Virtual Running Buddies - 12/14

[SusanMac]

I'm probably due to start a VRB thread, so will jump in. I don't have a run to report, is that OK? I have a good reason. I gave blood yesterday for the very first time ever! The nurses were surprised (I guess most everyone is a regular), but very supportive throughout the whole process. That includes my 2 dizzy spells. It probably took 45 min longer than usual :-) But, I feel good about it during the holiday season.

Planning on 2 runs over the weekend. Planning a workout is an important element of actually making it happen, right?

Les - Hang in there & keep cranking through the tough spots. How much of a break will you have over the holidays?

Seathyme - How is the snow shoveling coming along? :-)

Nat & weekend guest - Do you have any good foodie plans in store?

Hoping Molli from the personal trainer thread joins us soon to share her plans for the Detroit Marathon. How are Carrie, MGS and the rest o' the gang doing?

2008 Goals - Thought I'd continue this from last week. Anyone else have thoughts to share? I'm toying with the idea of a marathon (hoping to qualify for Boston), but it's just in idea phase. Want to do some more tri's, but not sure what. Maybe a vacation race? I love Seathyme's idea of picking a mileage goal!

[ktg0930]

Can I join you all again? I fell off the VRB wagon about the time we moved in June 2006 (although I kept running off and on). Now that I completed my pharmacy residency and I'm working at home, I've gotten back into the running routine...well, until the last month when I've been traveling a lot. I hope you guys can help keep me on track!

Kathy

[Laura]

Well no runs for me, and honestly none planned until I get my new shoes. But I am totally up for planning goals.

One goal might be to run the Bolder Boulder. I know there are 50,000 people running the race, but it might be fun regardless.

I am also *toying* with the idea of running a 1/2 marathon again. I am firmly committed to never running a full marathon again (the training is just too much), but I think I could find a half doable. All of this will depend on how much time my new job takes, but I always have to have goals to get me out there.

All that being said, my only real goal right now is start running again once a week once I get my new shoes.

Susan, I think that it is awesome that you are wanting to try and qualify for Boston.

[seathyme]

Hi all, and welcome back Kathy! Congrats on completing your residency -- that's a major accomplishment.:)

Laura, Bolder Boulder with 50,000 people sounds like quite a scene... I've been *toying* with training for a half marathon too, but very unsure of that. More likely to pursue the overall mileage goal. Although I will say that the weather around here is a good reminder of the obstacles to major miles. Today has been, yes Susan, about snow shoveling -- though luckily these 10 inches were light stuff. Then DH and I walked to a Christmas tree lot maybe 2/3 mile from here, picked out a tree, and carried it home! I'm counting that as an upper body workout for sure.:D

Les, hang in there. Sounds like you are staying ahead of your deadlines, which is impressive.

And Susan, you have definitely earned lifetime membership in the VRB's with your Ironman success this year!

Hello to Nat, Legolas, KathyB, Betsy, TKay, Carrie, Lisa, Lurker Robyn:D and everyone else out there -- how's it going?

[TKay]

Hello all -
I feel a little bit out of the loop. I haven't even been lurking, but went back and quickly skimmed everyone's updates. I did end up catching a bug and it's been a doozy. Just a cold, but man, it's knocked me out. I think it's the accompanying headache that's draining me. Needless to say, no workouts to report.
As for goals, I'm also toying with the half-marathon idea. Mind you, I've never even done a 10-K, but gosh, a girl's gotta dream. :D I will give it more thought and make a decision my year's end. :rolleyes:
Kathy - Welcome back. Looking forward to hearing more about you and your running.
Laura - I think the half is more reasonable for me too. I'd like to do a marathon some day. Just not sure when that will be. How many marathons have you done?
Seathyme - I think the tree trip qualifies as a full-body workout. Enjoy putting it up.
Les - Hope you're hanging in there.
Hello to Susan, Legolas, Elizabeth, Kathy B, Natasha, Carrie, Meg and everyone else I missed.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey all - dropping back in after a whirlwind week. Thanks for your wishes and good vibes.

Welcome back Kathy, it's been a while and I'm glad that you're still running. Hope you can re-join us and that you make your running goals this coming year.

YIKES! seathyme that's a ton of snow up there and a lot of shoveling and lugging a christmas tree 2/3 a mile is a haul too. I hope your weekend isn't too blech with more snow.

Thank you for starting this week Susan even if you didn't run today. Giving blood - a double thank you. :) I bet you could get to a BQ this year - if you're running as well as you did in FP (even though it wasn't a BQ pace for the half) I bet you have it in you too. And after your IM I know you have the stamina to get the training in. Good vibes for 2 runs this weekend too.

I'm sorry you aren't feeling better TKay but you sound like you're getting over the crud finally.

A shout out to the rest of the gang (and welcome back - again - Laura) - I don't even want to try and remember evereyone right now - I have problems remembering my name. :cool:

I took a needed study break today after getting my rough draft put together for the paper due mid-week next week (before finals mind you). LW and I went up to campus for our Christmas Party - a '50's retro theme. There were cans of Spam (Legolas :) ), cheese-whiz, and Ovaltine holding the baloons down. Since I don't have any retro clothes I just stuck with a special Christmas hat (I'll post a picture tomorrow) but suffice to say it was a hit. The pom-pon is on the top of a spring that sticks up about 16 inches from the red velvet hat with a white fur band. :D Kind of a cross between Santa and the Grinch. Tomorrow, I hope to run mid-day after doing Christmas shopping (gee, it's that time of year isn't it ;) ) and before smoothing my paper. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll be in touch.

Happy trails all...
Les

[VictoriaL]

HI Everyone!

I know that the daylight is "shorter" than usual, but why do the days also seem that way? Not nearly enough time to get everything in that I want to do (and why do I set such stupidly unrealistic goals for myself anyhoo???).

A quick note to share my joy. Yesterday I ran for the first time since the Saturday after Thanksgiving (since the following Monday was the start of hunting season). It was such a great time. I only did 40 minutes, but all of my "no hunting" signs werre still stapled to the trees, I saw no signs of trespassers (I look for spent rifle shell casings and signs of a deer being dragged through the woods). It was great fun, although the EB doesn't (obviously) give me the same kind of exercise-- I'm a bit sore today! :) So how did I get thru the first 47-48 years of my life without doing this on a regular basis???

Okay, I skimmed thru the last week and I MISSED BIRTHDAYS!!! Come on guys-- I was only gone for a week!

Happy Belated Birthday, Les!!!
Happy Belated Birthday, Seathyme!!!

I hope that it was fun for you both. :)

It sounds as though everyone else is busy, too, so may I ask-- how do you keep your exercising on track thru these hectic holiday preparations/ events? I shoveled snow last week (4", so I considered that as aerobic as the EB!) and used the EB as well, but when what I really want to do is run, I just make excuses for anything else! And yet another snow/ sleet storm is forecast for later today (just when it's all melted and the trails in the woods are "runnable"!). Any great, inspiring words to assist me???

Must "run" now-- I've been so busy with other things that the tree is still not up and that's my duty today. And cards. And perhaps baking... ;)

Hope that you all are having an enjoyable and productive weekend. And a quick thank you to Susan for the discount on the RoadID I bought for my Mom-- truly a "THANKS Susan"!!

[seathyme]

Hi Vicci! I knew I missed a few people in my greeting above -- sorry about that. Yay on getting out for a run yesterday. It's a good feeling when you really *want* to get out there. And glad you saw no evidence of deer demise on the property. I don't have a good answer to your question about keeping it up during busy times. Sometimes I let the running go for a few days; sometimes I decide to do it no matter what and let something else suffer.:rolleyes:

Les, I think you're being a good sport about finally getting a study break and then being greeted by Spam and Cheez-Whiz. Ahem. But the hat sounds great, per usual.

TKay, so sorry about the cold and headaches. Hate both.:( I hope you'll soon feel like yourself again.

Got out this morning and ran somewhere between 5.5-6 miles. Wind chill was 1F, so when it *wasn't* windy it felt almost balmy. Saw the requisite couple of guys in shorts.:eek: :rolleyes: Tomorrow we're due for another storm, nor'easter this time. Weather guys think it's great that it's happening on a Sunday, but for some of us this does present a work-related challenge. I'm expecting attendance to be, shall we say, sparse. Which is fine. I'd stay home if I had the choice too.:D

Winter greetings to all runnahs out there.

[SusanMac]

I got in a long Bode walk, snow shoveling & pilates video today. I wanted to run, but it has been snowing all day long nonstop, and was worried about slipping in the slush. I'll brave the roads tomorrow after it all clears and the snow plows are done.

It wasn't a snow storm or anything, but I'm such a horrific driver in the snow, that I'm bailing on a Xmas party tonight, as well. It's literally all the way across town and I don't trust myself in the slush.

Laura & KTG - Really good to hear from you guys again!

[Kathy B]

65 min on the TM today, plus snow shovelling.

I am surfing while I wait for someone to answer a cupcake question on the Great Food board (if you know about cupcakes, please go check it out!). :o Have to make mini cupcakes to take to church in the AM and get some wrapping done tonight.

Hope everyone is staying cozy this WE!

[ktg0930]

Thanks for the warm "welcome back" from everyone!

My goal is to start my new week with a run and then keep up with at least 4 runs per week. I might have to copy Seathyme and set a mileage goal for next year, or maybe break it down by quarter. I'm also trying to walk over lunch 4 days per week. I find that I don't get as much "exercise" now that I work at home...no other offices, faxes, or copy machines to walk to.

I raked some leaves today. Now that we live in Tennessee, I'm raking leaves in December instead of shoveling snow! Who knew? It was about 55 today, so I can't complain, at least until started raining and preventing me from finishing the raking.

Susan -- I guess my parents have snow today too...they also live in Madison. You've had quite the winter weather this month!

Kathy -- I think when I fell off the thread last year, you were just starting to run! I hope you are proud of all your runs...65 min on the treadmill is a long time.

Vicci -- I don't have any inspiring words for you...I haven't been able to keep up the exercise routine very well over the past couple weeks.

Les -- I've been lurking over the past few months and you are so busy! It makes me tired just to read about it. I'm taking some informal Hebrew lessons at our synagogue so enjoyed your post about the cookies with Hebrew letters.

TKay -- I've had a nasty cold too and just gave it to my husband. He's not happy with me.

Seathyme -- I vaguely recall that you took a sabbatical. Are you back preaching now? Good luck in the snow.

Laura -- I can't imagine a race with 50,000 people. That would be something to see!

Hello to everyone else!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey Vicci - I'm glad you didn't see any carcasses on your property or signs of bad hunters infringing on your property. I know what you mean about when you ask your question - luckily I didn't wait quite that long to ask myself the last time. 40 minutes on an exercise bike is commendable - those things can be tedious if you don't have the appropriate encouragement (a TV or a good book).

I don't blame you Susan for not driving in the snow and slush. It's better, IMO, that folks stay off the road if they aren't comfortable driving (not like happens here a lot).

seathyme - Oh how I love weather folks and their understatements. Oh well, it is too bad that you can't do like the school districts and cancel/delay service. I wasn't too put off by the centerpieces and my hat was a kick, and I think I have a picture so you can see the newest hat that I've shown off - Les with funky hat and LW at our Christmas party (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11791467@N05/2114222566/). Never any fun am I? ;)
Kathy - It sounds like you've been busy too. I think I would have enjoyed the Hebrew a little more if I wasn't immersed in it just 4 days after retiring from the Navy. Not the best thing. Isn't it odd that it's 55 in Tennessee and we're chilling out up here? I hope you didn't have too many issues after raking leaves.

drumroll......
I ran tonight for almost 70 minutes. It was a bit nippy but nothing like seathyme and her 1F wind chill. I think it was about 35 which is ok and since it's trying to snow/rain/sleet there are plenty of clouds out. Needless to say it was a good run. Today was a break day and I'm trying to figure out if I'm going to write or just gaff off and do my paper tomorrow. I just don't have motivation right now so... I may break for the remainder of the night.

Happy trails all and have a good weekend and stay warm,
Les

[Laura]

Laura - I think the half is more reasonable for me too. I'd like to do a marathon some day. Just not sure when that will be. How many marathons have you done?

Tkay, I have only run one marathon. To be honest, physically the training was not difficult (well at least for a slow runner like me ;)), but that time it took was difficult. Toward the end I had to set aside 5-6 hours on a weekend to prep for my run, run, and then recover. That is just a lot of time. With a half, it was 3 hours tops.

I wonder, am I kidding myself that I am going to be step back into running with my spinning as a good prep? I guess I will find out in a few weeks. In the mean time, I got a great spin in this morning. My legs were killing me after, but I felt fairly strong during my ride.

Les I am glad to hear you got the run in despite the nippy weather!
Ktg Bolder Boulder is one of those runs that I think you run for the experience. I am still undecided, but I love the idea of the long sleeve t-shirt.
Susan A walk, shoveling, and pilates sounds like a pretty good workout to me!
Kathy Too much longer on the treadmill and you will be the new queen of the treadmill posse. ;)
Seathyme Wow, 1 degrees? You are much more of a trooper than I am .
Victoria Have fun with the decorating and baking.

Well DS is asking for the computer so I am off for right now. Hello to the rest!

[Leslie Ferguson]

I wonder, am I kidding myself that I am going to be step back into running with my spinning as a good prep? I guess I will find out in a few weeks. In the mean time, I got a great spin in this morning. My legs were killing me after, but I felt fairly strong during my ride.

Dropping by... I think your spinning will be helpful for cardiovascular preparation if nothing else. Some tell me that riding isn't the greatest thing for running but I'm of the school that exercise is helpful at the core - the type may not be ideal for running but spinning is better than sitting.

This coming week may be sparse - finals coming so if I'm not here that often (at all?) I'll beg forgiveness already.

Happy trails,
Les

[Elizabeth B]

Hello all!

Susan I LOVE hearing that you take time off! You seem to have a great instinct for when to rest and when to work hard, because I don't recall you having many (if any) running-related injuries. And to answer to your (now very old) question - the Zumba (or however it's spelled) class was fun, but no, it didn't feel like my heart rate ever got very high. But that's probably because I couldn't manage to incorporate the foot moves with the arm moves. Maybe after several classes? Everyone was having a great time, though.

Kathy - Welcome back! How are you liking Eastern TN? The climate (especially this year) is an adjustment, isn't it? (And of course, Vol-maniia).

Vicci - I've been having trouble keeping my exercise plans on track, as well. It's just a busy time of year and we do the best we can. I'm glad to hear that it looks like the hunters are off your property, by the way.

I got in a couple of great workouts this past week - a hard track workout and a combination hill/tempo run. Yesterday morning I ran with a friend I haven't been able to run with in awhile (she's been recovering from an injury). It was so much fun running with her again. The city just finished building a nature center building at that greenway, so we explored if after our run - beautiful views of the Cumberland River.

I've got the day off tomorrow to finish up some shopping so I'm planning on getting a run in tomorrow morning - what a treat!

Take care, all!

[ktg0930]

Kathy - Welcome back! How are you liking Eastern TN? The climate (especially this year) is an adjustment, isn't it? (And of course, Vol-maniia).

East TN is definitely an adjustment! I admit that I didn't like it at first, but it's growing on me. I miss the diversity of New York and I think your part of TN might be better in that regard. But the Vols....OMG...the first Friday I worked at the hospital before a home game, I was shocked to see EVERYONE in orange. Orange scrubs, Vols scrubs, you name it. Maybe we'll have to have a Tennessee klatch!

Kathy

[Laura]

Hey everyone,

I answered my own question this morning. After dropping DS off at morning weights, I went to the Y and tried running on the treadmill (old shoes and all :)). My legs were much more tired than my lungs. I was really feeling it in my calves and hamstrings. There was a fair amount of walking involved. As long as my legs are not sore from shin splints or anything, I will try to get one run in a week until I get my new shoes in January. At least then I will have a slightly better base, when I try to pick it up for real.

[SusanMac]

Woo hoo! I got in a run yesterday. Not very long (30 min), but it was what my schedule allowed, and I just knew I wouldn't get out after all my errands, so I went for it. It was friggin' cold, which made me feel extra good for getting it done. I'd like to get back to 3 x/week so I don't bonk during the NY Day fun run.

KTG - I had forgotten your Mom lived here. She's in Monona, right? I hadn't realized you were now in E Tenn. Sounds very similar to Bucky country during football season!

Elizabeth - thx for the Zumba input

Howdy to the rest o' the gang. Gotta run. Busy work day today. No run planned.

[seathyme]

Oy! Nor'easter was wild yesterday, with snow followed by sleet followed by rain, all in gusty winds. Then last night it froze HARD, so it's all ice today. Lovely. In a fit of determination I just attempted a run -- managed about 3 miles but decided that was enough. In addition to the cold and wind, it takes a lot of concentration to run on ice. Which leads to my YakTrax question for those of you who have them: how do you handle situations where there is a combination of ice and dry pavement? I really don't like the feel of the YakTrax on pavement, yet on the icy portions of today's run I wished I'd worn them. Suggestions?

Back later for personal greetings -- gotta "run," as it were.

[TKay]

Just a quick check-in for me. I can't believe the weather you guys are running in. I am very impressed.
I am feeling much, much better--like back in the land of the living. I'm still hoping for a run today, but I absolutely have to do a gift inventory while the kids are away. For the life of me, I can't remember what I bought and what I merely intended to buy. :rolleyes: After that, I can think about other things.
First bathroom remodel done. Second one in progress. All my extra time and energy is going to that (oh, and picking the flecks of primer out of my hair).
Wish I had more time for personal responses. Hello to all.

[Kathy B]

Another 60 min on the TM for me today.

Seathyme, sounds like our weather left and headed to your place. We actually hit the 40's today. You be careful running on that ice!!! Don't want to mess up your 2008 goal before 2008 even gets here!

Glad you had such a nice run with your friend, Elizabeth. Hope you got your shopping in today. I was doing some of that too, but still not finished. (Very close, though).

Laura, I'll bet you will return to running without a problem. It may go a little slow in the beginning as you make the transition, but you are already in shape. It is just a matter of building up a few different muscles. You can do it! :)

Sounds like everyone is having very busy days. Wishing you all some good runs (or rides or spins or .......) :cool:

[Natasha]

Hi all!!

Nice to see an active thread this week, including appearances by Laura and Kathy (ktg)!

Not much to report - doing my thing, training, working, Christmastiming ;) and taking care of another thing or two as well. DH is well too, and the pup is his usual hilarious self. We got lots of snow yesterday - just gorgeous. We stayed indoors all day, except to shovel a bit.

Hi to Les, Legolas, Susan, Seathyme, Kathy, Betsy, Meg, Melissa, Carrie, Felice, and everyone else. Happy trails!

Natasha

[ktg0930]

Susan -- yes, my parents live in Monona and we are planning to drive up there over the weekend, if the weather permits. When I grew up in Madison, I don't remember as much Bucky gear--maybe because the Badgers weren't that great in football or basketball back then? It seems now that KNoxville and Madison share their love of the football team!

I don't have a good excuse for not running since I returned to this thread, but I haven't run. It doesn't look like it will happen today, but I must run tomorrow.

Hi to everyone...hope all the final holiday preparations are going well!

[SusanMac]

Laura - I keep forgetting to throw in my vote that, yes, spinning will improve your running! You will build leg strength, which is really important. I have faster run times when I'm actively cycling. (although I don't do spin classes, so can't speak specifically to that. I'd think it would be the same, though)

KTG - we're supposed to have rain/sleet storms all weekend long! Hit the road early & drive safe.

[TKay]

Seathyme - Take it easy with all that winter weather. I can't answer your question about the YakTrax, but hope somebody can.
Susan - Glad you got your run in yesterday. I haven't looked into any New Year's Day runs yet. Thanks for the reminder.
Laura - Good going on the TM run. I think spinning is good for running, even though the muscle use is a little bit different. If nothing else, you know how to push through the discomfort--spinning causes lots of that. :D That's great that you've done a marathon. I know what you mean about the training time. It's a commitment, for sure.
Elizabeth - Sounds like your workouts are going really well. Good for you. I'm sure it was fun catching up with your old running pal. The nature center sounds great.
Les - How's the week going? How are finals?

I'm off to the gym for my first TM run in a week. (It's raining here again--yay!) Then I'm doing my fill-in Christmas shopping. Turns out I hadn't purchased nearly as much as I'd thought for the boys and they have very little FUN stuff to open. Back to the toy department I go. :D
Happy day all--and hello to anyone I missed.

[SusanMac]

Woo hoo - got in a nice run today. 40 min. It's in the mid-20's today, so really, really nice. Ran through the arboretum near my house. The snowscapes are so beautiful, and I even had a turkey crossing :-)

Seathyme - I don't like the feel of Taktrax on pavement either, and have been known to move off of a clear sidewalk out onto the slushy street for just that reason. I don't think there's much you can do about it. Nat -- does the feel of the Yak's bug you, too? Or is it just us?

Dinner tonight w/my IM training girlfriends :-) I'm bringing them both bourbon balls, and checking out the new Spanish tapas restaurant.

[Leslie Ferguson]

It's good hearing that people are really running and doing things that real people do. Maybe I'll have some time to chat with folks later or at least catch up with my reading this evening. But regardless I hope all are well and I won't even try to single anyone out - it's way too crazy in my brain.

Fly by... no running, spending money like I had it (~$1k for LW's car in the shop), and working projects and papers. And I'm claiming my project is done (it's due tomorrow so I'm early). Now I'm down to 3 finals, two scheduled (Thursday and Friday) and one take home (4 hour "write-for-life") that I'll probably do tomorrow afternoon.

The end is in sight... YEAH!!!!

Happy trails and thanks for your groovy thoughts,
Les

[TKay]

Hooray for you, Les. You're chipping away. Hang in there. There's light at the end of the tunnel.

I am happy to report I also got in a 40-minute run today. Wahoo! Your temp was a little different than mine, Susan. I am truly amazed. Of course, I was indoors. :rolleyes:

[VictoriaL]

I do so enjoy reading about what everyone is doing on this thread! :) I wish I could "chat" but it is just so darn busy.

I did want to mention that today I spent 6 hours in the car (three hours' drive to drop off the MIL-- a "swap" with the SIL, who drove from NJ, in an Arby's parking lot!) and I hate long car trips. I promised myself that if we returned before 4pm, I would run. It was actually 4:15 ,but run I did, and it was glorious! About 35 degrees, the snow had melted but the paths were semi-frozen. I did a half-hour before it got too dark (I was getting the "willies" running through the woods) and it felt so good. My HR was at the top end of my range and I could have stayed out for longer if not for the darkness and concerns about what my back would be like tomorrow...

You know, I think that it's being a member of this forum that is keeping me on a semi-regular schedule this holiday season and I thank you all. I read about how busy everyone also is, and how you all get your runs, etc. in, so you've all been a good influence. In previous years, even though I have not really been a regular runner and preferred aerobic videos, I slacked off the exercising around Thanksgiving and didn't restart until February (or March!)
Apparently, this will not happen this year. :D

Hope that you're all having a good week. I'm off to make hazelnut toffee, dip marshmallows, and get some goodie trays ready to deliver to DH's clients in the morning. And lick some bowls...

[Kathy B]

I did 40 minutes on the TM today. Not as much as it could have/should have been, but absolutely better than not doing anything. Vicci, I figure if I want to lick bowls, I better do the TM too! ;) It IS a busy time, but I actually think doing a little exercise most days helps one keep an even keel.

Way to go on those runs Tkay, Susan and Vicci! Glad to hear you are in the home stretch Les!

[seathyme]

Great you got out there, Vicci, after all that sitting.

Tkay, so glad you're feeling better and able to move again!

Susan, do you think the turkey you saw has any idea how close we are to a feast day??;)

Totally agree, Kathy, that squeezing in exercise these days helps with an even keel. In my case the obstacles are both time and ice, but this morning I did get out for about 4.5 miles, and feel great! In searching for anything positive at all about this ice:rolleyes: , I have concluded that it's good for low heart rate training.:D There is no way to overdo the speed in these conditions.

Speaking of LHR, Kathy, I'm curious whether you've noticed any benefits now that you've been at it quite awhile.

Les, I guess you've now got the full-on back to school experience, complete with end-of-semester stress. Good luck with these last few days...

Hi to Nat, Kathy(ktg), Laura, Betsy and everyone else!

[SusanMac]

Planned rest day today, mostly due to schedule. Beautiful weather today, though, and I did get in a nice Bode walk. Getting ready for cookie exchange w/cooking club tonight. Yum!

Victoria - I'm totally w/you. We'll all keep each other working out through the official munchie season! :-)

[TKay]

Victoria - Count me in as someone who knows reporting in here is keeping me active. The posts and updates really do inspire me. In fact, when I was at the gym today, I thought, "How can I post I only did 25 minutes? I've got to go at least 30." :p Good job on running after that tremendous car ride!
Susan - So are you making more cookies or nuts this year?
Seathyme - Sounds like you had a fantastic run today. I love that.
Kathy B - Exercise is crucial for me during stressful times. It helps me ward off the blues and keeps me from getting overwhelmed. Oh, the magic of endorphins. Good going on the 40-minute TMer.

I'm having my carpet de-dogged today, so I got to the gym early. Happily, I did 45 minutes on the elliptical. Got some good reading in too.

Hi to Natasha, Les, Elizabeth, Laura, Kathy, Meg, Legolas and everyone else I missed.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Fly by - still no running except in my mind. :D When I can run this place helps me keep motivated to run. But for now I'll have to take a bye. But I stopped in to say - first final in the bag. 4 hours of writing this afternoon went well, 4+ pages which was required for my Chruch History final. So I'm down to 2, one in the morning and one Friday morning. Then it's home for the holidays (more or less).

Keep running and keep me in your thoughts.

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

60 min on the TM.

Seathyme, I am glad to hear you are taking it slow on the ice. Great job on the 4.5 miles! I think I am seeing some improvement with the Low HR training. I have increased my pace by 0.2 miles per hour twice since I started the whole thing, and I am still able to keep my HR < or = to 140 BPM. I'ts very slow going, but I guess that's the whole idea for now, right?

One thing I have figured out since I started, is that before I was running most of my runs at a little under race pace. It felt fine...invigorating most of the time....but not really good for training. I think part of the reason is that I usually want the most bang for the buck....a long run, but not spending a lot of time at it. When I talked with DS about it, he downright scolded me and let me know that is NOT a good training plan. (I've been told! :p ) So when I do move back outside and start using my HRM, I will have to make sure that PACE is not my goal! Most of the time. ;)

Natasha, I think you asked about DS a little while back. He is still getting weekly PT, but he has finally started getting out for a few very short runs. He had actually compensated to the point that he now has to be very conscious of his form to make sure he doesn't fall back into his old incorrect habits. He is working hard, though, and track season is still a ways off. so he has time.

Tkay, I need to get my carpet de-dogged too! :D Good job at the gym! What are you reading?

Susan, what kind of cookies did you take to the exchange? ANd which kind were your favorite to get?

Les, my kids just finished today (DS had a Spanish final and one in Calculus), and they said it feels GREAT! Hang in there! :)

[seathyme]

Kathy, that's great progress to be running .4 mph faster at the same heartrate! As I understand it, that's exactly the intention behind this process -- slow and steady progress means you are building an aerobic base. I've gone back to read a bit more of the LHR stuff, and people report feeling really good and energetic after their lower HR runs, as well as able to run more frequently and comfortably. So good job.:) And glad DS is gradually recovering too. Funny that he scolded you about your training!:D

TKay, we too could stand a carpet de-dogging around here. Instead we're having company tonight and have only vacuumed. Ah well. Bigger issue is that it's snowing AGAIN, and I've got a really busy day -- eek. No run for this girl.

Les, the finish line is in sight! Good luck with your exams......

And hello to everyone else~~~

[TKay]

Les - You ARE in my thoughts. I'm sending out smart vibes. :p I know you'll do great. You'll be done soon.
KathyB - Sounds like the HR training is going really well. I completely understand wanting more bang for your buck. It must be frustrating to hold back but exciting to see results. Good for you. I'm reading "The Book Thief." Have you read it? It's been discussed on the Book Thread (on the Other bb). I only pop in there occasionally because there are so many great books out there and so little time.
Seathyme - A busy day is par for the course this time of year. Hang in there. Our carpet looks beautiful. Miss Stinky (aka Molly) hasn't been allowed back on it and she's beside herself. It's been chilly and rainy here, so the drying time is slow.
Trying to squeeze in a run this morning before the big food shopping trip. The boys have half-day at school tomorrow. Eek! The big day is almost here. So much to do.
Hello to all.

[ktg0930]

Les -- I'm thinking of you too. Pretty soon it will be over, for a little while.

I actually ran today! I am embarrassed to say how long it's been since I ran. But it felt good and I hope that will keep me motivated to get back into my routine.


Hi to TKay, Natasha, Susan, Kathy, Seathyme, Legolas, Elizabeth Victoria, Laura and anyone I missed!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Once more requesting a bye but I'm flying now. But toinght I'll claim that it's one down and one to go. My last final starts in 12 1/2 hours and in no more than 15 1/2 hours I'm done for the semester. Then I can get back to the reality of life and getting down south for Christmas.

Hope all are well and I'll drop by tomorrow once I can breath again.

Happy trails (frantically),
Les

P.S. I'd rather run another marathon than do two weeks like I've just done.

[Leslie Ferguson]

I won't start this week (I know but this isn't a running post). But I thought I'd just say...

I'm finished!!! I was actually done at 10:20, much earlier than I expected. And I think I did well today in Old Testament. So in all, I think I'll fare nicely for this semester.

Course critiques and dropping some of our International students at the airport are on tap for this afternoon. I'll definitely drop back this evening and chat - catch up on the goings on for the past week.

Until later -- happy trails,
Les

[TKay]

I
I'm finished!!! I was actually done at 10:20, much earlier than I expected. And I think I did well today in Old Testament. So in all, I think I'll fare nicely for this semester.


Wahooo! Congrats. I'm so relieved for you, Les.