Virtual Running Buddies - 8/1

[SusanMac]

Howdy, runners! I'm long overdue to start a new week. And, I have a run to report :-)

Just returned from my LSD run. 15+ miles today!! (need to confirm on mapmyrun) This is probably my best long run yet. Felt really strong and smooth. The last 2 miles or so slowed down quite a bit, and wasn't so strong. But, I still felt pretty good. I was suckin' down fluids big time today. Could have probably used more. Unfortunately, DH had some GI issues around mile 6, so headed home. This has happened to him a few times, so we're going to reexamine both last night's dinner, and his typical brekkie routine.

Robyn - Thx. I know SkirtSports, but haven't actually tried one on for fit. They were first to market, so were too expensive for my tastes at first. They debuted at IM WI, when the founder, Nicole DeBoom won the race! She looked so darned cute in her pink skirt! Have a blast on your ride this weekend! Assuming you're resting today.

OK...without other threads to read, I can't remember what other updates people had :-) Anyone heard from Newsom (sp?) lately??

[newsomz]

Hey everybody!! I haven't been able to read any updates lately however I can give you an update :) I decided on a half marathon in my town that I just found out about!! It is in early November so training officially started this week. Good because I had lost motivation without a race to train for. Luckily, it has been overcast here for the past week so I didn't have to run in too much heat. I got in two 30 min runs this week and am planning on a 3mi this weekend. I also promised a friend we'd go biking tomorrow so hopefully the rain will hold up enough that we can get out. I don't mine running in a shower but biking - no way.

Anyhow, I finished one of the three classes I'm taking this semester so I have a bit more extra time. Just two more weeks of this semester and then a week off.. Then Fall semester and I'm only taking one class. Woohoo! I can't wait - plus it is college football season. I hope everyone is doing well. I am off to read about Robyn's finish in socks in last weeks thread (just saw the pic on the Friday klatch thread).

[newsomz]

Popping back by to say Great Job Robyn!!!!!!! Sounds like you had a fantastic race and really went all out. I loved the pics, too. Have a fun 50-miler this weekend :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

THanks for starting Susan and howdy to newsomz. Great run Susan and I hope that DH's issues were nothing terrible.

Newsomz - Which half are you running in? Good luck in your training.

I didn't get to the road today - weird cases today make for a fun (no kidding) day but also make for a long day. It's hard to imagine that in a week I'll be done with my internship at the hospital. :eek: Then back to the grindstone.

It's supposed to rain tomorrow so I'll have to see about what goes on. Planning on sleeping in a little and then running around with LW for a while too. A lazy day (which I need).

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Happy, happy rest day! My legs are sore today....but it's a good sore, know what I mean? Funny ache in my left knee, so I'll probably ice it a bit later today just to be safe. DH is back to himself, but we will definitely be playing around with pre-run dinner menus next week.

Les - wow, your last week of internship. It's been quite the experience for your summer, eh?

Newsomz - Wow, that was wild. We spoke your name....and you appeared :-) So glad one of your tough classes is behind you. Your half sounds awesome. This will be your 2nd one, right? DH & I also need a race to get us more commitment to a consistent workout schedule...and it has definitely worked!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

[Robyn1007]

Hi all! Another milestone for me today. I just got back from riding 50.63 miles at a 15 mph pace. I'm exhausted but so excited. Now I gotta figure out what new milestone I'll do next week. :D

Carrie, good to see you! Glad you got a class behind you. Good luck with the training.

Susan, enjoy the rest day. Hope the knee is just a fluke ache.

Les, I can't believe it's already time for school to start up again.

[SusanMac]

Robyn - That's so awesome! Congrats. That exhaustion feels really rewarding & well-earned, doesn't it??

Well, I found the perfect running skirt today. Sugoi has always made clothes that fit me perfectly. Alas, it was $60 so I passed on it. Mainly b/c I don't *have* to have a running skirt....I just *want* a running skirt. Of course, the Moving Comfort $30 skirt didn't fit well. <sigh>

[Leslie Ferguson]

Robyn - Great ride - 50+ miles at 15+ mph is a great ride, especially in your world. Isn't it grand to be good tired? School starts soon but not for a month - and I need the ensuing 4 weeks to unwind from the past year.

Susan - This summer has been something else. It's been a lot of fun and a lot of work but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope your legs aren't too sore tomorrow.

Sadly, I skipped my run today - sadly because it was only in the low 80s today (probably the coolest it will be for the next 2 weeks). But it was useful to not run because I was able to catch up on something more important... sleep (again). That and I was able to last through almost 4 hours of moving two families into their apartments this evening (incluiding an oak rolltop desk that probably weighed ~350 pounds up two floors). I bet I'm going to be a little sore tomorrow from carrying all the boxes, being pinned between a sofa and the wall, and having the guy who was carrying an overstuffed chair up the stairs lose his grip and "drop" the chair into my right arm (and tweak my shoulder and tricep). It wasn't too bad but I sense I'll be feeling it tomorrow.

Speaking of which - sleep calls and sore muscles are asking (politely for now) for aspirin. I'll oblige them thank you.

Have a great week - looking forward to my last week even though I have 4 days on call (Mon - Thu) to round out the week.

Happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

How did I get back-to-backs? Hopefully everyone is doing okay. Somehow I think that a couple of the happy band are away presently.

I'll happily claim an hour+ on my bike, speedy too. It does help so much to have your tires properly inflated doesn't it. :rolleyes: I have a sense that it may be the last workout for a while unless I do my never farther than 10 minutes from home rides since I'm on call Monday through Thursday.

Hope all are well and happy trails,
Les

[Robyn1007]

No real workout for me today. I volunteered at Tri for the Cure this morning and spent quite a few hours shouting directions to racers. I'll probably be dreaming the phrase "Two way traffic, stay to your right please!" for days. And my voice is horse with a sore throat. What I don't understand is how I managed to get run into by cyclists (thankfully while walking their bikes) numerous times whilst wearing a bright yellow t-shirt. It's not like they couldn't see me. :confused: Oh well, it was nice to volunteer and cheer the 3,000 racers on including a few friends. Stupid foot is killing me again though. :mad:

Hope this week isn't too nasty for you Les.

[Leslie Ferguson]

No real workout for me today. I volunteered at Tri for the Cure this morning...
I call that a workout, especially after 50+ miles yesterday.
What I don't understand is how I managed to get run into by cyclists (thankfully while walking their bikes) numerous times whilst wearing a bright yellow t-shirt. It's not like they couldn't see me. :confused: Oh well, it was nice to volunteer and cheer the 3,000 racers on including a few friends.
I wondered the same thing when the gentleman almost ran into me while turning left - considering I was wearing my a bright green shirt, bright orange reflective vest, and a metalic blue helmet. I had a ll the colors covered and he still didn't see me. Hopefully you didn't get too dinged up.
Stupid foot is killing me again though. :mad:
I'd almost say that frozen peas may do the trick but probably not if you dinged up the bottom of your foot. :)

I too am hoping this week is relatively quiet - at least no call ins.

See you all later and have a great week. Happy trails,

Les

[ktg0930]

Hello runners!

Maybe I need a race to get me back on schedule. The last 2 weeks have been pretty lame as far as exercise goes. This week has started out better. I ran and did some weights yesterday. Today, I was too lazy to get up for a run (something about Monday mornings) but am planning a walk at lunch today.

Carrie--good to see you! I can't remember if you are a full-time student?

Les--happy last week of the internship!

Susan--congrats on the 15 mile run.

Okay, better get back to work.

[SusanMac]

Checking in to report a solid interval workout this morning 5x800s. I hadn't done one in a while & it felt good. Sat was a planned recovery day. Sun was an unplanned rest day! Doh. I really have no good reason. I've been skipping too many workouts recently. Need to get a bit more disciplined!

Headed out to the Bay Area today for another last-minute work trip. Unfortunately, my hotel is in a really, really boring part of town not very conducive to running. Wish me luck!! I get back Thurs afternoon.

[Natasha]

Hi everyone!

It's a long weekend here and I've been spending most of the past four days - quite literally - outdoors. We went backcountry camping/canoeing as we do at least once every summer, and I also did a long ride and run. The weather was so so while we were away and I have a lovely assortment of mosquito bites adorning my body but it was to be expected given the wet weather we've had this summer. We still enjoyed the peace and quiet and the rest of it :)

Vicci, great job on your bike ride and increased speed!!

Robyn, same to you on your 50 miler, and Susan, to you on your 15 miler!

Les, sorry to hear you're going to be back on call... nothing like ending the internship with a bang, right? Hope you get in some of those "stay close to home" rides.

Carrie, happy to hear you chose a half :) Will you do it with your sister?

ktg, hope you enjoyed your walk at lunch today.

Best to all for the week ahead :cool:

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks all - it's gonig to be a fun week I'm afraid.

Hope your visit to the bay area is good Susan and that you can get a run or two in while you're there.
ktg - sorry you're feeling a little less motivation to run than you want... maybe a run will do it for you.
Natasha - Glad to see you're back from the great outdoors. Too bad the weather wasn't the most conducive for your trip but I bet it was a bit refreshing for you and DH to head out for a while.

Hopefully this afternoon isn't a precursor for the remainder of the week. 3 calls in the span of about 15 minutes - luckily I was still in the building for them all and that they had favorable outcomes - just having them hit when they did impacted departure time. Oh well, I pray that tonight is quiet.

Happy trails all and I'm hoping for a short ride sometime. I'll check back when I can.

Les

[Robyn1007]

Les, I have been icing regularly sadly and it's just not going away. I am beginning to be concerned about my ski season. :eek: Although, I have custom orthotics in my ski boots which will help.

Susan, nice workout.

Ktg, I agree, having an event to work towards really, really helps.

Natasha, welcome home!

I ended up with an unplanned rest day. The skies were quite gray as I headed home so I took the day off. Unfortunately, I can't get out tomorrow and Wednesday is questionable as my Mom will be in town. Thursday I plan to get a big ride in because I've taken it as a vacation day. Same with Friday.

[Kathy B]

Hi, all! Popping in quickly to report an easy run today...somewhere between 2.5 and 3 miles. I was out at 0630, and it was very warm, but I just had to do something. It's been at least a week since I've been able to run due to extremely hot weather. I've got a really full day today (church sale/spaghetti dinner and the kids have to get enrolled this afternoon) so I won't stay and read/chat. My apologies, but I'll make it up soon! Hope everyone's week is going great! :)

[Natasha]

Kathy, nice to see you! Hope the spaghetti dinner goes well - sounds like a fun time.

Les, too bad about the calls but as you said it's good they were all while you were still there, and most importantly all ended well.

Robyn, hope the foot feels better soon! Enjoy the visit with your mom.

It's pouring here now - just started a little while ago - but I have core and yoga planned for tonight anyway. Now to go figure out some comfort food to make for dinner on a rainy evening! :cool:

Hope everyone else is well... Seathyme (how are you?), Carrie, Susan, ktg, Vicci, Betsy, and the rest of the rungang.

[Robyn1007]

Hey fellow gearheads! www.steepandcheap.com will be running all trail running deals all day long tomorrow. If you don't like what's up at any given moment give it a chance, something else may come up that you want/need. Yes, I'm an enabler. :D

[newsomz]

Les - I'm running in a local half marathon - the Tom Walker memorial half marathon. This year they are holding it on our rails to trails path which I've never run but have ridden. If it is on the first half of the trail it will be moderately hilly though very pretty! I hope your last week of internship is treating you well. Seems like you just started (at least to me) :)

Susan - This will actually be my first half-marathon.. I've just been talking about it for a while ;) Hope the knee is feeling better. I just picked up the runner's world issue with the skirts and it is making me consider buying one, too. Not sure if I would feel too self conscious but I think they are so cute! And I know I would at least ride it on my bike when running errands.

Robyn - You are an exercise maniac. I cannot believe you are doing such hard core workouts after your race!!! I would have called it a rest week. And thanks for the heads up on steepandcheap. I used the coupon you posted a while back for the backcountry.com outlet to buy myself a new pair of ski pants.

Kathy - Nope just a part-timer. I went a little crazy this semester but next semester am back down to one class - yay! I definitely recommend choosing a race to motivate you.. that is really helping to get me out there on these hot days!

Natasha - The weekend outdoors sounds like a fantastic time!! I will not be doing the half with my sister as she is a bit behind me in training. She has a problem of setting overly ambitious goals and then not completing them. I told her she needs to start small but she doesn't like that idea. I finally got through to her that she can keep a marathon as her goal but to try a few 5Ks or 10Ks along the way to keep her motivation up.. and so she can see progress. Hopefully that will work for her!

KathyB - Great job on the morning workout. Sounds like you had a fun day today - hope it wasn't too tiring!

Question of the week! For those of you who have worked with coaches.. Where do you find them? What have they helped you with? Having a coach seems like an intriguing idea but I don't know what I'd do with one!

Happy trails to all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

I think a drive by is in order but a few comments maybe in the offing.

Carrie - There are days that it feels like my internship started yesterday and others that it's been going on for ages (like today). Small races are the best in my book so I hope you enjoy the one this fall. I initially got my coach from Joints in Motion (Arthritis Foundation) so I'm not a good source for those kinds of questions. Besides, my brain is fried right now.

Sorry your foot is so bad right now. Hopefully it won't tweak your skiing season too. (Already?)

A shout out to Kathy and Natasha. Good outcomes are always just fine. And methinks that seathyme and legolas are busy right now but I can't say.

All I'll say for today - left the hospital at 8:10, got home at 9:45. Dinner done before 10 and now I'm "augering in" for bed. I had a good day but a long one. Oh maybe I'll get a workout in before Friday... oh maybe.

Happy trails all...

Les

[Natasha]

Hi all,

Robyn, thanks for the link. I saw a cute top on there just now but am going to pass - it looks a lot like one I have from MEC so I can't justify it :)

Les, hang in there and I hope the "augering in" for bed resulted in a good rest.

Carrie, too bad that your sister won't be joining you but you've done what you could with your advice and hopefully once she sees how much you enjoy your first half she will be super motivated to join you next time.

I did a good hour or so of stretching and core yesterday. Women's ride scheduled for tonight - 1 to 1.5 hours on my familiar rolling hills. First time riding with this group, though, so I'm a bit nervous. We'll see how it goes! I also need to figure out how to get my bike on and off the new roofrack without looking like a dolt - I'm more nervous about that, actually :rolleyes:

Take care, all!

[TKay]

Hello all -

I'm popping my head back in here finally to say hello and seek inspiration. I've been completely run-free for quite some time. I'm mentally gearing back up to get at it again. I think I'll lurk around here for a while. Reading about your workouts really does motivate me.

The only running I've been doing lately is on the tennis court with my kids. We just got rackets for the whole family and the boys are loving it. My legs feel it, so that's a good thing. Makes me want to get back on the TM. It's too hot for outdoor runs if you ask me.

Thanks for letting me lurk. And thanks for the great examples.

[Natasha]

TKay, nice to see you!! Sounds like you and the kids are enjoying summer. How hot has it been there? Please at least lurk and I hope you start posting here regularly again soon!

Back from my ride - it was a lot of fun. We took it easy and I didn't really break a sweat but did do some stuff outside my comfort zone, so that was good. Flukily (if that's not a word, it should be), I broke a valve on my inner tube (!) as I was prepping my bike, so DH quickly switched out my wheels and I used his newish race wheels. Wow - very neat.

Oh yeah - we did go back a bit earlier than I would have liked (still did a bit over 70 minutes) because I had a couple of twinges in my knee. I think I know how I got them. Long and also fluky story. Yup, it was one of those days. Icing it now.

Les, one more day gone - how was it?

Hi to Kathy (looking forward to the spaghetti dinner report. Yum!), ktg, Carrie, Susan, Vicci, Robyn, and everyone else.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Drive by...

Les, one more day gone - how was it?

Yes, another day down and it was quiet. Trying to wrap up a couple last pieces of paperwork before Friday.

Time to sleep. For what it's worth, to "auger in" has to do with airplanes heading for the ground - not always in a good way. In my case any sleep whether augering in or not is good.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Greetings from Miltpitas (eek - I'm not always in the fun parts of the Bay Area! Oh well) My meetings have been great. But, here's the important stuff...I've ran both Tues & Wed mornings!

Drove over to a big, fabulous park where DH, me & several friends used to run regularly. There are probably decent spots closer to where I'm staying, but it was fun to relive the memories. Plus, I felt safe there with all the other runners. 45 min each day. Trails. Hilly route today. I feel virtuous (Nat ;-) Thurs is a travel day. DH & I are doing a 10K Sat, so I'll probably rest on Fri, too (that was part of my extra motivation to get me up early to run while I've been here!)

TKay - great to see you again! Kathy is playing tennis w/her DD, so definitely stick around. It's just another form of x-training in our book.

Newsomz - my sis & yours sound related! I'm giving my sis some tips & trying to motivate her here & there. But ultimately decided that she's got to really want it in her gut and nothing I do or say will talk her into following through. It has to come from within. To answer your question....I've never used a real coach, mainly b/c I'm too cheap! I'd definitely stick w/references from people you trust.

Now I don't remember who asked, but yes, my knee is fine (a few weird twinges since I had to wear heels one day this week -- a rarity for me). Something new twinges each week after my long run. But, since it's always something different & never lasts, I figure it's not an injury. Just growing pains!

[Robyn1007]

No ride report again although I'll have one later. But, I just got an email from Skirt Sports, they're offering 20% off for the next two days. Enter the code skirtpower at checkout. :)

[SusanMac]

Now that is tempting, Robyn! You are the queen of online deals. I can't think of a more difficult thing for me to buy online w/out trying on than a running skirt. Hmmmm.

I just got back a few hours ago. Catching up on work emails. Really need to get my face out of the computer & enjoy being home. We've got beautiful weather, and happy, 4-legged creatures anxious to play with me :-)

[SusanMac]

Back to backs after hopping over to Skirtsports. Hey! I know that picture from their home page. I was there when they took that photo. And then posed for the same picture last year. Of course....I wasn't in first place & it was nighttime about 3 hours later in the day. Probably didn't look as fresh & perky either. But those are just minor differences :-)

[Robyn1007]

Susan, do you have a Lucy store in your area? I've really liked some of their casual stuff but they have workout stuff as well and it might be a resource. And yes, I get on all sorts of email lists so I get lots of alerts. Some annoying, some great.

Reporting in on a crappy ride today. First I had a flat tire. I've had a slow leak for awhile but at least now I found the embedded goat head sticker that was causing. Then the ride just didn't feel good or right. Stopped at the LBS and talked with my coach so that helped a bit but then just did a bit more and headed home. 14 miles, just over an hour. :mad: I'd really hoped to do twice that. Especially since I'm testing a really nice new saddle my mom bought for me yesterday.

[Natasha]

Susan, welcome home! Glad you got in good runs and felt virtuous ;) Enjoy the family time!

Robyn, sorry to hear about the sucky ride. Sounds like you need to put your feet up and give yourself another day off to recharge. You've been progressing so quickly and impressively, and I know it's exciting to move forward to your next goal(s) but IMHO the rest is important. Hope the saddle is working well so far, in any event!

Les, keep on truckin'...

Rest day here, I think (well, stretching and *maybe* some weights). I need a nice, solid night's sleep so plan to tuck in early with a good book.

Back because I forgot to answer Carrie's coaching question. I've never had a dedicated coach, but have had a few coach-style experiences. My closest thing was the coach at my running clinic when I started running distance. He was one of the first serious runners I'd ever met, and demanding (and sometimes not all that nice). So when he gave praise, I knew it was deserved. He did know his stuff, but then he moved to the run store's HQ. Now I have a few coaches/mentors in my run club - nothing at all formal, but they have so much experience and are so accomplished that they give tips and advice as we go. It's funny - compared to many runners, I'm definitely on the experienced side, but in that club I'm almost a rookie!

Not sure if that helps, but that's my story. I'd ask some local runners you know and trust for a recommendation. I've gotten tips of a couple of well-known coaches that way, and I file the info away in case I decide to go that route at some point.

Take care, guys!

[TKay]

Thanks for the welcome back. Reporting a very brief weight walk today. Baby steps! It's been in the 90s here, so keeping outdoor activity brief is not a bad thing.

Sounds like everyone's keeping busy. Sorry about the ride, Robyn. At least you got out there. Enjoy your stretching and sleeping, Nat. Curling up with a good book sounds divine. Susan, welcome back (even though I didn't even know you were gone). And Les, I can't believe your internship is about to end. I was just bowing out over here when you started it. Wow!

I couldn't help but notice the topic of running skirts. I've been eying them myself. Seems like they'd offer better bulge coverage that plain running shorts (not that I need that or anything).

[newsomz]

Just a quick drive by to say Thanks for the code Robyn!! I might just have to get a skirt now. Also, I noticed they have an outlet.. the prices there are awesome - about half off.

Also, I got in a fast 3 miler on Tuesday and a slow 20 min run today. The legs were feeling very tired today.. maybe racing to work on my bike the past few days & running fast in 90 degree weather did me in ;)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Oddly, waning interest - not in the thread but in being awake. Thanks for letting me live viacriously through your posts about fantastic runs, rides, and time not futzing around with the things that distract from exercise. Sorry your ride wasn't good Robyn - still an hour is an hour. Enjoy your rest Natasha. You don't even know how fast life has gone at times TKay - I hope you're back with us, even vicariously.

Another non-running post for this week. It's another 10 hours and I'm officially off call and less than 12 and my internship is over - kind of bittersweet. Tonight was punctuated by a call to go to the hospital then when I was about 3 minutes from the hospital (having driven from Alexandria to NW DC) I got a call saying "you're not needed now." To which I said, I'm 4 blocks from the hospital so I'm showing up anyway. The family who initially requested me didn't want me anyway but I really wanted to hear that in person (not from them mind you but not from the operator). So I drove home and wrapped up a little - in all I was out of the house for 90 minutes (or so) but didn't have to "work" during this call (at least as much as the hospital knows). Time for another night's good (but probably too short) sleep then off to work for the last 1/2 day (or less).

Tomorrow - I'll ride a little once I get off early! :D Happy Friday all and have a great weekend.

Happy trails to all,
Les