of crunchy leaves. And perfect weather (TKay - that would be sunny & 20 degrees :-) I even had to take my gloves off we were sweating so much.

Now I'm headed out for a Bode walk, and more leaf raking later. New curried butternut squash soup recipe for dinner tonight. The Badgers won yesterday, and IM Kentucky is on TV this afternoon. All in all, a very good weekend.

MGS - It's been ages, but I think I remember North Star having lots and lots of green runs, so that should be great for families. Hope you get some good pictures of DS on the slopes. I'm always amazed watching kids ski! (I was 26 when I got on skis for the first time!)

Les - 30,000 people?! Oi. I had no idea. I guess there's no such thing as a small event on the Washington Mall. Sounds like a ball.

[Natasha]

Les, thanks for the report. How fun!!

Meg and Susan, congrats on the great runs, and Meg, I agree that you're ready for the 5k! Meg, skiing at Tahoe sounds great (and I'm not even a fan of downhill skiing - tried it once but am too chicken in general to do it ;)). We're considering renting a chalet at a ski area in the BC interior with some friends next winter - let's see if it comes to pass :)

DH and I went out with the running group this morning and did about 65 minutes. It was lovely, albeit a bit cold. We also enjoyed social coffee afterwards at a new, cozy coffee shop in town, and I got a running form tip or two from an IRL running buddy (also a former world tri championship age group athlete - so when she gives advice, I listen ;)). I'm looking forward to putting them in practice and seeing what happens. Later I think we'll go for yet another hike just 'cause. Given that it's cool out, baking also sounds like a good idea.

Susan, that soup sounds great. Please let us know how it turns out! Love squash soups of all kinds (okay, I guess I just love soup, period!). I made a curried squash soup the other week but didn't love the particular recipe I made - it was okay but not too exciting.

Hi to everyone else, and happy Sunday!

Take care, all!
Natasha

[mgs]

bummed to report no run for me. Neighbors got home at 430 am and decided to continute with the party till 6... at which time DS woke up and wouldn't go back to sleep. So I have been up since 430:mad: too tired to run

[Kathy B]

50 minutes on the TM for me today.

Glad your run went well, Meg. What 5K are you running in? Is it a large event or a smaller community run? Do you know anyone else running in it?

Les, you are really lucky to live where you can run and bike in such cool places. I know there are probably trade-offs, but the sporting side of it has GOT to be a perk!

Susan, you are making me nervous with your Christmas errands! :p Actually, I have already ordered a few things on -line, and I have several bottles of home-made vanilla brewing in my guest room closet. I don't usually get started until after Thanksgiving, but this year I am a little more on top of things. DS is FORBIDDEN, however, to play his Christmas CD's in my presence until the day after Thanksgiving! (I do hear them seeping out from under his bedroom door quite often, though).

Coffee and running tips to follow a group run sounds like a great way to start the day, Natasha. In answer to your question, DS is still going to PT. Today he went for a 1/2 mile easy run for the first time in weeks, and while it didn't hurt, he said he can tell it's not quite back to normal. It's OK, though, track season is still several months away.

Hi to Seathyme, Vicci, Mary, Bethany, newsomz, Tkay, Elizabeth, Melissa and anyone else I may have missed. :)

[TKay]

Hi all -

I've been lurking the past few days. Still recovering from the crud--and lots of stuff to keep me busy. No runs to report. Dh left at the crack of dawn (or before) this morning to ride. The kids were kind enough to play quietly so I could sleep in. I slept until after 9:00! Something unheard of around these parts. I live with the early to rise crowd. Anyway, I hope the extra rest helps me kick this bug.

Kathy B - Nice job on the TM run. There are times I think I should quit the gym and get a home TM instead. It's a tough call for me.
Meg - Sorry about the lack of sleep (and run). Hope you can catch up tonight. I'm sure you'll do great in your 5K. The fun of it sort of carries you through.
Natasha - Sounds like a great outing. I'd love a cozy coffee shop after a brisk run. :)
Susan - Are you comparing your 20 degree weather to my 50 degree weather? Hmph! ;) I can't even imagine running when it's that cold. But that's a native Californian for you. Curried squash soup sounds intriguing. Enjoy. Glad your run was phenomenal.
Les - That run founds fantastic! I would really be interested in doing one like that.
Seathyme - You've got me curious. What DO Abraham Lincoln and The Simpsons have in common anyway? ;) Sorry about the not-so-good run. But at least you got out there.

Hello to everyone I missed. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend. I'm very excited about Thanksgiving and getting my menu planning done. I'm still hoping for a turkey trot on the day, but didn't sign up for the 5K portion in case the gunk is still hanging around. Happy Sunday!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Flying by... it was a blast yesterday and yes, there are lots of perks to go with the challenges of the community. Sports are great but cultural events are out of this world.

I'm glad to hear that folks had a good weekend and I'll have to spend a little more time tomorrow talking about what went on after 19 miles yesterady (not much mind you).
Peace,
Les

[SusanMac]

Very drizzly around here today, which is fine b/c I was planning on not running today, anyway. Trying to squeeze a whole week of work into 2 days. You guys know how it goes. Plus, we just decided to drive down to the ILs tomorrow, so have to do all my grocery shopping & last minute prep today. Oi!

Plus, I have to go find a killer fruit salad recipe. Lemme know if you guys have one. (I offered sweet potatoes, but MIL wants me to bring fruit salad. No one ever eats fruit salad on T-day, but she's the hostess, so I'm happy to oblige. DH sees this as an opportunity to introduce the family to a fruit salad that doesn't contain the marshmallow stuff she typically uses :-)

[seathyme]

Kathy, homemade vanilla in the closet -- yum! I can imagine your guests saying, "Something smells really good in here; can't quite put my finger on it.":D

TKay, hope that crud moves out already! Nice to sleep 'til after 9. I honestly can't remember the last time I did that.

Susan, I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around fruit salad this week; totally focused on warm, wintery, Thanksgiving-y things like squash and beans and pie! You're a good DIL.

Meg, I hope you have a great time with your 5K! Nice to have a confidence-boosting run as you did the other day.

Nat, I wish it were possible to get form tips in text like this, but I'll bet it's hard to communicate what you heard yesterday. Sounds like a great time generally!

Les, wow 30,000 walkers on the Mall. Quite a scene. Glad it worked out well, and that you and DW could do it together.

I got out for about 10K this morning -- confess I did walk here and there, but overall it felt pretty good. And the report is: about 5 snowflakes! Winter here we come.

TKay, the short answer to what the Simpsons and Lincoln have in common, believe it or not, is that both attempted to offer a Thanksgiving grace when things were not going well. There was an episode of the Simpsons from 1990 for which you can find the entire script on-line by googling Simpsons Thanksgiving. The scene in which Lisa's centerpiece is destroyed and Homer says grace is a classic, including details like Marge's sisters bringing their own food in case Marge's turkey is too dry.:D Lincoln's problems, needless to say, were rather more epic in scope. But the point was that Thanksgiving really has meaning when times are hard, which they may be personally or globally in any given year. Sermon worked out okay in the end; I just always sweat them out despite nearly 20 years' experience writing the darn things. The curse of perfectionism.:rolleyes:

Hello to all -- anyone want to join me in my holiday plan to run a little extra this week to make up for guaranteed gorging on Thursday??

[mgs]

NO run again! bummer. I woke up early enough but my head was throbbing and lo and behold it was raining! I am way too chicken to run in the rain, I am SURE I will slip and break an ankle. I am a worry wort at heart.

I can't imagine sleeping past 9!! I haven't sleep past 730 in 2.5 years and that is usually with at least one wake up in the night b/c of a cat or a kid or I have to make a bathroom break.:p

I should have no problem running tomorrow some problem with Wednesday (with DH working all day) and have to figure out what to do at my brothers house on Friday.... then the big event!!

When we were growing up my Mom always made a jello fruit salad. She still does, in fact!

Meg

[Leslie Ferguson]

seathyme - I love your sermon and wondered what the connection was. Now I get it. Imagine explaining Thanksgiving to two of my classmates from Kenya - pretty tough all around. I'm not sure that I'll admit to more running because of gorging but I'll commit to more running (because I won't be in class after tomorrow). Glad you got some snow - it's tempting to me. I'm hoping that New Years has snow here - I'll get both my NY run and snow run knocked out together.
Susan - My fruit salad is pretty simple except that I try to soak some/all of the fruit in some sort of liqueur (brandy is fantastic). Typically when we make fruit salad it's apples, pears, bananas, berries, and some sort of citrus. A couple years ago I cooked the pears and apples with a little lemon, sugar, and cinnamon then mixed those warm with the remainder of the salad. Topped with yogurt and shredded coconut. 20 and sunny - a blessing to run in...
TKay - Sorry the gunk it hanging around. Crazy as I am, I'd run the 5k anyway - blast the crud out (but then I've run with Navy SEALs and Recon Marines before so... I'm not fully right anyway).
Nat - I'm there for coffee and running tips too. In my experience skiing is fun, even when you're 8 weeks out of a cast from a dislocated kneecap. But then I ski like I do most things - headlong and digital speeds (stopped and full speed :cool: ).
Kathy -Fresh vanilla sounds divine. I'm with you about Christmas stuff too. I think the only "Christmas" stuff I can do almost any time (mostly because it isn't "Christmas" is Michael Card and John Michael Talbot music from their Christmas albums) but everything else has to go after Thanksgiving. The thing that frosted me in Norfolk was one of the radio stations did Christmas Carols from Thanksgiving until Christmas - way too long in my book.

Claiming a run today. Not too long but 45 mintes after school which was a blast and I over dressed (it was 45 and I ran in long sleeves - that's ok: and wind pants - that was too much). I'll try to post a couple pictures and a link to the remainder of the pictures I've been holding out on: Because you asked my Moose hat picture (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11791467@N05/2048862450/in/set-72157603244004013/) is at that link. And a link for this past weekend's Walk for Homelessness (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11791467@N05/sets/72157603244025369/) pictures of our group.

Hope you all have a good week and I'll see you tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Les - whoa. Back it up! You must tell me about the brandy-soaked fruit? I have learned that, while my ILs don't drink much, they go ga-ga for any dish w/liquor in it (which I find hilarious) Every Christmas they ask to make sure I'm making bourbon balls. Do you put anything else but the brandy in with the fruit? (honey perhaps) How long should it soak?

Seathyme - Thanks for the sermon summary. I love that Simpsons episode, but hadn't caught the connection &, of course, moral.

MGS - You'll be fine! Sounds like you have a good plan for the week. And just know the cardinal rule, no workouts you do this week will actually improve your fitness for this weekend's race. It can only make you tired (or injured -- good call being cautious in the rain)

Kathy - I make my own homemade vanilla, but never thought to give it as gifts! What a good idea! Too funny that you have to hold DD back from playing Xmas music. And, yes, I'm an early Xmas shopper. I'd be a nervous wreck if I saved it all til Dec. I will start wrapping this weekend.

About to head out for a run.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Susan - I normally like to let the fruit soak overnight/a day but have had ok results with a couple hours soak. A lot depends on the freshness of the fruit and whether I cut it or not (flavor soaks into cut better than whole fruit). Normally I'll just soak in brandy but may add a little honey, again depending on the fruit. If the mood strikes and the fruit is right I may add a whole clove or whole cinnamon (pineapple and some apples take both those spices well) to the mix while soaking but those cases are few and far between.

Have a good Tuesday all and happy trails,
Les

[TKay]

Quick drive by. Still not feeling all that great, but hoping to get in a run this afternoon. Have school volunteering duties this morning and very little time. Fortunately, no work today. (Whee!) I haven't run since last Tuesday, but I really want to do the 5K turkey trot on Thursday. If I feel well enough this afternoon, I'll go for it. Otherwise, it's the T-Day walk with the kids.
More later. Happy day!

[SusanMac]

Les - Great photos! I'm really liking the beard. And thx for the brandy-soaking tips. Not sure yet if I'll go that route for the first time w/guests, but it does scream 'holidays' to me :-)

TKay - Glad you'll be doing the T-day race w/the kids. Running or walking, either way will be nice.

Got in a 45-min Bode run this morning. Good thing, too, as it started spitting rain about an hour ago. I overdressed, too, Les. That happens a lot this time of year -- overestimating how cold you'll be (for me anyway)

[Kathy B]

Finally got a 60 minute TM run done! (Seems like they have all been 45 min for a while now).

Just found out my brother will be staying over in our guest room tonight....better get busy with the vacuum (and hide the vanilla! :D )!

[seathyme]

Too funny about the guest room, Kathy! Good job on the 60 mins.

TKay, I agree with Susan -- run or walk it should be fun to do a family Turkey Trot. I'll bet you're ready for the crud to move on out at this point; it can be such a drag.

Susan, I'd be a little nervous about the brandy soaking on a first pass too. Maybe you'll need to make a sample tonight.....:D

Les, thanks for the great pics! And good job on yesterday's after school run.

Meg, sorry about the headache and rain. Hopefully you'll have good weather and a happy head for the race.

I got out this morning for about 3 miles, just before it snowed:eek: . Unfortunately was plagued by cramps, etc, so ended up fast-walking a bunch of it. These cramps are quite demoralizing; I'm contemplating a winter plan to change it all up -- maybe join a gym temporarily and use elliptical, bike, weights, etc. Lower impact does not seem to cause the same problems. But on the plus side -- I DID get out there and will continue on my Turkey Week plan!:p

Hello to everyone else out there -- how's it going?

[Leslie Ferguson]

seathyme - Sorry about your cramps setting in again. It's odd that you have those issues and I wish I had some recommendations but I don't. Lucky you, running in the snow - oh how I wish I could. Congratulations on getting another Thanksgiving week run in - that's great.
Susan - This time of year is hard on me when I run, especially as sunset closes in. It's always hard to figure out how cold 45 degrees really is. And as I'm finding here there are all kinds of microclimates with the water that flows through the area. Good 45-min Bode run.
Kathy - LOL!!! :D Having to remember to hide the vanilla - all kinds of images there for me. Good TM run.

As for soaking fruit, another option that isn't nearly as potent is soaking raisins, strawberries, or citrus in a little rum or a very limited duration soak. But if there hasn't been any experience with spiked fruit salad it may be better to ease into the idea.

I rode today between class and work (where I am now). I think it was about 50 minutes and the weather was grand. It was in the middle 60s today and it was still mostly sunny when I started. By the time I was finished and the sun was setting a little I was ready to head home.

Happy trails all,
Les

[SusanMac]

Seathyme - I'm pretty sure you just earned yourself an extra piece of pumpkin pie :-)

Les - Wow, it's toasty there for you today! Nice job on the bike ride. I'm quite certain my bike is retired for the season. Good suggestion on the soaked raisins. I picked up dried cherries for the salad, so that might be the way to go. So many options!

We're headed down to the in-laws tomorrow. Might check in if I need a quiet break from all the craziness :-) If not, have a great T-day, everyone (Nat - I know you'll celebrate with us virtually!)

[mgs]

I am thrilled to add my run to the list today. I did my 2.83 mile loop so my confidence is there for the 5k. We'll see what tomorrow brings. My *plan* is to get up early and run. But I have to make choc dipped pretzel rods before our play group then make the Spiced Sweet Potato Cake w/Brown Sugar Icing (from BA can be found on the epicurious website) to bring to my brothers on Thurs... so I do have a big day ahead of me, but I hope I can do it. If I don't get up in the am then I still have a chance of a pm run if DH gets home from work early. but on the day before a long weekend at a hospital? the chances are slim he'll be home in time.


seathyme - what is the issue with your cramping? I am sorry to make you rehash it but I wasn't part of the group when you discussed it before.

Les those salads sound REALLY good!! And I am not a fan of overt liquor taste in my food, but that sounds yummy!

Tkay good luck on the run

KathyB and Susan great runs! Susan when I see people run with their dogs I think of you. What kind of dog is Bode? Some people run with these tiny little dogs and I wonder how far can a dog go? Especially a little dog?

Have good runs all!

Meg

[mgs]

ha! I did it! I got out of the house before 7 and did a run! I am used to a more leisurely morning, not that I am not awake usually well before 7, I just usually hang out trying to figure out how to go about my day until around 8-9ish. Well, that is and caring for DS....

any way - proud of myself this morning. It will be my last run to log this week, unless I get one in on Friday and I can't imagine I will b/c I will be in LA at my brothers house and I have never been there before! (we both just moved)

My guess is my next run with be the "Run Wild" on Sunday.

Happy Thanksgiving runs everyone!

[TKay]

Good for you, mgs! Glad you got your runs in.
Susan - Good job on the Bode run. Hope your T-day is great!
Les - Great going on the ride to work. And I agree. The rum-soaked fruit sounds appealing.
Seathyme - Sorry about the cramping. That must be so frustrating. I'm glad it's not ruining your plans though.
Kathy B - Yay for your 60 minutes on the TM! That's fantastic. And good luck with the cleaning up (and the vanilla-hiding!).

Thanks to all for the well wishes. I'm feeling much better, but still up at night coughing. It's so annoying. Ds #1 has it too. And I think ds #2 is coming down with it. He came home sick from school yesterday (and put the kaibosh on my run :( ). He's had a fever and sore throat and is threatening to have the full-blown crud today. If that kid would eat, he might have an immune system! :rolleyes:
I'm not sure what this will do to our Turkey Trot plans. I'm hoping we'll all miraculously feel good in the a.m. and can still go. But I hate to push the little one and then have him even worse off. Ah, well. It will all work out.
I'm making the brine and prepping the turkey today. So it's a good day to be home anyway.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Oh, and I loved the pics, Les. I agree that the beard really suits you.

[Kathy B]

Tkay, there will be plenty of other Turkey Trots if you don't make this year's. We were hoping to do the one here, too, but with DS still getting PT for his injured leg and DD recovering from mono, it just wasn't in the cards this year. Maybe just as well, it rained this morning, snowed this afternoon, and the wind has really picked up to the point that it is REALLY COLD outside....not exactly ideal running conditions. We are waiting for the next event.

Seathyme, I don't know if I can say I ran any extra this week, but I did get another 60 min in today, and I know I will be eating my share tomorrow. Hope your Turkey Week plan went well! :)

Did you get your cake made, Meg? Yea (!) for you for getting up and getting the run done....way to go! :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Natasha]

Happy Thanksgiving, kiddos... have fun!! Have pie for me! :D I look forward to hearing how everyone's holiday events went.

Didn't train yesterday as I was not feeling well (took the day off to rest up - I really needed it). I did 45 minutes of spinning today, thank goodness. :) Really needed it.

Natasha

[VictoriaL]

Just a quick run-through. For some reason I can't find the cranberry-pear sauce recipe I used last year and needed to do an online search. Of course, I had to stop by here and see what you all have been up to! Will I even get to that sauce tonight??? ;)

It has been an extremely busy few weeks and I've lurked a bit, but haven't felt mentally competent enough to form sentences. Tonight, too. Lots to do, too little time-- but I did go to Les' moose hat photo. What a shot of levity you must give to every occasion, Les! :D

During the past couple of weeks I think I've narrowed down the effect of running on my back. It doesn't matter what I do, I found. Run or run-walk intervals, the end result is the same. If I go out, no matter for how long, I am really stiff in the evenings (tight hamstrings, low back pain) but if I'm not out for more than 35-40 minutes it is almost gone in the morning after I do stretches. However, if I run for more than 40 minutes, my back hurts most of the next day (and the longer I run or run/walk, the more it hurts).

So I will be doing shorter runs, but I'm so happy that I don't have to eliminate them altogether. Although I really had a great feeling of satisfaction when I reached the 60-minute mark... *sigh*

Must go and cook the cranberries, then wash the kitchen floor.

Hello to everyone and a Happy Thanksgiving to all. :) I hope to be back at regular posting next week.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Fly-by (sort of). Thanks for the comments on the hat and beard. I'm definitely becoming attached to the beard (no pun intended) and even my Mom likes it so it stays. My hats are definitely a hit and I always love to unearth new ones or ones that people haven't seen in the past as often as I can.

Vicci - I'm perplexed by your running and post running pains. Might have to ruminate over that for a while and get back to you. At least you can still run a little without adverse pain so that's good.

I ran at my folks place today and I thought that yesterday was warm... it was 70 in Appomattox. :eek: Unheard of - it's normally 40 and damp the day before Thanksgiving. But good enough for an hour on the road. Hopefully not too worse the wear but there may be some lingering pain - I found an uneven spot close to the end of the run which led to a no fun time.

Time for bed before Thanksgiving tomorrow. Be good and have a great T-day.

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Just popping in to report 45 min on the TM this AM. Now to clean up and get the family loaded in the car to head off to the family Thanksgiving.

Les, DS has a Bob Marley hat that you would probably appreciate. It comes complete with the long hair and everything! :D He has a lot of fun wearing it around his friends.

Glad to hear you can still do some running, Vicci. Hope you get things sorted out soon!

Natasha, now don't YOU be getting sick, too. We've had way too much of that going around! :( Hope you can dodge it.

[Natasha]

Vicci, it's nice to hear from you. I was wondering how you were doing. That's interesting about the running. It's a shame about the longer runs :( though of course good that the shorter runs are fine. I'll give this some thought too.

Les, glad you got in a good run yesterday, but I hope you aren't experiencing lingering pain. How are your folks?

Kathy, great work getting in that run before the family Thanksgiving meal!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had some ice and snow here, so the sidewalks are a bit dicey, but it wasn't enough snow for snowshoeing. I ran indoors today - had a lively 4.7 mile run. :) Days like today were made for the 'mill. Now, while you guys enjoy your turkey and all the trimmings, I'm going to make butter chicken.

Take care, all,
Natasha

[seathyme]

Thanks for the good wishes, Natasha. We spoke with FIL in Toronto this morning and heard about your snow! Glad you got in a TM run. Butter chicken sounds tasty.

Good to hear from you, Vicci! Sorry about the back, but I hope you're right that shorter runs will keep both you and your back happy.

Les, 70 in Appomattox, wow. Hope you and your family had a good Turkey Day.

TKay, what a bummer the rest of your family got sick as you were getting better.:rolleyes: Hope you were able to get some pleasure out of the holiday nonetheless.

Kathy, glad you had a TM turkey trot.:D

I had a personal trot this morning too -- 10K and no cramps! Just when I'm about to give it up in total frustration, I have a good run. Go figure. Anyway it was well timed as I then proceeded to eat the 10K calories and many more... and all worth it! We went to my mom's and brought several parts of the meal -- it was a good collaboration, and I didn't have to clean the house!:D Now home recovering.

Happy Turkey Day to all ~~

[VictoriaL]

Kathy, is this the kind of hat your husband has? I think that such a chapeau would be a fine addition to Les' collection!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cf03b3127cceb02eba44169c00000035100AZNG7Ro4cuG KA

I bought this for my DH for his birthday (given in a box containing a Bob Marley and a Toots & the Maytalls cd!). We display it on our bear at the lake house. :) I'd post the photo of him wearing it while mowing the lawn, but he would someday find out and be quite upset...

I forgot to mention that I've been doing both pre- and post-run stretching, also. I just don't know why the longer runs have been giving my back such a problem in the last 6 weeks or so. Oh well. It is chronic pain, and I do have it at some degree almost every day, so I guess that I have to make the adjustments.

Les, the day before Thanksgiving it was 68 when I ran. Amazing! And when I came downstairs at 7:30 this morning, it was 63. Now, 34. Yuck.

Tkay, don't get sick again! Wow, what a fun T'giving this must have been. :(

Nat, butter chicken. I haven't made this since last winter, and thank you for reminding me-- it's on the menu for next week.

seathyme, it's nice to bring a dish or two to a holiday meal but not have to act hostess and clean the house (before and after), isn't it?


Hey, I totally blew off any exercising today! I cooked, I ate... what fun! :D

We had a small dinner, in both number of people (3) and number of dishes. Although it wasn't the huge gourmet multi-course extravaganza I prepared last year for 8, it still tasted quite good. And took a lot less time to clean up afterward. Now, why on earth am I hungry again?!?!?! How can that be?
:rolleyes:

[Leslie Ferguson]

The Bob Marley hat, maybe I can get one with a bear too. Maybe I'll ask for one for my birthday. :)

TKay - I'm sorry that your family had the crud and I'm sorry it whacked your turkey trot today too.
Natasha - Thanks for asking, my folks are doing really well and my sister is good too. I think my ankle is fine but it was nice to lay off today, even though I wanted to run.
seathyme - It was really balmy yesterday and it was warm but not quite as warm today. I'm glad you didnt' have any cramps today - that would have been terrible on such a great day for a run.
Vicci - 63 this morning and 34 degrees now. :eek: That's terrible. Love the picture too. Good for you to have a day off and spend time with your family.

Today was a restful and family day. Lots of cooking and spending time with my dad talking "shop." My family was a lot of fun and they even let me do a little work today - made (alcohol free) fruit salad (alcohol wreaks havoc with mom's meds) and they let me play more as I carved the turkey. :D Probably ate too much but I think I can handle it.

Tomorrow we'll head home and I'll try to run when I get there or if it's nice (and it's not supposed to be nice) I'll ride just for another day off my ankle.

Happy trails and happy thanksgiving.
Les