Virtual Running Buddies - Week of April 11 [Archive]

SusanMac

04-11-2008, 04:19 PM

No workout for me Thurs or Fri. Bad rainy weather -- work too busy. Such is life. I have a 10K tomorrow. It's the annual race to raise $ for the Amer Cancer Society, and I always try to do it. Fun course, too. I'm in no shape to PR, so was wondering how to set a goal to keep it more than just a run. DH suggested shooting for a negative split. I love that idea! It will be chilly & we should have some flurries, but at least no rain.

Les - good luck at the tournament!!

Vicci - How are those toe raises coming along??

Seathyme - are you still around? When's your race coming up? Are you & DH getting into Cyclism each Sun??

KTG - thx for kicking us off. We have quite a few great celebration dinner spots. Not sure about cuisine/preferences for a 90 y.o? And, also not sure about private rooms.

But, I'd recommend: Ocean Grill, Sardine (French. on the lake), Fresco (top of the Overture Center!). Really high end are Le Toile & Harvest -- perhaps too much. Another great spot (not downtown) is Quivey's Grove (the house, which is more elegant, not the stable--which is a more casual beer spot. They might even have a private room. Very unique atmosphere, as it was an old farmhouse)

VictoriaL

04-12-2008, 03:30 PM

Kathy We are also saying goodbye to the 70's temperatures, but it's April so the cold won't be around for that much longer. I hope!
How nice to be celebrating your grandmother's 90th. We did that a few years ago and it is a wonderful memory. :)

Les, have fun but don't go injuring yourself!

Susan how did the 10k turn out? Too bad about the chilly temps, though, since it's so much nicer to run when it's warm (but not too warm).
And, thank you for asking, but the toe raises are not progressing well. Alas. I've never experienced a situation in which my body flat-out refuses to do something that I ask of it (and while not being in pain, too). Grrrr!

I did a 30-minute EB session yesterday and today only stretches and yoga since DH had an early meeting and we had to have breakfast extra-early (on a Saturday, yet) :rolleyes:

I find myself walking a very deliberate, although slow, stride while saying "heel...toe..heel...toe..." I finally have an almost-normal gait! :p Now to get up on my toes and do a few ballerina-twirls!

Is everyone enjoying their weekend? Nat, Carrie, KathyB, seathyme, et al???

Kathy B

04-12-2008, 05:57 PM

45 min on the TM for me today with several intervals, plus a round of the weight machines (we finally joined the new community center). Working tomorrow afternoon and Monday, so that's probably going to have to hold me for a few days.

Good luck with your goal tomorrow, Susan! We've had snow the last couple of days, too, but we are a lot further south. I hope it doesn't get TOO chilly for you.

And Kathy, I am glad to hear you took advantage of your 70 degree weather. :)

Vicci, you must be doing much better if you are thinking of ballerina twirls! :D Glad to hear things are mending well.

Hope you had a fun day, Les.

seathyme

04-12-2008, 07:12 PM

Hi all,

Susan, how did the 10K go? I like the negative split goal!

Vicci, it must feel so odd to have your foot not do what you ask yet not hurt. Hang in there -- you'll get it back! (Maybe in time for the year-stone birthday??)

KathyB, do you like the community center? New equipment can be really fun to use.

Les, hope you've had a good day!

Kathy/ktg, I'll be working tomorrow too -- will think of you.;)

Got in 5.5 miles this morning, running around Fresh Pond in Cambridge. It's a good change of pace from my usual route. We've had a bunch of thunderstorms today, which cause the dog great anxiety. He goes in the bathroom (I guess because it's small?) and shakes like a leaf. Poor guy. There's no reasoning with him, and comforting doesn't even work. But the thunder stops, and he gets over it.:rolleyes:

Good weekends to all the runnahs.:cool:

Natasha

04-13-2008, 09:44 AM

Les, hope your weekend's going well!

Seathyme, awww, poor pup. Have you tried peppermint oil? A couple of tiny dabs of that might help (though we haven't found that it always helps that much, and don't always try, but on occasion it has seemed to calm the pup down during a storm). Sounds like you had a lovely run!

Kathy B, good to see you here, and nice job on the workouts! Hope the couple of days of work go well.

ktg, 70 degree temps - hard to believe ;) Glad you enjoyed! We were up to the high 60s a few days back but now it's cool again (which is fine with me).

Susan, I'm adding my voice to the chorus who is asking: how was the 10k??

Ballerina Victoria, hang in there - you *will* conquer this!! Love Seathyme's idea of it being your year-stone birthday gift.

Yesterday I did about 75 minutes of good intensity spinning, and today I had a fabulous run with the group for about another 75 minutes, give or take. I felt energetic and loved the hills today. I was invited to go out riding with a few folks now but passed on it for various reasons. Maybe I'll join them one of these weeks :)

Forgot to add that last week we saw the ancient movie (1979??) Breaking Away. I espied the DVD at the video store and figured it would be worth the few bucks. DH had already seen it a couple of times as a little kid, at summer camp (the movie was already a few years old by then). Anyway, I thought it was entertaining, and it's not all that often that you find a movie about cycling :D Also loved the music selections - a couple of pieces had an Italian theme, which was fitting given the plot. You guys have probably already all seen it before, but just in case someone hasn't - fun movie!

Take care, one and all ~
Nat

Leslie Ferguson

04-13-2008, 12:24 PM

Vicci - Yep, I know that feeling all too well. It is maddening when your appendeges won't work when they're suposed to and they don't hurt. I didn't catch if you were donig other exerciese besides toe raisers? Just wondering because my PTs over the years have had me do different exercises when I rehab. One thing that sounds odd but is really helpful is helping build ROM and if you don't have them already I'd be willing to share some. I'm pulling and praying for your strengthening and patience as you work through your rehab.
Kathy B - I hope work wasn't too busy today or at least not too hectic.
seathyme - That's too bad about Rocky and the storms - hopefully he got over them quickly. Are you going to see any of the race tomorrow? My coach and my old running partner are running up that way tomorrow - and isn't Meg running too? Good run yesterday too.
Natasha - Good run to you too.
Susan - How was your race today? Hopefully the weather was nice for you.

Thanks for the wishes all. This weekend wasn't the tournament though we had a class retreat at a conference center near the Maryland/Delaware border (YMCA camp). We were spending time getting to know a little more about each other which is important with my classmates because we'll probably be seeing each other or talking to each other for years to come (Seminary builds relationships that last for a long time - decades by most accounts). Next weekend it the ultimate tournament and I'm looking forward to it. I may spin a little after I get to the store and buy food for the week. Chilly here - the cold front blew through and it hasn't been that warm since Friday evening from what I gather.

See you all later and happy trails,
Les

seathyme

04-13-2008, 05:31 PM

Nat, I haven't heard of peppermint oil for anxiety; thanks for the suggestion. We may try it, but Rocheux is pretty determined to be upset about thunder (and riding in the car, unfortunately). We tried some homeopathic stuff once that did nothing. Then we tried a stronger prescription for the car, and that also did nothing! Luckily he gets over it pretty quickly once the trigger is gone. Back OT, glad you had such a good run this morning -- love those.

Les, you are having a very intense seminary experience. I hope the retreat went well. Marathon is next week (21st). I have a parishioner running in it, so may go cheer him on. Unfortunately we're not walking distance from the route any more; that was really a treat.

Had one of those days when I gave up miles that "count" in order to walk with DH. I have promised myself not to let this challenge mess with my priorities. BUT, tomorrow morning I'll be itching to get out there (I think). Hope to have something decent to report.

Leslie Ferguson

04-13-2008, 07:07 PM

seathyme - Yep, I'm having a packed experience this year and I have a guess that it will continue for the next two years, but that's the nature of our class (30 people; ages 22-56; average age <30; 50/50 split male/female) and it's helpful because those who are challenged in classes are helped where needed and they help where they have strengths. I forgot that you had moved away from the course as much as you did - I hope it's a nice day next Monday (not like last year).

I got my spin in this evening - not as long as I would have planned but still after the weekend, 48 minutes is grand.

Time to prep for class and contemplate sleep. See you tomorrow and happy trails,
Les

mcgeiger

04-13-2008, 08:39 PM

Just wanted to update...
I did the half today ( my first race ever) and kept up a 12 min mile pace. Here is a link to the course:
http://www.horsetoothhalfmarathon.com/PDF/HHM_final%20profile.pdf

Leslie Ferguson

04-13-2008, 09:52 PM

Congratulations mcgeiger! That's a great race and a great first time. How do you feel? I'll have to check out the course tomorrow but the name sounds interesting.

Happy trails,
Les

seathyme

04-14-2008, 05:36 AM

Ditto the congratulations, mcgeiger! The first part of that course looks like a killer, yikes.:eek: A half is an ambitious first race; you did great!

ktg0930

04-14-2008, 08:34 AM

Hello runners!

Mcgeiger--congratulations on completing your half-marathon and your first race!

Natasha--I have seen Breaking Away. It's a fun movie and one I never would have seen except I dated an avid cyclist in college and he liked the movie.

Les--it's nice that your seminary promotes lasting relationships! I'm sure that will help as you are going through your ministry career.

Susan--How was your race? Thanks for the restaurant recommendations. Unfortunately, most of my family tends not to be too adventurous, so we'll have to stick to American-type food. I really appreciate having your list to look into.

KathyB--good to see you! I suppose your kids are getting close to the end of the school year?

Vicci--it must be horribly frustrating to have your body not doing what you want it to do. You've made fabulous progress and I hope it continues to get better.

Seathyme--work was good yesterday...how about you? Your dog story was funny. One of our cats is also scared of thunder. In this house, he hides in the very back of our walk-in closet when it storms. In previous places, he's hidden behind the toilet or in the basement in an interior room closet. Even if he's sitting by me or DH, he's off like a shot to his hiding place when it thunders.

Yesterday it was in the 40s and cloudy but I went running on the path in the ritzy neighborhood...lots of blooming trees and gardens along the way. It's raining today, but maybe I can get a run in later.

Gotta run for a teleconference!

SusanMac

04-14-2008, 08:44 AM

Happy Mon, runners!

MCGeiger - Thx for checking in on your race results. It must feel really great! Congrats on a good job well done. I haven't looked at the link yet....but if it's at Horsetooth, it must have been a tough one! And stunningly beautiful (but I guess you're used to that where you live)

Les - Ah, I was thinking it was tournament weekend. Sounds like you had yet another packed schedule even w/out the tournament. Thx for the reminder of Meg -- I couldn't remember who in the VRBs was doing Boston this year.

Robyn - You still around? How's it goin?

KTG - None of those places are too adventurous (even the French one), but they should all have menus online, which will make it easy to check out.

Seathyme - So sorry about Rocky. Sounds like you had some good quality time walking w/DH. Are you also planning to go watch the women's Olympic marathon trials on Sun??

You guys are all sweet to check in & ask about my race. That's why it makes it doubly tough to say....I bailed! Yup. The weather was really, really cruddy. Combo of snow/rain/yuck/chill/gusty winds. I was expecting just plain ol' snow, which would have been fine. We took Bode to the dog park, which was miserable, so I made the right decision. I'll just chalk it up to a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Sat turned into an indoor spin day. Sun was a run w/DH and Bode. Some challenging hills, which felt good.

Here is our new toy that we played with all day Sun :-)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8da32b3127ccea81a3bc50c4200000026102AcMmbRk3cMY

VictoriaL

04-14-2008, 09:32 AM

SUSAN GOT A MINI!!!
SUSAN GOT A MINI!!!

Off to get my hair cut, and not just a little green with envy... :D

Natasha

04-14-2008, 02:07 PM

Susan, I think many of us have bailed on a race at some point. No need to be ashamed :) It sounds like it was even worse weather than it was here on Friday. It was pretty icky here that day.

Congrats on the Mini!! SO cute. Will you name it? I always admire Minis but to buy one would mean one fewer Subaru we could have, so.... so far no Mini ;)

Kelly, congrats on your race!! Sounds like a toughie. Were you inspired to race again?

ktg, the run in the ritzy neighbourhood sounds like fun.

Hi to everyone else. Today will be a yoga, core, and weights day.

Take care,
Nat

VictoriaL

04-14-2008, 06:42 PM

Les, for some reason I thought that this past weekend was your tournament. Sounds like you had a good time at the retreat though (with a lot less wear and tear on the muscles and joints, too!) :) And I would appreciate it if you could pass on one or two exercises to strengthen that ankle area, if you would. The bills for my injury keep coming in (I can't believe that the providers are allowed 180 days!) and I'm not inclined to add to that with PT charges. But if my home exercises don't work in a few weeks, I may reconsider.

This (http://www.csuchico.edu/~sbarker/injury/ankle/ankle_rehab.pdf) is the sheet of exercises I started today. Just in case you were thinking along the same lines, I didn't want you to take the time to describe them if they are already in this program.

seathyme, we had an awful time with our malamute and loud noises (thunder, fireworks, etc)-- believe me, it's no fun trying to calm down a terrified 150-pound dog! It actually sent DH to the ER once, but that's another story...

Have you tried melatonin? That was the only thing that worked for Wulf, but we had to anticipate the storm arriving because he could usually sense it before we could and, if that was the case, there was no way we could get the pills into him. I looked up the info and we used 5mg for him. Unfortunately melatonin comes in small dosages and we would have to give him many pills. Wrapped in cheese. :p Then get him into a large wire cage that we covered on all but one end with blankets to simulate a "safe place". He would be a little anxious, but it was nothing at all like what he would do if loud noises caught us all unaware (he once broke a 9" x 15" windowpane and stuffed himself through it..).

Kelly, great job on the half-marathon!!! :D

Kathy I like to drive through the ritzy neighborhoods in the spring. It would be so nice to have those professionally-planned and maintained landscapes! I can imagine that running through them would allow the time to pass very quickly.

Nat it sounds as though you had a very energizing weekend. I can see, though, after the spinning and running you would pass on the cycling. After all, aren't weekends for relaxing?! ;)

I continue to work on the toe raises. Today I surprised myself on the EB. Although it wasn't a rainy Monday, it was cloudy and I just couldn't seem to wake up (perhaps because Spooky woke me 3 times during the night for playing and food). Still, I set the program for 30 minutes, struggled through and finished with a better-than-average HR and calories burned. I watched the pear and plum trees blooming through the window and pretend I'm outside... :rolleyes:

Still envious of Susan's mini...

Leslie Ferguson

04-14-2008, 07:18 PM

Vicci - The simplest strengthening exercise is really low tech: Take a towel and put it under your toes and pull gently towards your self then press out with your toes. Another option is to get a piece of surgical tubing or heavy rubber band (surgical tubing that is colored - I have red and green - the colors indicate the stiffness of the rubber). Put the tubing under something heavy like a couch and with your heel on the ground alternate pushing the rubber band left then right with your toes; about 10 times each direction to start. But that's not good to do if you don't have a light band to start with. I'll try to muster up a couple other easy exerciese too. As for ROM a very good exercise is to draw the alphabet with your toes - upper and lower case print will do the trick. Do the ROM exercise a couple times a day. I hope you feel good after your strenuous workout today too.

Kathy - Yep, it's great that seminary facilitates long-term relationships especially considering everything we go through together we would be crazy to not have a good relationship. Your run sounds like a lot of fun - too bad there aren't many ritzy places around here to run in.
Susan - I'd say that bailing probably wasn't a bad idea considering the weather conditions. Nice Mini too. It was busy but still very relaxing. I didn't even mind driving for 2.5 hours to get to the center and I didn't miss the television for 2 days.

I ran this evening after school. It was really nice out and I was strapped for time so I went with a 45 minute run and even did a negative split - almost a minute faster coming back than going out (21 out and 20 coming back). I was talking to one of the guys who is playing Ultimate and he said that my stamina will be great in the second and third games (40 minute running clock halfs) which will be played late morning and early afternoon on Saturday - the fact that just under two hours of running with breaks too will leave me in good stead - those poor folks don't know what they're in for. ;)

Happy trails all and have a great Tuesday.
Les

mcgeiger

04-14-2008, 07:40 PM

The mini is cute!!!!!

I have a phone interview tonight, an article to make a presentation on, and trying to play catch up, but I wanted to say that:

Yes, Monster Hill sucks...they actually have a sign at the top that says "It's all downhill from here (to New Belgium Brewery)!", I felt ok afterwards, but it was kinda anti-climatic after months of training (the awards started right as I finished), but I was not last! Sadly I couldn't manage to drink any of the free beer afterwards :(.

Today I'm just more stiff than sore, and sunburnt. It turns out I ran in 32 degrees with a t-shirt and shorts. I had planned on a thin long sleeve and thin pants and didn't bring extra sunblock:rolleyes:.

I don't know about more races as I am slow. This was a 30th birthday challenge that I did, so we'll see how it goes from here. But I am doing a 5K next Saturday that is a fundraiser for the vet school. It's more of a walk/run with LOTS of dogs!

newsomz

04-15-2008, 04:56 AM

ktg - Thanks for starting us off. Are you enjoying the cold front or is it too cold up there. I'm thankful we have at least one more breath of cold.

Les - Have fun with your classmates :) The retreat sounds like a blast. Great jobs on the workouts, too.

Susan - Eww. That weather combo would have me in bed all day. Cute new toy!!! I was looking at new cars a while back and considered a mini. How do you like it?

Vicci - Too bad about the toe raises but it does sound like you're making steady progress. Hang in there. And great job on the EB session!

Kathy B - Great job on the TM session. The community gym sounds like fun. I have thought about joining one but know I probably wouldn't go. Perhaps I'll focus on strength training next year.

seathyme - The lake run sounds like fun. It is always nice to run a new route :)

Natasha - Sounds like two fabulous workouts. I've never seen Breaking Away. I'll have to check it out sometime.

mcgeiger - Great job on the half! How was it? I'm planning my first half for Nov and am a little nervous

As for me, it got late on Sunday and I hadn't run so I decided to hold off until Monday morning. So, I got in a 45 minute run before work yesterday. Today, I was too wimpy to head out in the morning so I'll run this evening. My motivation dipped a little as I don't have a race goal very close. However, I did a little reading and am feeling plenty motivated again.

SusanMac

04-15-2008, 07:35 AM

Well, no workout for me yesterday :-( The weather was stunning & I was itching to move. But, I just knew I wouldn't come back home & get my work finished, so I hunkered down and worked late instead. Definitely plan to do something tonight -- run or bike, not sure yet which.

MCGeiger - I never drink the post-race beer either. Adore beer, but not after a sweaty strenuous run. Please, please, please don't stop racing just b/c you're slow!! A bunch of us are. It's all relative, I think. The important thing is whether or not you enjoy it. Those vet school dog jogs are so much fun! More sniffing than running at the ones I've done. Enjoy it this weekend.

Newsomz - we do love it. It's the best of many worlds. Small but solid/sturdy. Fast but fuel efficient. Fun, but functional.

Vicci - How many years before the waking up to play in the middle of the night ends??!

With all the half-marathons & training going on around here, I should share that my big sis just signed up for her very first half-marathon!! She's never, ever worked out. Just recently started run/walking. Is in a new phase of life, and decided to commit. It's in Jan in Houston. I'm very excited for her! Not sure yet, but I might go down there. Don't know if I should also do it with her, or if that would take away from her big day. Thoughts?

VictoriaL

04-15-2008, 10:46 AM

Les thanks for the suggestions. I have a "light" exercise band (from frozen-shoulder PT a couple of years ago)-- do I tie a knot in it and loop it around a table leg? And where would the band go-- around the toes, under my heel? It sounds like a good exercise, as do the others. Thanks (yet again!)

And, oh yes, those other Ultimate Frisbee players have no idea what they are up against with the VRB's resident Energizer Bunny joining in! :D

Carrie, I thought of you yesterday when I saw sugar-free pectin. It does contain dextrose, but you don't have to use additional sugar or other sweetener. I picked up a few boxes just to try it since I'm not fond of overly-sweet jams. Hope that you have a nice, invigorating run this evening!

Susan, ah, cat play... ;) Spooky is our first cat (and he is #10) to be so active at age 12, so I think that the playing it depends on the personality of the individual cat. He's a really joyful, loving little guy. I try to play chase-the-string with him for 15-30 minutes before bed but sometimes even that doesn't keep him from waking me up once or twice for another round. :)

About your sister- I think that it depends on the relationship which you have with her. My sister and I are very competitive (she is 2 years younger) and if I had completed an Ironman then offered to run with her in her first marathon, she may accept (not wanting to hurt my feelings) but I'm sure would feel as though she were competing with me once again...

I forgot to mention that yesterday I drove and went shopping by myself for the first time since right after New Years! What a good feeling!

Today was the day for stretches, yoga, and weights. I was trimming some shrubs this morning and now am forcing myself to take a break and sit for a half hour. I find that I really have to set a timer. One hour work, one half hour rest. It is helping me to accomplish some things, and my foot isn't angry at me in the evening. :rolleyes:

Leslie Ferguson

04-15-2008, 11:52 AM

seathyme

04-15-2008, 02:08 PM

Susan, love the mini!! I'm starting to think about cars, and mini is on my list. One thing I'm debating is the importance of AWD. Did you do any research on how mini performs in snow?

Regarding your sister's half, I agree with Vicci that it depends on your relationship. If you end up going down there, one possibility might be to jump in and join her for a couple of miles, maybe like miles 8-10 or 11, for a boost at a time the race can start to drag. Just a thought.

Vicci, interesting about the melatonin. Perhaps we'll give that a try, though it does sound tricky to get the timing right. Sometimes I'm so clueless that the I don't even notice the thunder until the dog is already cowering.:rolleyes: Cannot imagine a malamute breaking a window pane and trying to squeeze through. Poor guy.:( And congrats on your solo shopping trip! Another milestone!

Three miles was what I had time for this morning, and felt just fine. The weather is gorgeous here at the moment -- cool/cold in the morning and warm and sunny in the afternoon. While out this morning I saw a magnolia tree starting to blossom. Yay.

Leslie Ferguson

04-15-2008, 03:42 PM

mcgeiger - Any one of those three hills would be fine and there are a couple downhills that would be pretty killer too. T-shirt and shorts in 32-degree weather isn't bad at all. Considering "they" say that you feel about 20 degrees warmer than the air temperature once you get running. I'm with Susan too - don't stop running races just because you're "slow" (I know - that's easy for me to say but) the fun of the races is just doing them and I'm also with Susan, the neat races are the ones like your 5k coming up - have a blast! In all my races I've never been able to drink beer afterwards either, and even worse a few years ago I ran a race at a winery and they had free wine and steaks after the race and I couldn't drink anything - and they had some decent Merlot and Cabernet available. Something about alcohol after a race just doen't sit that well with me.
newsomz - I hope that you ended up having a good run byt the time you read this.
Susan - I'd agree that being there for your sister as opposed to running it with her would be semi-competitive but being there at the finish with a big sign would make her feel great.
Vicci - They don't know what they're up for... eb has a new meaning on the VRB now doesn't it? (Energizer Bunny) Congratulations being able to drive again without issue - that's a big step.

I was able to get a brief run after my meeting and before work - about 4.5 miles up and down the hills (nothing like yours mcgeiger). Time to get back to work (although no one is in the lab) because tomorrow may be a bust since we have a community event tomorrow night and there is a practice that I should try to go to also (and I'm meeting with my spiritual director, and...).

Enough for now - have a great day and a wild hump day. Also - hope your taxes are done too.

Happy trails,
Les

ktg0930

04-16-2008, 12:19 PM

Fun new car, Susan! Enjoy! About your sister...if it was my sister, she wouldn't appreciate me running it too, but would like a cheering section.

Vicci--congrats on the solo errands! One of our cats likes to play with the vanity doors in the middle of the night to wake us up. She wants us to get up and chase her down the hall and back. then she jumps on the bed and goes to sleep next to me. It's annoying.

Carrie--it has been chilly up here, plus rainy and cloudy. Today is finally nice and reasonably warm. AFter the warm weather last week, I wasn't prepared for near freezing temps this week!

Les--we just mailed our taxes yesterday. We owed both the state and federal so of course put it off until the last minute. Hope you have a good day of meetings and events today.

SEathyme--I love the flowering trees!

Mcgeiger--I'm slow in races too, but they are fun to do. Call me strange, but I love the sound of all the pounding feet during a race.

I did 4 mi at lunch today. I have one route that goes through a golf course for a little bit. There were some people golfing and as I approached them, it appeared that I was holding them up. When I got close to them, I could see that one woman was preparing to hit her ball out of the side grass. I felt bad because I try not to run at popular golfing times because I don't want to interrupt the people. The course doesn't have a sign like some do that says no walking or running on the course so I always hope no one says anything to me about running on the path.

Hello to everyone else.

Kathy B

04-16-2008, 12:30 PM

Les, You probably already said, but what exactly is the Ultimate tournament? I googled, and it sounds like frisbee football...is that it? It sounds like you will be the ringer for your team this weekend! Hope the weather cooperates.

Susan, Very cute car! Reminds me of my first car...a VW bug (the OLD ones). I loved it, because it had a lot of character and it was fun to drive. Everyone will know it is you when you go by! As for your sister, personally, I would just ask her which would be more helpful. If you run it with her, were you planning to stay with her? If so, that doesn't seem competitive to me, as long as you make sure she sets the pace. I did a 5K like that with a friend last fall. If she wanted to stop and walk, I just jogged very slowly next to her, and when she was ready we would pick up the pace.

Seathyme, sounds like spring in your area. :) Great job on keeping up with the steady mileage! My mom has a dog with a lot of anxiety issues, too. Her vet gave her some drops that we use when the dog stays with us, and they work pretty well for general anxiety. (This dog literally paces!:rolleyes:) Don't know how they do for thunderstorms, but I can ask her. They are homeopathic...don't know what's in them, but whenever the dog comes to stay, now, the kids say "Did Grandma bring Goldie's medicine?" and they let me know when she needs another dose. (She drives us all a little crazy :D).

Vicci, Yea for shopping and gardening! Sounds like your interval method is a good idea. This has really been a long haul for you! I'm glad you are able to "look back on it" now. :)

newsomz, I know I will use the Community Center, because I really like the weight machines. My home weights are all light (up to 10 lbs.), and I can't ever think of very many exercises to do. I need a schedule, though. Right now my goal is to get over there twice a week.

mcgeiger, you are a lot tougher than me! I can't imagine running in 32 degree weather, let alone doing it in a t-shirt and shorts! Congrats on your half marathon, and good luck with your 5K this weekend. (Hope it's a little warmer! :))

Kathy, sounds like a nice place to go running! Good job on getting in the 4.5! I wouldn't worry too much about it if you were on the path. Anyone could have been there, even if they weren't running. It is amazing how fast the days fill up with activities in April and May as school is winding down....field trips, talent shows, award ceremonies, Prom, end of school concerts, testing. And that is just the KIDS' schedules! :p Which brings us to the fact that I have no business being on the computer at all today, but I guess I am having a "personal retreat" for a few hours! ;)

Natasha, thanks for the movie recommendation. I like to find old movies for the family to watch. My SIL in Chicago has a video store near her that specializes in carrying old movies. I am very jealous of that! Sounds like you have been getting in some nice long workouts lately. Good job!

Today I did 45 min on the TM. Tomorrow I am planning weights and some kind of cardio at the CC. I may even sign up for a class while I'm there...
Now for a shower and off to work. I have been there everyday since Sunday, but tomorrow I am staying home no matter what. The cupboards are bare and the laundry is calling! :eek:

Natasha

04-16-2008, 02:13 PM

Hi all,

Vicci, yay on being able to drive! Movin' on up!

Susan, how exciting about your sister! I'm with the others who suggested offering support along the course. I think I'd stay courseside and have a big sign for her, etc. If you're able to bike from one part of the course to another, you could also possibly see her more than once without actually being on the course.

Kathy, wow - you sound SO busy (but in a good way) with work, the kids' and your activities, and working out! Have fun at the gym tomorrow.

Hi to everyone else. Got in weights, yoga, and core on Monday, a 50-minute spin yesterday, and an almost 45 minute run today - in shorts! It wasn't super energetic, but it was still fun. I went through town and around the pond trails.

Hi to Seathyme, Les, Carrie, Kelly, TKay (how are you??), Betsy (ditto...), ktg, Mary, mgs, Robyn, Legolas, and everyone else.

Take care, everyone,
Nat

Leslie Ferguson

04-16-2008, 03:26 PM

Les, You probably already said, but what exactly is the Ultimate tournament? I googled, and it sounds like frisbee football...is that it? It sounds like you will be the ringer for your team this weekend! Hope the weather cooperates.
That's exactly what Ultimate Frisbee is - a.k.a Frisbee Football a non-contact sport. I'm looking forward to it and it brings back memories of my teenage years in San Diego.
It sounds like you've got a busy day and week and it's good to hear from you after a little respite.

Not a lot of time to chat but the day went well and dinner starts in 20 minutes so I might be able to get a little more work in and no I didn't get out to practice but my meeting (not a dreary meeting but a meeting with my spiritual director which was great) lasted longer than normal. So I'm off to dinner and then church.

See you all later,
Les

SusanMac

04-17-2008, 08:29 AM

Quick fly-by for me today, due to work.

I got in a run on Tues! Was very pleased I made the time. The work will always be there, right? It felt great. Yesterday was cooking club. V. fun

Thx for everyone's input on my DS's race. I agree. If I go, I'll either just cheer whenever & where ever possible, or maybe run w/her just for a few miles somewhere along the course (only if she wants it).

Hope everyone's doing well! Will check in again later.

Where's TKay been?? Legolas - you doin' OK?

newsomz

04-17-2008, 12:09 PM

Susan - I'd go with offering to run with your sis. I would love it if my sister was able to run a race with me... Not that I'd expect her to run with me the entire way but it is nice to have someone to go to the starting line with :) Especially for those early morning races!

Vicci - You'll have to let me know how the sugar-free pectin works out! Interesting. Great job on the solo shopping trip and all the workouts.

seathyme - Great job on the run. I am glad to hear Spring is inching closer!

ktg - I know! We had the same cold temps. And I thought I was done being cold on my bike for the year! Luckily it warmed up again. I was getting cranky about riding in cold weather. The golf course sounds like a fun run. I am sure the golfers didn't mind being help up for a few minutes.

Kathy B - Great job on the run & weights. I understand about staying home and getting errands covered. I finally got to the grocery store after being away. It is nice to get the house filled with food, haha.

Natasha - Wow! Lots of great workouts. And shorts!!!

Hi to everyone else. How are you all?

I got in stadiums on Tuesday. It was fun but I am looking forward to a nice run later today. It is beautiful outside so hopefully I can get out soon for a 45 min run. I'm hoping for 6-7mi this weekend, too.