Virtual Running Buddies - Week of 4/25

[Leslie Ferguson]

Well, here it is Saturday and we're still looking for the opening post. I must remember though that a couple of the group are away from the computer on trips/vacation.

I'll claim a ride today outside. I decided to reward myself after finishing two projects today and getting a good start on one of my last papers for the quarter. Today's ride was an hour on the mountain bike and I found some new roads etc. It was a grand time all around.

I hope everyone is having a good running weekend and I'll be seeing you. Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Hi Les! Thanks for starting off the new thread.

I haven't had a chance to check out the last thread much, but did skim enough to see that Meg finished Boston - congrats, Meg!!! :D Awesome!

Les, your outside ride sounds like it was just the ticket. Glad you enjoyed.

Well, I did my half marathon today :) My goal was absolutely not to push it, and to take it easy, and I'm happy to say I didn't (push it) and did (take it easy) ;). I finished right around where I wanted to, given all the circumstances: 2 hours and some number of seconds. It was a great small race in a university town. Everyone was super friendly and supportive, it was well organized, the course was scenic (lots of rolling hills and a country road loop), and every few kms they had a bagpiper. I know not everyone likes bagpipes, but I happen to find them very stirring when played properly, and it was a nice touch. I'd consider it a privilege to do this event again. Oh, and finally another medal for my medal wall. It was a long time coming and there were times when I thought I'd never do a half again, so this was sweet.

Okay, my mom's here, and lunch is ready. Best to all and happy trails!!

[Robyn1007]

Les, isn't it fun when you discover new roads and routes out on your bike? Glad you decided to reward yourself.

Nat, congratulations on doing exactly what you wanted to in your race. Enjoy your mom's visit.

I got out for a run this morning. I decided that my knee was a bit sore so I'd head up to my apartment's clubhouse and jump on the treadmill so that I wasn't pounding pavement. I also figured if it was hurting too much I could jump off and try the elliptical. Well, what I didn't think about is that I would get a chance to try running on a flat surface instead of all the rolling hills I've been doing (that's all there is in my neighborhood) and found that I can actually run for a lot longer without walking then I thought. Outside I've been huffing and puffing and at the end of a run cycle could barely do it. Inside I more than tripled the time running in my first run segment and each segment after that I was almost double what I've been doing. And my total time was around 10 minutes longer than I've done thus far. I don't want to always run on the treadmill but this was just the boost I needed to see that I'm not a total weakling. :D

[ktg0930]

Hi everyone!

I have returned from San Diego. It was a whirlwind trip and the time change wiped me out. But I got in 2 nice runs (about 4 mi each) along the bay. I took the redeye back last night and am tired today. On Tuesday, I head to Maryland, which will be another busy trip. I hope to be able to swing by Trader Joe's and pick up a few things since we don't have TJs here.

Robyn--my neighborhood has a lot of hills (although probably not as many as your area) and it is very rewarding to run on the flat and see that I can run farther or it's easier.

Natasha-- congrats on the half marathon! Enjoy the time with your mom.

Les--glad you had a great outdoor ride. It sounds like nice reward for completing some projects.

Hello to TKay, Vicci, Susan, KathyB, Carrie, and everyone else.

[newsomz]

Les - Thanks for starting us out. The bike ride sounds like a great treat for finishing your projects.

Natasha - Congrats on finishing your half!! Great time, too (especially since you were "taking it easy"). The bagpipers sound like a great way to add interest to the course.

Robyn - Great job on the run today and the happy hour run on Friday (quite impressive as I can barely get myself going the next morning after two beers, lol). I am glad you were able to run inside on the treadmill! An ego boost is always appreciated :)

Kathy - Running along the bay sounds quite nice! I wish there was some water around here I could run by.

I got in a 10km run today. I ran the reverse of my normal route and found out that it is uphill!! Thus it was a bit of a harder run today, haha. I never noticed how much help I was getting when running it the "normal" way.

Hi to everyone else! I hope you are all enjoying the Spring weather.

[VictoriaL]

Hi everyone!

I wrote a long response last week but never got around to posting, so of course it's all old news by now... :o

Les I hope to get on the outdoor bike sometime this week. A nice, long ride is a great way to "reward" yourself!

Nat, congrats on finishing the half in "your way". :) I agree with your comment about bagpipe music since I enjoy it except when the player is less than polished on the instrument-- at that point it affects me like fingernails on a blackboard! Sounds like a well-put together race event, too.

Robyn Your discovery made me smile! There are a lot of hills on the trails which I (used to, and someday will again) run on and, until I got a HR monitor, I would exhaust myself trying for a fast speed on the runs. After the monitor, I found myself able to just walk up the steepest hill, run on the flat-ish areas, all the while keeping my HR at the top range and I could still manage run lengths of 2-3x my previous ones. It was a great discovery to make since I thought I was such a weenie for only being able to run for 15 minutes without becoming completely exhausted. You needed a nice, flat treadmill run for a boost. :) You're strengthening yourself even more for those hills, too.

Kathy, nice to be able to get 2 runs in while you were in San Diego. I'm assuming that the weather was "running perfect", too! I understand your desire to get to TJ's. There is one about 50 minutes away and I met a friend there last Thursday. I'm now stocked up for at least several weeks. You probably aren't able to take their fresh salsa home on the plane, though...

Carrie how funny about running the reverse course! Are you going to try it again, or have you decided to stick with the usual? ;)

Last Friday I upped my EB time to 40 minutes again and I think that I may stick with it as my usual time. It made me feel a little better about indulging in the linguine with clam sauce at an Italian restaurant that night, and the food and drink at a party last evening. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with an outside bike ride later this week, and I want to start to walk the trails (the inner paths, not the hills) as well. I went to the high school track twice last week and there were kids on it both times (10 am and 1:30pm), so I had to come home. It seems that I could probably just begin to do my outdoor stuff on our easier trails as well as I could on the track. Just have to watch out for those holes!

Hope that you all are having a great weekend!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Drive by... Howdy all, Nat, Carrie, Kathy, Robyn, and Vicci.

Great race Nat. I'm thrilled that you did as well as you figured you would. I hope I do the same in a couple weeks.

As you might imagine with a name like Ferguson I truly appreciate the pipes. I love seeing people who play them well and can't wait to see the Black Watch again.

But I digress... wrapping things up for another night's studies and trying to get everything done for the end of the semester. I didn't workout today but hope I can tomorrow.

Happy trails all and I'll try to post more tomorrow.
Les

[SusanMac]

Howdy, runners! I'm back from SF....and off to Chicago tomorrow (KTG, sounds like we're on the same work schedules!)

I got in 2 runs in SF, along the Embaradero (since my hotel was right on Market St). Weather was glorious. Much-needed endorphins after hours of hotel ballroom PowerPoints!

Meg - Congrats on completing Boston!! I'm so glad your family was there to share it with you.

Nat - Wow, I didn't know you were doing a half marathon last week. It sounds like you had a blast.

Vicci - Belated happy bday!

Hello to everyone else. Busy work day, so I've gotta scoot.

[Kathy B]

Hi, all! Another hectic week ahead for me, too, so I'll report while I can...
over the weekend I did the TM and weights at the CC, and today I did weights and one of the bikes there (all the TM's were taken!). Not bad for a change, but I prefer the TM.

Susan, I'll be watching hotel-room power points myself Thursday and Friday. I can hardly wait....:rolleyes:. Have a good trip to Chicago!

When does your semester end, Les? Are you taking summer classes?

Vicci, this is the peak of HS track season, so I am not surprised the HS track was busy. Plus with the weather warming up, I am sure the PE classes are moving outside, too. Sounds like you had a tasty weekend! ;)

Good job on your 10K Carrie! Especially with the "new hills"!

Kathy, hope your trip to Maryland goes well. I'd be excited about visiting a TJ's, too. The closest one to me is 4 hours away. :(

Sounds like a good workout for you Robyn, and a great confidence booster. Yea for that!!

Congratulations on your 1/2, Natasha! I like bagpipes, too, and get to hear them occasionally. There is a group that will practice in our church parking lot once in a while, and I'm always happy if I happen to be there at the same time!

Lots to do, better get at it!

[TKay]

Les - Nice job on the outdoor ride. Here's to checking stuff off the list of things to do. You are a machine! I hope the end of the semester comes soon and you get a little rest in.
Natasha - Nice race report. Good going! I would have enjoyed the bagpipes too. Hope you had a nice time with your mom.
Robyn - That's fantastic about the TM run. Good for you. I find TM runs much easier than outdoor runs. For me, there's something about utterly checking out on the TM and knowing I can maintain my pace and comfort that I find really appealing. Of course, it's all flat around my home, so it's not like I'd be doing the kinds of hills you do anyway. Glad you got a much-needed boost. (Like your new avatar pic too, btw.)
Ktg - Great going on keeping up the runs even while traveling. I always feel so much better when I workout on a trip. Hope you get in some rest before your next trip.
Carrie - Nice reverse run. That's funny about the change of direction and realizing the boost you've been getting from the downhill. :D
Vicci - Yes, watch out for those dreaded holes! Take it easy. Good job on the EB.
Susan - Sounds like some great SF runs. Good for you. Good luck on your next trip.
KathyB - I'm a TM devotee myself. At least you got in a good workout.

Not much to report from me. I've been on the crazy-busy-with-life schedule. I've found (what a surprise!) that I am much more productive if I stay away from the computer. So that's what I've been doing.

My running has fallen by the wayside. I know it will come back. I'm having back and neck issues that I know are directly related to my slow-down in exercise. My body's crying for a return to regular movement. I'll get there. In the meantime, I'll be lurking...

Happy Monday!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kathy and TKay - the last day of classes is 5/12. Then we have 2 reading days followed by 3 days of finals 5/15, 5/16, and 5/19. Luckily or not, I only have 2 finals - one on 5/16 and 5/19. We have commencement (I'm assisting) on 5/22 then I'm off until the 28th. The big deal for the 28th is I begin orientation for my summer training - 11 weeks at Children's Hospital in Washington D.C. as a Chaplain. That will be a busy time I'm sure but rewarding. I'm getting ready for the whole time and bet I'll be challenged yet rewarded.

I'm watching the rain here - maybe it will let up enough to let me get a run in. Not that a little rain would stop me but torrential downpours are out of the question.

See you all later,
Les

[Robyn1007]

Vicci, definitely watch those holes, they always manage to sneak up on me!

Les, did the rain hold off?

Susan, so glad you got some runs in during the hectic week in SF.

Tkay, I hope things calm down for you soon so you can get back to running and get the neck/back to ease up!

Well, I did another TM run today and improved again. Funny, I was about to start my second run cycle (I had already done 6 minutes running/2 mins walking) and my ultimate inspirational song came on my ipod "I Run for Life". I had planned 3 minutes running for the next cycle but I couldn't stop running while that song was playing as I kept thinking of so many women can fight the pain of cancer, I surely can fight for another 60 seconds of running. And I did! I did 2 more run/walk cycles and increased my total workout time to 33 minutes including my 4 1/2 min warm up walk and 5 min cool down walk. I feel like I'm getting more comfortable in my stride when I'm on the TM so I'm going to stick there for a couple of weeks so that I can get up to a continuous run and then I'll take it back outside. :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Robyn - No the rain didn't hold out and it rained cats and dogs this afternoon. Good for you to get out on your TM - not ideal in my book but given the options I'd say that it's better than nothing. Great going with your increase in intervals - you'll be back at it in no time.

I'll try to respond better tomorrow because this evening hasn't been the best for me. But I had a good day today for the most part and around the torrential downpours. Classes are definitely wrapping up and I submitted the two big papers that I finished this past weekend. Then I came home and had a good spin - just over an hour. got some good reading in before I got derailed by trying to file my state taxes. Now more reading about evil and the problem of evil. YUCK!

Have a great day tomorrow and I'll be seeing you.
Happy trails,
Les

[newsomz]

Vicci - Great job on the 40 min EB ride! The Italian food sounds very good.. making me hungry (though I'm having fried rice tonight). Watch out for those holes!!

Les - Sorry to hear you got rained out :( Hopefully you can get another run in soon. Great job on finishing up classes AND your taxes.

Susan - The SF runs sound beautiful. I hope you're also able to get some runs in in Chicago.

Kathy - Great job keeping up the weights routine.. I tend to get bored with weights though I think adding strength training would be great for me.

TKay - I hope the back/neck issues go away when you begin running again. I understand about having to take a computer break every once in a while!! I stayed off the computer most of the weekend and it was lovely. Got lots of reading & cleaning done.

Robyn - Great job on the TM runs. I'll have to look up "I Run for Life" - I am in need of a few new running songs. A friend mentioned he really likes "Going the Distance" by Cake. I need to add that one to my iPod, too.

I got in an almost 5mi run today with a friend. We did the same loop as last time and I believe we were running a bit faster today. Anyhow, my question for the week... Does anyone keep a running log? I just started keeping one and am recording my AM pulse (if I can stay awake long enough to take it), distance, and general notes. Anything else I should include?

[Leslie Ferguson]

Drive by again... thanks Carrie glad you had a good run too. The end of the semester is bearing down thus the day busy and I had a distraction going to my 2-year internship site. Tonight will be filled with reading about "Is There a God?" and it's not something I'm looking forward to for tonight but it's not getting read otherwise (and I need to read it). Maybe sometime soon I'll get a run or a spin in but until that time comes... I'm back to the grindstone.

Happy trails all,
Les

[SusanMac]

Newsomz - be sure to also get "Push It" by Garbage.

Guess what is this weekend?? Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati :-)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Oink! Oink! Oink!

What a fun time that was - especailly Jungle Jim's.

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Carrie, If you are keeping a log, it is a good place to record when you bought your shoes so you can keep track of the miles on them. That way you will know when it is time to buy a new pair. Good job on your 5 mile run!!

Popping in to report 40 min on the TM plus weights this AM. Felt good!!!! I feel like I have a lot of energy today which is good, because I have a loooong To Do list! :D I'm off to get started....

[Robyn1007]

Kathy, way to go on the TM run.

Les, hope the reading wasn't too miserable. Your summer internship sounds very interesting and challenging in a good way.

I did more time on the treadmill last night. I can't believe that a couple of weeks ago I could barely run for 90 seconds straight and last night my longest run cycle was 7.5 minutes. :D So, I'm at warm up walk 4.5 mins, run 7.5 mins, walk 1.5 mins, run 6 mins, walk 2 mins, run 3 mins, walk 2 mins, run 3 mins, cool down walk 4.5 mins.

Today is a rest day for me as I've run 3 days in a row. I'm finding that I am starting to enjoy the zone I get into while running and pushing myself for that little bit of additional time. :eek: I never thought I'd say that. ;):D

[Robyn1007]

Carrie - I Run for Life is Melissa Etheridge's breast cancer anthem. It means so much to me after my aunt's battle. I always feel like if they can fight cancer I can fight for 30 more seconds of running. It's my own battle for my health right?

You can watch her sing it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgiwrvEX8wY

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks Robyn, the reading was pretty enjoyable once I got past the logic and repetitiveness of the authors (old British guys ca. 1910). The debate about "evil" is one of the hardest things we do here because it is so hard to explain coherently. Great job on three days run in a row and your progress on the TM - you earned your day off and I hope you took full advantage of it.

Kathy B - Good going on your TM run too. I hope you got a lot of stuff done today also.

As a change from the past couple days I had a pretty decent day today. Completed reading a book that will be the genesis of a 5-7 page paper due next week (no reason to start too early ;) ). After that I got a short spin in - only 30 minutes but better than 0 minutes. Now I'm busy at work and just finished dinner and will be settling in to finish the things for this week.

Off to the books so until tomorrow -- happy trails,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Hi everyone!

I can report 45 minutes on the EB this morning, mainly because DH has a nasty cold and didn’t feel up to exercising today so he wasn’t “in line” to use the machine. The last 5 minutes were rough, though—my knees never got wobbly while on the bike before. :o

No bike ride outside so far this week because of the weather, and since the rest of the week will be busy I guess that there’s always next week. I hope, hope, hope to get out on the inner trails on Friday. And I will keep a hawk-eye out for those holes!

Everyone sounds quite busy, maybe it's just that time of year. I'm heading to bed early since I have to get up early-- I'll be lucky to get in some weights.

[SusanMac]

Hi gang! Back from Chicago (a full day early -- yea) I snuck in a run Wed morning in between meetings. It was a sunny, beautiful, clear day. Very fun esp b/c my hotel & running route was along the start/finish of the Chicago Marathon. It wasn't until then that I realized the last time I was in Chicago was for the '06 marathon. Very fun.

Howdy to everyone. Good to hear about the TM & EB progress.

[katygirl]

Hi all!

I am going to TRY to join this thread; I do lurk but need to get myself out of lurk-mode and into being an active participant which might motivate me.

Here is my story…

I USED to be a runner, in High School, which was 17 years ago! I ran easily then, my long runs were maybe 8 miles which was infrequently. I have run off and on through the past 17 years but my dislike for gyms has made me reevaluate taking up this sport again. It’s gets me outside, it’s FREE (not counting sneakers and such) and it makes me feel good AFTER I’ve done it. But….it’s HARD. When does it get easier? I think I have some mind game issues going on. About two months ago, when I HADN’T been running I was peer pressured into running a 5K. I had no training to do this and honestly thought I was going to have to walk much of, but I didn’t and was proud of my 33 minute finish time :) So I decided to keep up with it. I’ve been running a couple of times a week since then, between 2 and 3 mile runs. But it seriously isn’t getting easier, I still feel awful physically during the run and want to stop every step of the way. I keep telling myself that if I was able to run a 5K with NO training that I can finish a 2 mile run since I have been running lately. I haven’t run in about two weeks after a HORRIBLE run, I ran a mile and had to stop. I am pretty frustrated right now and kind of feel like this is my make or break between giving up my “hard work” over the past couple of months and “quitting” or getting my tail back out there and working through it.

Thanks for the vent guys!

Katy

[Leslie Ferguson]

Welcome Katy! It is hard to get restarted in your running routine after a fairly long lay off. Accountability is a big thing to help get you over the hump. Realistic and finite goals also help - a 5k race in 2 months etc. It sounds like you have the hunger so I'd bet you'll keep coming back and keep trying to run as much as you can. Again - welcome.

Welcome back Susan way to sneak in a run between meetings.

Hey Vicci, shaky knees? Makes me wonder about fueling up. Good job getting an extra piece in too.

Ok - enough procrastination... back to studying.
Les

[SusanMac]

Hi Kay! Welcome! I have a few quick thoughts on your situation.
1) maybe try some cross-training to ensure your legs, in particular, are getting enough rest in between runs, but also continuing to push yourself aerobically
2) do you think you might be running too hard? or always at the same effort/pace? even if you feel excruciatingly slow, that will really help you build a good strong base of endurance
3) i've been reading a lot about mental strategies & positive self-talk lately. Maybe it's the time of year? Running Times & Triathlete both have great suggestions for using visualization & positive self-talk to get through tough workouts. Dissociation is also useful (don't think about your heavy breathing or heavy foot strikes while you run. think about the last episode of the Office, or what you're going to make for dinner :-)

Just a few thoughts. It's a good question for discussion, though, b/c I think we all go through phases like this in our running.

[TKay]

Hi Katy, and welcome. I have been hit and miss on the board lately. I was disciplined about my running for a while but have fallen off the wagon. So take my advice with a grain of salt. :rolleyes: I find it's essential to sort of check out during my runs. I wear an iPod and simply focus on the music. If my battery dies or for some other reason I'm without distraction, my runs are much, much harder.
Hang in there. You'll get the stamina back. You will, you will.

Glad everyone is getting in those runs (TM and outdoor) and EB rides.

Robyn - Thanks for the link to Melissa's song. I used to listen to one of her early recordings over and over and over when I ran. Something about the rhythm of her particular songs that keep me going. Good job on the runs.

Les - Can't believe the internship is finally almost hear. I know you'll do great.

Okay, back at it. I'm distracted by some issues with my kids (just problems at school I need to research solutions for). So the running continues to wait. I know it would help with the stress, but I am very used to having the extra time now.

Happy running.

[SusanMac]

Oi! I meant "Katy" not "Kay" It's been a very long day. And I'm feeling kinda grumpy. I think my dinner of SunChips & trail mix last night on the bus ride back from Chicago was not good for energy stores today.

No workout for me today, with no good reason.

I've got another work trip next week. I'm going to (don't kill me, Nat) -- Toronto! It's a quick trip, though, with work dinners & everything. I'll be thinking of you. I didn't get into the hotel I wanted (near good running spots) and now have to stay at the airport. Argh.

[Kathy B]

Hi, Katy! Welcome to the VRB's. I would suggest that you start at the beginning, even though you did just run a 5K. Race conditions tend to rev you up, and you can run faster and longer than you might do during most workouts. If you haven't been running regularly for a long time, you probably need to slow down and work your way up. The first time I ran outside a few years ago, I did the same as you. Then I forced myself to slow way down and just gradually increase the distance and/or time. Coolrunning.com (http://coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/index.shtml)has a lot of good information under training and new runners. You might want to check that out. Hang in there and feel free to keep us posted!

One conference day down, one to go.

[newsomz]

Les - Yikes. That reading sound intense. I'm glad you got a spin in! Good luck on the paper - last one for the semester, I hope?

Susan - Push It - another great recommendation. Thanks! Glad you were able to go running in Chicago.

Kathy - Great idea about the shoes. Generally, what is the recommended mileage for replacing shoes? I seem to remember 6000mi? But I could be way, way off! Great job on the TM run!

Robyn - Glad you are having a good time with the Treadmill. I say anything that helps you make running a routine is great! For me it was Nike+ :) Sounds like you are well on your way to being hooked if you're talking about "the zone". Thanks for the link!

Vicci - Great job on the EB! 45 minutes. I hope you're able to get outside soon :)

Welcome Katy! Perhaps you need to start out a little slower? That is what I did today as I was feeling really sluggish.. It really helped me get through the entire run. Just take it nice & easy.. And of course, music always helps!

TKay - Though running does help with the stress... sometimes that extra time really is needed! I know you'll get back to running soon.. And feel the stress of the past few weeks fall away.

Got in a 45 min run today. Very slow and very easy since I had to trick myself into running by telling myself I would just go for a 45 minute "walk". Well wouldn't you know it as soon as I got on my running gear and got out the door I started at a slow jog. Still, I took it pretty easy because I could tell my mind needed it! Luckily this is my rest week and I'll be taking it easy this weekend, too :)

[Kathy B]

Generally, what is the recommended mileage for replacing shoes? I seem to remember 6000mi? But I could be way, way off!

Yup, 6000 miles is way off! :p

It varies from 300 - 500 miles, depending on how hard you run and other factors. Personally, I start thinking about it when my legs start aching, however this is not an approved method.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Carrie - Thanks, the books these days are pretty heavy. I've got two papers to go and a sermon to write before finals. The papers shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as I stop doing research and start writing (my personality) and the sermon will be just fine when I put it on paper. I'm with Kathy too on shoe mileage but my indicator is knees aching not legs feeling achy. Good going on your run too.

Kathy - That's not a bad gauge for changing shoes since I really don't keep a mileage count any more.

I decided to take a ride outside tonight after classes and got in about 50 mintues in then came home and had dinner and studied. Books call again so I'm off. This weekend will be packed - at least on Saturday with an end-of-the-year picnic and a volunteer job to clean out a thrift closet on campus.

See you all tomorrow and happy trails,
Les

[newsomz]

Yup, 6000 miles is way off! :p

It varies from 300 - 500 miles, depending on how hard you run and other factors. Personally, I start thinking about it when my legs start aching, however this is not an approved method.

Thanks for the update!!! I am thinking of getting rid of my current shoes fairly soon just b/c I don't think they were initially cushy enough. I'll be sure to track miles on my new shoes :)

[Robyn1007]

Run/walk last night with weights following. Did the same cycle as the last time and for some reason it felt harder last night so I'm going to stick with that cycle for a few times before increasing again. Actually, now that I think about it, slower songs kept coming on my ipod so maybe that was part of the problem. I'll try skipping those tonight and see if it helps. But, the good news is that I'm enjoying them still and can't wait to get back on the treadmill tonight. I'm having a great but unintended side effect as well in that I'm sleeping much harder so I feel more rested in the morning. Now, if the intended side effect of weight loss will just start. ;):p