Virtual Running Buddies, week of October 3

[VictoriaL]

Me??? Starting on a Friday evening??? :)

A busy lot, you all must be!

I will report a run. Not as long as I would have liked, but since I had spent 3+ hours on a ladder earlier, heat gun in hand, scraping over 140-years' worth of paint off of the front porch doorframe, 35 minutes on the trail was much more than I thought that I was capable of. My feet hurt from the ladder rungs, my back hurts from twisting to reach certain areas, my elbow is killing me, and my knuckles are burnt and scraped. I am a pathetic excuse for a human being this evening!

I do much prefer getting my runs in earlier in the day when my energy is higher, but these cool autumn mornings are so damp and the fallen leaves, well, I'd rather not repeat my broken ankle experience of earlier this year. ;)

Hope that you all have a great weekend, and are able to report better runs than I did!

[Robyn1007]

Hi all,

It's been an insane week for me. It was the end of our fiscal year and then inventory time. I've been putting in overtime which means the workouts haven't been great this week although I did get in a couple. I've got a swim-bike brick planned for tomorrow to make up for some of it. The good news is that September was successful enough for me sales wise that I get to celebrate my new body with a gorgeous new ski outfit. I went and tried on a few options tonight and found a pair of pants that actually made me look like my legs where the skinnier part of my body (at least when paired with a ski jacket).

Anyhow, I'm home relaxing this evening with a glass of wine (or two or three) and hope that next week will be calmer. Especially since my Mom is coming to visit and we're going to my favorite restaurant in Vail. :D

[Leslie Ferguson]

Me??? Starting on a Friday evening??? :)

I will report a run. Not as long as I would have liked, but since I had spent 3+ hours on a ladder earlier, heat gun in hand, scraping over 140-years' worth of paint off of the front porch doorframe, 35 minutes on the trail was much more than I thought that I was capable of. My feet hurt from the ladder rungs, my back hurts from twisting to reach certain areas, my elbow is killing me, and my knuckles are burnt and scraped. I am a pathetic excuse for a human being this evening!
Thanks for starting and I can see why your 35 minute run was a bothersome thing for you. Hopefully you've gotten through the paint extraction for a while
I do much prefer getting my runs in earlier in the day when my energy is higher, but these cool autumn mornings are so damp and the fallen leaves, well, I'd rather not repeat my broken ankle experience of earlier this year. ;)
Yes but... wasn't the ankle done somewhere besides on the trail? ;) {only kidding} Or is my mind failing already? ALl kidding aside, it's never too soon to be careful, especially on the change of seasons.

I hope your weekend is quiet and restful too Robyn yet as productive as you need it to be.

Rested today - will hopefully ride tomorrow and get ready for Sunday. YIKES.

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Hi, all! Definitely a busy lot here! Did some yoga and a 3-miler yesterday. We also had family here visiting last night (about 10 of them), and some of them stayed overnight. It was nice to see everyone. Marched in the parade for our local festival this AM to support our friend who is running for office. That was fun, too.

Tomorrow is the festival's Scarecrow Run. We were up late last night, up early this AM, and I am beat. The race starts at 0730, so we will be up early again tomorrow. I am off to take a nap!!

Hope everyone's weekend is going well. The weather is perfect here...how about where you are?

[SusanMac]

Victoria - thx for starting off the week. I totally don't blame you for being super careful on wet leaves! You guys have some serious slave labor going on with the house painting job!

Kathy - Man, you are the best community person I know. V cool that you supported your friend in the parade. Good luck at the Scarecrow run! Can't wait to hear about it. Are you wearing costumes??

Robyn - End of qtr is busy for me, too, and I'm in mkt, not sales. Congrats on the new ski outfit. That must make you ever more anxious to get out & use it

Les - good luck with the sermon tomorrow! We will all send good vibes your way

Had my best long-run day ever today. Just felt really smooth, and didn't break down late in the day like I've been doing. I got in 20 miles. Coulda, shoulda gone a few more, but my brain was ready to stop. The legs felt good, though. So that was a great confidence booster.

Stellar weather!! Started in the 30's but quickly hit the 50's. Sunny & gorgeous. A few trees have started to turn, too

[Leslie Ferguson]

I hope you enjoy your nap Kathy it sounds like you've had a busy weekend and 10 guests last night :eek: that's tiring in my book. I'm with Susan too, you are on my ballot for community person with all the nifty things you do.

Congrats Robyn on your new outfit. I bet you can't wait for the first snowfall to try it out.
Susan - Great run today - 20 miles (that coulda been longer) is good. Nice to have that distance in your legs isn't it. Thanks for the thoughts for my sermon tomorrow - I hope it goes well and believe it will go well enough.

After a lot of writing and editing I got out for a nice ride today - not as long as I would have hoped but still a good ride. Need to hit the sheets so I'll check back tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for the thoughts all. As I imagined - 3 different sermons and one with about 15 minutes preparation (significantly modified the prepared text) for the service with all the critters (and there were lots of them).

Parents coming to town and want to have dinner so I'll probably skip running or riding today - that and I have lots of unconstructive energy (and lethargy) setting in - running is definitely not a good idea right now.

Happy trails and I can't wait to hear about the scarecrow run.

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Well, dinner is in the oven, so I finally have a few minutes to post.

Les, why three different sermons? That sounds like a lot of work! Did the critter service stay relatively under control? Seems like it could be a noisy affair. :p Hope you have a nice visit with your folks.

Robyn, you definitely have a lot of good stuff going on. How was your brick? Wishing you a calmer week and a good visit with your mom as well.

Susan, sounds like a great run for you today, both distance and weather wise. Legs still feeling strong after 20 miles is definitely something to feel good about. Way to go!!


Vicci, Hope you have recovered from your house maintenance! Sorry it took so much out of you, but at least you should have something to show for it, right? And I'd be bragging about the 35 minute run after all that if I were you! :D

Natasha, you asked about DS's PR. For CC they usually run a 5K race, and his PR from his sophomore year is 17:40. His PR this year is 18:03 on a very hilly course, so he is hoping to set a new PR on a flatter course before the season is over. At the really big meets, the varsity boy winners are usually under 17min, but they often medal the top 25 runners, so he has a few to show for his efforts. I will miss going to his meets when he finishes this year since he probably won't run CC in college. We still have a few more weeks to enjoy, though! :)

The good thing about the Scarecrow Run is that it is for charity, and we know a lot of the other participants since it is mostly locals. The bad thing is that there is very little flat running and lots of HILLS! I was a little disappointed that I didn't come in under 30 minutes....my time was 30:35 give or take a little...official results won't be posted for a day or two. OTOH, I still managed to snag 3rd for my age group (it is a very small race...maybe 150 people, but I'll take it!). DD did well and also got 3rd for her age group. She was very excited since the last two years she missed getting a medal by one place. DH, who only runs on the TM and never more than 15 min of running (he run/walks) came in at 32 min (with 25 minutes of running!), so I was really proud of him, too! DS signed up, but then found out the school sports rules changed, and he could not run since he is out for CC.:( He came along and cheered anyway, though! :) So a fun day all the way around, and everyone is up for the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot next as long as the weather cooperates.

Quiet evening ahead as we wind down and relax before the week starts again. Hope you all had a good weekend!

[Robyn1007]

Quick pop in for me. I did a swim only yesterday as I was running low on time to get up to Boulder for a growing list of to-do's up there. Then did my swim bike brick today. Rode by my old co-coach's house and they were outside so I got stop and chat with them and see the baby who is now a year old! She's absolutely adorable!

Here's the outfit I decided on for the slopes this year.

http://akamai.backcountrystore.com.edgesuite.net/images/items/large/TNF/TNF3647/SWWH.jpg

http://akamai.backcountrystore.com.edgesuite.net/images/items/large/TNF/TNF3500/WEBN.jpg

[Leslie Ferguson]

Les, why three different sermons? That sounds like a lot of work! Did the critter service stay relatively under control? Seems like it could be a noisy affair. :p Hope you have a nice visit with your folks.
Short-ish answer. The first was mostly like the third but there were a couple elements in the third that got added and tweaked based on the delivery of the first. The second was a 90% rewrite because there was a change in the readings that I wasn't aware of and the majority of my prepared text was on the reading that was deleted (the second service was the one where they blessed the animals). The second sermon was pretty fun and the animals added to the dimension of the delivery. The critters were pretty well behaved - no fights but there were some rather upset wee ones. Especially those that reside on the lower end of the food chain (rabbit and hamster) with all the bigger dogs and some of the cats. Almost bedlam but reasonably well behaved none the less. Dinner was nice, just an "intimate affair" with 10 (including my 2 nephews and niece - all below the 7th grade).
The good thing about the Scarecrow Run is that it is for charity, and we know a lot of the other participants since it is mostly locals... I still managed to snag 3rd for my age group (it is a very small race...maybe 150 people, but I'll take it!). DD did well and also got 3rd for her age group... DH, who only runs on the TM and never more than 15 min of running (he run/walks) came in at 32 min (with 25 minutes of running!), so I was really proud of him, too!
All good in your report. Congrats to you and DD for placing in your age groups. :cool: Great job for DH too - that's a great time! I hope that the remainder of your weekend went well and you got to relax a little.

Robyn - Neatness in your post... Stopping at your co-coach's house and picture of your outfit. I bet you can't wait for the first snow. :cool:

Greetings to the rest of the group and see you on the 'morrow,
Les

[SusanMac]

Happy Monday, runners! Yesterday was a recovery day for me, which is good. Rain, rain all day long. DH & I had a nice day around the house just relaxing & getting other stuff done. I'm sewing window treatments for our new great room & am very excited as everything comes together.

Les - I hadn't realized one of your services was the blessing of the critters. I'm not a regular churchgoer anymore, but that would be a blast! Geez, I think you'd need to be a few Dog Whisperer skills in addition to giving the sermon!

Kathy - your race sounds so much fun! Thx for the report. So glad the whole family can do it together.

Robyn - That ski outfit is awesome! The pants look cute enough to wear even off the slopes.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Happy Monday, runners! Yesterday was a recovery day for me, which is good. Rain, rain all day long. DH & I had a nice day around the house just relaxing & getting other stuff done. I'm sewing window treatments for our new great room & am very excited as everything comes together.

Les - I hadn't realized one of your services was the blessing of the critters. I'm not a regular churchgoer anymore, but that would be a blast! Geez, I think you'd need to be a few Dog Whisperer skills in addition to giving the sermon!

A recovery day is always nice. Glad that you could take the time off with the 20 miler this weekend. You aren't kidding, the service was a blast - dogs, cats, rabbits, and a hamster (that I saw). The din was fantastic and pucntuated the service well.

I went for a ride this evening and because I knew it was going to be a little dark by the time I got home I took my mountain bike out (so I could ride on the sidewalks and grass if needed). It was a good 45 minute ride with a few curb jumps and balances (waiting for lights - I can balance the mountain bike better than the road bike - can't say why). FWIW - I ended up going to the electronic age so I could share thoughts and sermons with people (besides sending them via e-mail) so I started a blog of my reflections. Not too surprisingly entitled:
lesreflections.blogspot.com (http://lesreflections.blogspot.com)
Only three posts but I'm trying - including school etc. Nothing spectacular but a nice way to share thoughts etc.

Happy trails all and a have a great week.
Les

[Kathy B]

HI, all! Yoga for me this AM, then a little over 4.5 miles while it was still relatively early (long list of errands today). About halfway through my run, I felt really good, and you might even say I did one of Susan's 400m intervals. Not as fast as she does, I am quite sure, and only one, but still a very quick pace for me and it felt great.

Great ski outfit Robyn! Since we only get out there for about 3 days a year, I make do with some ski pants and a jacket that I scotch-guard the heck out of....plus lots of layers of course. Yours looks much cooler! :cool:

Great idea for you to start a blog, Les! I bet it will be nice to have one place that you can chronicle your life events to share with others. The internet really does make keeping up with friends much easier, doesn't it? Good luck with getting it up and running (though it looks like you are off to a good start).:)

Susan, we got the rain this afternoon, and supposedly will have it for a couple of days. I think it's great that you can make your own window treatments. I really admire people who can sew. I learned the basics in 4H as a kid, but it was always a tremendous chore. My mom always said, "When Kathy sews, one of us has to leave the house!" :o So I just cook, and my sisters all sew.

Hi to Natasha, Kathy, Carrie, Vicci, Laura and Tkay. (Hope that was everyone!) :)

[Robyn1007]

Hi Vicci!

Les, so glad the sermons went well and the blessing of the animals sounds like a blast. Milo would have a fit if I tried to bring him to something like that!

Susan, 20 miles? I think I'd fall over by the end of it but way to go!

Kathy, the scarecrow run sounds like fun!

Well, today was a milestone of sorts for me. I went to the gym after a very rough night/day because of a partial power outage last night through this morning and another long day at work. I'm proud of myself because there was a time inn my life when I would have come straight home after a 24 hours like that but I bargained that I would at least do a good strength workout considering I'll be taking Thursday-Saturday off with mom here. I got to the gym, did my strength and was looking at the cardio machines. I actually got on the elliptical. I was able to do about 16 minutes at about a 12 minute mile pace which I know is slow but you know what, it's better than I've done in months. At 16 minutes my foot started to scream so I didn't want to push it too much I'm ecstatic that the reason to stop wasn't because of my fitness level as I knew that I could go for much longer in that respect but just because of the foot. I haven't gotten new shoes yet (next week once I get my big paycheck) but have been wearing the Strassburg Sock almost nightly and using the massage ball and icing so I'm seeing progress.

My coach sent my training program for the next 9 months and it freaked me out at first so I decided to only look at 1 month at a time. I can do this stuff right? I think my biggest concern is time and energy. Last winter I spent most of it fighting what I didn't know at the time was an underlying infection of some sort so I was exhausted ALL THE TIME. I hope that my level of fitness is such that I'll be able to fight off those things this winter.

Hope everyone's Mondays were better than mine!

[ktg0930]

My Monday was not so great and I didn't exercise either! I was scheduled to work at the hospital last night so headed out to the garage and my car wouldn't start :(. Luckily, DH's truck was home and I took that to work. AAA came this morning and my battery had a bad cell and they replaced it. So I'm happy that it's fixed, that it happened when the car was home, and that I had alternate transportation.

Robyn, sorry you had a crappy Monday but you exercised and you have a great new ski outfit (I love the jacket, especially).

Les, a belated happy anniversary to you and LW! I'll have to check out your blog. Thanks for sharing.

Kathy, the scarecrow run sounds fun and great job on placing in your age group.

Susan, what do your window treatments look like? Sewing is a nice rainy day activity, I think.

Vicci, how's the painting project going? It doesn't sound especially fun, but I'm sure it will be worth it when it's finished.

I really need to run today. Sunday was a planned off day from running, although I did some weights and took a walk. Yesterday got away from me since i didn't get up when I was supposed to and then I actually put my running clothes to go out at lunch and got caught up at work. Then I had to go be a pharmacist.

Have a good day, everyone!

[newsomz]

Vicci - Great job on the run!!!! It is good to hear you were able to get out :) Keep taking care of that ankle - we don't want a repeat.

Robyn - The new outfit is sooo cute! I got a new pair of ski pants a few months ago and I can't wait to break them in! Just take your training plan one day at a time.. that's what I'm trying to do with my upcoming marathon training :)

Les - Wow! A very busy weekend for you, too. Thanks for the blog link! From last week... Lovely flowers, I'll have to add you on Facebook :) Anyone else on Facebook?

Kathy - Thanks for the Scarecrow Run race report. Too bad DS couldn't run :( Sounds like the rest of the family had a blast!

Susan - That long run sounds great.. what wonderful weather.

Kathy - Did you get out for a run? Glad your car is in working order again.

Hi to everyone else!!!

I got in a nice, stress relieving 4.5 mile run on Sunday. I was going to take the weekend to rest, however, I got too antsy after a few days off.. Needed the run to clear my mind :) This afternoon is a 45 min run. Hopefully it won't be too hot out there.. our autumn weather has disappeared for the moment.

[Natasha]

Quick check-in...

Kathy, thanks for the info about DS. He's speedy! I'm not surprised, but am still impressed!

Susan, nice job on that last long run!

Robyn, cute outfit.

Les, congrats on getting through your Sunday!

Hi to everyone else :)

Things are movin' right along here... had an amazing weekend at a lakeside cottage and have been doing some running, a bit of mountain biking (the leaves are spectacular!), and so on. Plus busy at work and w/other stuff, and I voted yesterday - never dull! Hence the quick check-in :o Anyway, wanted to check in and say hi and wish you a good rest of week!

[KValley]

Sounds like we're all in the midst of a busy week.

Victoria I was aching just reading your exploits on the ladder, tackling the odious task of paint-scraping. I hope the week brings relaxing runs instead of tedious chores!

Robyn The ski outfit is very cool- you must be itching to hit the slopes! Good for you for getting to the gym and pushing yourself through a w/o. I feel, literally, your PF pain and I wish you continued healing. I'm wearing my night splint and it IS helping, but pain continues...

Kathy I hope the perfect weather continues as well as the great events- you sound so happy and busy.

Les I wish I could have been present at your second sermon. Was this a special service/blessing for creatures great and small? What a lark and a precious event.

Susan Your long run sounds gorgeous and I am in awe of your stamina and power.

Natasha You are enjoying autumn to the fullest! Isn't it wondeful :)

newsomz How was today's run? I could send you a touch of rain and wind if you'd like :) We had power outages in the neighborhood over the weekend. Northwest autumn (which is virtually indistinguishable from winter and that, from spring :p) has arrived.

Kathy You've had a frustrating couple of days. I hope life calms down a bit and you are able to get out for the run you are craving.

And off and on week. An abandoned tempo run last Thursday from PF pain. Then Saturday, a scheduled 8 miler, also tanked. Brendan, who is also training for the Seattle 1/2 marathon, is adjusting to a new work schedule (now, 4 pm -1:00 am). We like to embark upon our long runs together (though we go at v. different paces). Normally, I'm an empty- or nearly-empty-stomach runner (at most, a banana or granola bar at least an hour prior to running). This Saturday I let him sleep in- we set out around 10 am, over 3 hrs after I'd eaten. I got in 2 miles before I was too nauseous and cramped to continue. So much for eating. We spent the afternoon at a friend's, then grocery-shopped and suddenly the day was over. We did manage a long walk before nightfall.

I was really upset and discouraged about my missed runs, feeling like I'd lost a whole week of training. But at lunch on Saturday my girlfriend talked me down and made me promise to start my work week (Sunday) with a good session of yoga, which I did. Yesterday I had a great speed w/o. Today a long hike after work. Now my PF is roaring. :( In a moment I will hit the sofa with Frankenfoot. Tomorrow may be a tempo run or x-train on the elliptical, depending upon the PF, with weight training. Saturday I'll set out on my own before breakfast to try again for 8 miles, leaving DH to sleep.

Happy trails, all. Julie

[VictoriaL]

Hi All!

The paint around that front door is finally all scraped and sanded, and DH promised to get the primer on in the next day or two. I overdid it on Saturday and was absolutely dumbfounded at how much I ached on Sunday and Monday, and taking those days off really helped. I love my heating pads!!! :D

We did go out on a bike ride this morning. Planned 15 miles but decided to stop at 12 because my breathing is still a little ragged due to paint fumes (heat gun) and paint dust (sanding). I did wear a dust mask, but don't have a respirator (although, in hindsight...). The fall colors are just beginning to develop and, even though it was a bit chilly, it was a very nice ride.

Les, the sermon at the animal service sounded very interesting (Spooky would have been absolutely mesmerized by the hamsters...). Is this a yearly event? And you remember correctly-- my broken ankle was a fall down the stairs but I find myself being overly careful of any potentially unstable situation now.

KathyB, the Scarecrow Run sounded like loads of fun especially since your family joined in. How much you seem to pack into your days!

Robyn, what a cool ski outfit-- it makes the ones I had in the 70's look so... dated. And great work on the elliptical yesterday after such a day yesterday!

Susan I, too, admire your sewing skills. I can do a little but for window treatments, I just go to the nearest store. :)

Kathy I guess that if your car had to conk out, the timing was right (although when it is ever a good time for this to happen?). Hope that you got that run in today, and work didn't interfere again!

Carrie, did you get out today for your run, too? It has been chilly here and I'd like you to pass up some of that warmth, please.

Nat, I enjoy running/ biking through three of our four seasons but autumn's colors have to be the best part. We're still a week or two from peak yet.

Julie, how's the foot doing now? I hope that you're able to get something active in tomorrow.
I wish I could run on empty, but I end up thinking of food while running and lose focus!

Must get to bed. I'm to report for jury duty tomorrow, which necessitates a 2-1/2 hour earlier wake-up time than usual (it will be dark! Ack!!!) and a hour bus ride in order to sit in a hot room and be interviewed by attorneys. Hmmm, scraping paint actually seems to be preferable just now!

Happy Hump Day to everyone! :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Run by (without a run)... Added a friend on FB... found out my blog was locked (don't ask)... Blessing animals is a yearly event at the church I am at... A service for creatures great and small - loved by most and those who don't go to a different service... sorry about your PF KValley...

Long day at school - Convocation with conferring 4 degrees. Lunch and dinner with Mom and Dad (and about 200 of my closest friends). Nice to see lots of folks but no real workouts for me today. Tomorrow evening after classes will be better though.

Things to do before sleeping so... happy trails,
Les

[KValley]

Les, enjoy the convocation and meals with 200 of your closest friends ;) You are getting a workout from all that activity!

Happy to report a great tempo run this morning- 4 miles. PF was nasty at first, but settled down and I was able to run at an increasingly faster pace. I am icing now and I do have a long work day on my feet ahead of me. We shall see..

It's my Thursday. Woo Hoo for the weekend's forecast: cool but sunny!

Happy Trails, Runners. Julie

[Robyn1007]

It's my Thursday. Woo Hoo for the weekend's forecast: cool but sunny!


Me too! My mama is coming tomorrow afternoon for a long weekend and to top it off I'm leaving work around 3ish to pick her up so it'll be a short day. :D

[Leslie Ferguson]

You aren't kidding Julie - but it was such fun dining with that many people. Ice is your friend... ice is your friend... I hope it continues to be your friend.

Have fun with your mom Robyn.

Rode tonight, went for a mountian bike ride today in both the failing light (being very careful) and a little mist - cooling effect is fantastic as long as I'm wearing sleeves. Staring at 76 pages of a guy named Karl Barth (German theologian) that I need to read -- no stalling anymore. Had a lot of fun with Mom and Dad the past couple days and had some good fun visiting with alumni/alumnae. But the break is over and classes are really back in session. Off to read some pretty tough readings so I'll see you later.

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Long day at work today, but it sure went by quickly. Exercise wise I went to the CC yesterday for weights and 45 min on the EB. Not sure what tomorrow holds, but I should be able to do something.

Vicci, have you had jury duty before? I have to report next week myself, although it is only a 15 min drive for me. I've never done it, and I'm actually kind of excited to go and see how it all works. DH thinks I'm a geek! :p

Kvalley, hang in there with the PF. It sounds like you are getting a lot of good workouts....just paying for it later. Hope it settles down soon!

I have to hit the hay before my head hits the keyboard...(I am beat!). I'll catch up tomorrow when I have something to report. G'night all!

[ktg0930]

Hello everyone!

I ran this morning...first time all week :o It's Yom Kippur so I'm fasting today (since last night to tonight at sundown), so I hope the run was not a mistake. I do drink non-caloric liquids though, which is not technically allowed. Tomorrow we are headed to a wedding. I am doing a reading so we need to attend the rehearsal tomorrow afternoon.

Kathy, have fun with the jury duty! I served on a grand jury when I lived in NYC and it was my first experience with jury duty. We heard several cases each day for a month and we just had to decide if there was enough evidence to send the person to trial. It was interesting to hear the different juror opinions on a case because many times it seemed obvious to me that there was or wasn't enough evidence and people would have such different views (much like some of the politicial discussions).

Les, hope you enjoyed your days off from class.

Robyn, have fun with your mom.

Julie, it's good that the PF doesn't keep you from running. I hope that means frankenfoot is working.

Vicci, enjoy your jury duty too!

Carrie, glad you had a nice run...it does clear the mind. Are you taking classes this semester?

Hi Natasha, Susan and everyone else!

[SusanMac]

Hi gang. I've been keeping up w/everything, but haven't posted in a few days, I think.

KValley - it's so good to have you be a regular around here! I'm amazed at how much running you can do with the PF

Les - glad you had a nice visit w/M&D

KTG - My window treatments are a simple swag with sheer fabric. The others I've done are roman shades & valances. I specialize in simple squares :-)

Kathy - I totally ditto your comments on the political thread. I much prefer a dialogue over a 'debate'. I was participating at first, but dropped out pretty quickly. Now I just scan occasionally

Well, I've had a wacky training week. My race is about 10 days out. Everything has been going well, even though I know I need more miles/consistency under my belt. DH & I go out for a nice run Mon night and try some trails by our house. I somehow trip on a big root I didn't see in the path. My left leg is all scraped up. But my right knee took the impact. Nothing broken or sprained. But definitely not a good thing. Lots of ice and ointments. My knee hurt going downstairs for the first day. But after that, nothing's been stiff. I did a short run Tues, and a 6-mile run yesterday w/some below-race-pace miles. Everything is feeling good so far. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[1MegMeg]

*peeks head in*

Hi! Can I join the virtual running buddies?

I started running at the beginning of this week (3x so far) and am currently only running a mile without stopping, at a slow pace (12 minutes), but I really really enjoy it! I've never been a runner, but decided I want to be one! I was pleasantly surprised to be able to run a mile without stopping hehe. I would like to work up to a 5K. I have my eye on a race December 6th - do you think that's doable? Obviously, my goal is to finish the 5K (and hopefully run it without having to take a walk break), not win the 5K. :p

A little more background... I broke my left femur back in February (my long sad story is somewhere on Other stuff hehe) and am still recovering from that. Well, I am fully recovered and my leg is great, but boy does it take a LONG time to regain 100% muscle strength in some of the largest muscles in your body. I couldn't walk for 9 weeks and in that time my quadriceps and every other muscle from waist down to my foot on the left side of my body had totally atrophied. My "love handle" on my left side was visibly much smaller than my right. On the plus side, my upper body got a great workout from using my walker for 9 weeks.

I went through a lot mentally, and especially physically, with the trauma of the accident, two surgeries, and recovery. But I am proud of myself and of my body and I want to honor it by being good it and to myself and running seemed like a good way to do that. Plus I just feel good when I run. Fitness-wise, I also rock climb a lot (indoor only, Florida has not crags) - my DBF and I go around 2x week to the rock climbing gym and that has been wonderful rehab for my leg/knee....it has gotten so much stronger since I started back about 7 weeks ago.

Well, that's my long winded story. I look forward to being a part of this group. You all are very inspirational!

[Robyn1007]

I went through a lot mentally, and especially physically, with the trauma of the accident, two surgeries, and recovery. But I am proud of myself and of my body and I want to honor it by being good it and to myself and running seemed like a good way to do that. Plus I just feel good when I run. Fitness-wise, I also rock climb a lot (indoor only, Florida has not crags) - my DBF and I go around 2x week to the rock climbing gym and that has been wonderful rehab for my leg/knee....it has gotten so much stronger since I started back about 7 weeks ago.

Well, that's my long winded story. I look forward to being a part of this group. You all are very inspirational!

Rumor has it that you might be headed to a place with a *lot* more options. ;):D

[1MegMeg]

Robyn, you're right! :) We are planning to move to Colorado within the next year and between the running and climbing outside (and all sorts of other good stuff), I am very much looking forward to it!

[Robyn1007]

Robyn, you're right! :) We are planning to move to Colorado within the next year and between the running and climbing outside (and all sorts of other good stuff), I am very much looking forward to it!

And I have some climbing friends who I can introduce you to. Oh, and our own McGeiger's husband is a climber.

[SusanMac]

Welcome, MegMeg!! You are definitely welcome around here. We have runners of all distances, paces & experience levels. That's the beauty of the 'virtual' part.

Sounds like you're off to an awesome start. If you are already at 1 mile, you can definitely do a 5K in early Dec. That's totally doable.

You will love CO (I used to live in Divide, outside the Springs). No more humidity for you!!

[1MegMeg]

Thanks for the warm welcome Susan and Robyn. Susan, I am glad to hear that a 5k in early December should be doable! :) I have a love-hate relationship with the humidity here. It will definitely be nice not to be sweaty and sticky at 6:30a when I leave for work (that's how it is here in the summer blegh!), but my skin and nose are definitely gong to have an adjustment period. I've lived in FL my entire life and don't really know what to do in a dry climate hehe!

[Natasha]

WELCOME MEG!

Off I go for my massage. I don't like doing drive-bys so apologies to all for that, but I did want to welcome Meg.

Best to all!

[newsomz]

Hi All,

Quick drive by for me, too! Sounds like everyone has been BUSY and getting in some great workouts.

Welcome MegMeg!! I am just north of you :) I hear you about the love/hate with humidity. I think I hate it.. then I go somewhere dry.. then I love it.

Anyhow, I did get in my Tuesday run (45 min) and got in a short (30 min) run today. I am planning my long run for tomorrow afternoon.. so I can get it done with before the weekend starts. We have a lot planned so I know I'll have trouble fitting it in otherwise. I just hope it rains tomorrow afternoon (like it did today) to cool things off. Otherwise it will make for quite a warm run as temps have creeped back up to the mid-80's :( Sending all the heat your way, Vicci!

[Leslie Ferguson]

No ride by here...

Welcome Meg! It's always a grand thing to have new folks on the thread. I think you'll be just fine for a 5k in December. I've never lived in CO but I've been there a few times and I bet you'll like it. Welcome to the gang and it's nice to hear your story - even if there's a little pain involved.

Carrie - I hear you about the temp - it was in the middle 70s today after lows in the upper 30s a couple days ago. :( Praying for rain for you too.
Nat - I hope you had a good massage - I could use one right now. Maybe I'll get to the therapist sometime soon.
Susan - I hope you have a good taper - 10 days out is a fun place to be.

A fun day to ride (I WILL RUN THIS WEEK). About an hour and back on the mountain bike - darkness makes it no fun to ride my road bike but I'm not ready to retire it just yet. Tough going back to a full day of classes but necessary. I'm looking forward to this weekend and Monday (it's a holiday - Columbus Day), just like I bet Natasha is looking forward to Thanksgiving (the 13?).

Have a great evening and maybe I'll run tomorrow and start the next thread. ;)

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Hi, Meg! Welcome to the VRB's, and I am glad to hear that you are fully recovered from your accident. I agree that a 5k by Dec should be achievable. Does your BF like to run, too, or what inspired you to give running a try? It is fun to talk about your runs with others, so I am glad you decided to join us.

Les, good job on your ride. It IS getting dark a lot earlier, isn't it? I especially notice it if I take the dog for a walk after supper. I didn't even remember that Monday is a holiday....the kids are out of school, but I thought it was just a "teacher work day."

Way to get those runs in, Carrie! Hope your busy weekend has some fun stuff in store for you. :)

Susan, OUCH! I am sure glad you didn't have any serious injuries with your fall and that everything seems to be working OK. I am sure you must be getting excited counting down to your race. Believe it or not, my adult Sunday School class (Contemporary Conversations) is the one place I know of where a diverse group of people can discuss controversial issues (including politics) and still go home at the end of the hour with no hard feelings. I feel really fortunate to have such a group of friends, because it is very interesting to me to hear different points of view. (And we have many points of view!!) Makes it a little easier to just lurk on the political threads and not jump in....I can get my "fix" on Sunday. :p

Kathy, I think it must have been a great experience to serve on a grand jury. There is a possibility my JD will be cancelled (I call tomorrow to find out), but I hope that doesn't happen. What exactly is Yom Kippur? I knew it was a Jewish Holiday, but I didn't realize it was a day of fasting. Hope you made it through OK. Have a nice weekend at the wedding!

Natasha, you sound very busy. But it sounds like it is mostly good stuff! A weekend at a lakeside cottage sounds wonderful!

Have a nice visit with your mom, Robyn!

Well, I didn't get a darn thing in today exercise wise other than walking the dog. I think I should just realize I am not good for much the day after I work a 12 hour shift. That's it. (And to think I used to do 3 and 4 of them in a row!:eek: I was much younger then.....)

See you all on the new thread!

[ktg0930]

I'm up early this morning to get most of a day's work in before we leave for the wedding.

Welcome Meg!! I agree with everyone else, you will be ready for your 5K! I'm sorry about your accident...it sounds like it has been long road.

Kathy, Yom Kippur is the day of atonement. It's the last day of the high holidays that begin with the new year at Rosh Hashanah. Yom Kippur is a day of reflection where it is recognizes that we sin and the liturgy focuses around confessing sins and planning to "be better" in the coming year. This is probably a simplistic view, but I hope it explains it. I totally understand about being wiped out after a 12-hr day, let alone 3 or 4 in a row! And you are on your feet most of that time, I assume.

Susan, roman shades seem like they would be quite a project! In HS, I sewed a lot of clothes and entered many of them in the county fair as $-H projects. But now, I stick to simple valences and I've always been scared to tackle the roman shades because they look so complicated. Hope you are recovered from your fall and you are enjoying the taper period.

Les, hope you get a run in today! Sounds like you have had some nice bike rides, even with the early darkness.

Have a good weekend everyone!