Virtual Running Buddies- week of 14 November 2008

[VictoriaL]

Good morning, all!

When I saw the weather forecast for the next few days (today 65F, tomorrow rain 52F, Sunday rain 38F) I opted to get a later start in leaving for the lake house in order to take a run. And a beautiful one it was! The trails were quite wet, and my feet soaked before I even left the yard, but the sun was shining and a warm southwesterly breeze was blowing (love those southern winds in fall and winter!). I enjoyed my 40 minutes thoroughly. Looks like, for the next run on Monday, I'll be dealing with snow. *sigh*. Well, it is that time of year! :rolleyes:

Hope that you all have a great weekend, whatever is in the cards!

[KValley]

Hi all,

Thanks Vicci for launching us into a new week.

Just a quick check in after several days' silence. Carrie-a belated atta girl and thank you for sharing the great photos of your weekend race! Hello to everyone!

Our move is behind us and we are settled in, with just a couple of closets that need attention and some pictures to hang. Following on the heels of our move was a sudden change in work responsibilities for me- a promotion of sorts- that has me going to our HQ office in the UDistrict 2 days/week. More changes to a work/life/exercise routine already in a fluffer because of the move.

I am trying out a new gym in Ballard- I have week pass and the jury is still out. I have another to visit this weekend near my workplace in Fremont. The gym in Ballard is just fine, if not a little too big. I don't really care for the free weights area, but the cardio machines/layout are far superior to my former gym. And great yoga and pilates class offerings, if I can muster the effort to get there. I just miss the intimacy and the familiarity of the old place. Sigh. But the new is open 24hrs, which is a big deal as at least a couple mornings/week I will be there before 5am, so I can get to HQ office by 8 am (I'm hopeless to work out after work- just too tired). A new LA Fitness is set to open in Ballard by mid-2009 so if I join current gym it will be month-to-month until I see new LA Fitness facilities.

I had my first run in a week yesterday- a peaceful 4 miles. I have chucked in any hope of running respectably at the Seattle marathon (1/2 for me) in 3 weeks. Just go and have fun.

Tomorrow will be a long run around the new neighborhood, with a hook into Burke-Gilman trail. This week's incessant rain has indeed ceased and the weekend's forecast is for sun/partly cloudy. Yippee!

Can't believe it's mid-November. How is your weather, ya'll? Still running through the piles of leaves? How are you coping with the dramatically shorter days?

Happy trails,

Julie

[Natasha]

Vicci, smart you to get in the run while it was still nice out! Thanks for starting us off this week.

Sounds like a rough week for a few folks (not the easiest on my end, either) -- hope next week is smoother all around :)

Hi to Julie, Susan, Robyn, Les, Betsy, Carrie, Kathy, ktg (are you back from CR, and if so, how was it??), and everyone else.

And oh yeah - I RAN today! 40 minutes and I loved every one of 'em :)

Off to figure out dinner and put some beer in the fridge!! DH has a nasty cold so I think date night will be spent snuggling on the couch and watching videos from the library. Not a bad thing, to be sure. Have a splendid weekend, guys.

[Robyn1007]

Vicci, good move getting the run in ahead of the weather!

Julie, that is so funny, I can't get my butt out of bed before work so I have to do it after work but I only go home first if I'm riding, otherwise if I'm going to the gym it's straight there so I don't get lazy.

Natasha, hope the beer was good!

I got in a 30 minute swim tonight. Tomorrow will be skiing as part of training for coaching. Should be interesting as there are a lot of egos involved in coaching.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Driving by...
I'm not loving the shorter days right now KValley but the season shift is great. I wouldn't mind the leaves either if I was running during daylight more often. Have fun in the half - don't stress over being wrecked for it or not having the best race - just have fun.
Speaking of which. Nat your evening with DH sounds like fun in my book. :cool:
Thanks for starting Vicci good call getting out before the bad weather.
A shout out to Robyn (we're co-posting).

Laying low - writing, went to an engagment party for a friend from school at the Ritz Calrton. I could live like that (in my wildest fantasies). Also found out that a Prince Saudi Arabia was in the hotel for the financial summit - explained all the guys with earpieces and buttoned jackets. Maybe a run tomorrow

One more round before I sleep - pray that you all are well and have a fine weekend.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Les, wow, sounds like an amazing party!! Hope today's sermon went well.

Robyn, how did you cope with the big egos? Hopefully the training was interesting, anyway.

I had a good run this morning. As mentioned previously here, I so wish I could run more mornings! But it's not worth it in the scheme of things - better for me to get an early start on work on the weekdays. Plus I really like getting as much stuff done as I can at work before things get hectic. Yesterday I had a longish spin.

Have a fabulous Sunday, all! I have cooking, house stuff, and so on in my plans for today (plus yoga and core). Maybe a movie with DH and a friend tonight (Passchendaele).

[newsomz]

Vicci - Thanks for starting us out! Great job on the Friday run :) Good luck in the snow. How cold does it have to get before you stop running outside?

KValley - Glad that the major part of the move is out of the way. I hate packing/unpacking. Our weather was warm & muggy until today. A cold front finally came through so now we have lows of 30's & highs of 60's. Very sunny so it should be a gorgeous week! Our leaves don't really turn.. Sometime in Dec/Jan they turn brown and fall off :( How was the weekend run?

Natasha - I love morning runs, too, but am way too lazy to pull myself out of bed most of the time! Add in "cold" weather and I definitely can't get myself up. In the summer I can sometimes force myself up because otherwise it is so hot. Hope you had a nice Sunday.

Robyn - Good job on the swim. How was skiing???

Les - Funny about the Ritz Carlton! I am speaking at a conference in Feb which happens to be at the Ritz so I'll be staying there for the first time :) I'm probably more excited about that than the speaking engagement, lol.

A few runs to report. I got in my first run since my race on Friday after work. Would have gone Thursday but had a CPR class that night. I also did a nice 6 mile run this evening. I'm fully recovered and biding my time until I start increasing mileage again for the marathon.

Happy trails to everyone.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Nat - The party was a lot of fun and my sermon went well today - even with a tough topic (giving to the church). Morning runs are a lot of fun but like you say, tough to fit in with work/school. Great job on your workouts.
Carrie - That's too funny that you'll be at the Ritz - posh place. Although you didn't ask but for me it has to be into single digits before I think about not running outside. Luckily at that temp any precip is most likely snow but if it's sleeting or freezing rain then I'm inside. Actually think I ran a couple years ago when I lived in Newport when it was somthing around 11 with wind chill. That's when it's 3 long sleeve shirts and probably a tank top on the bottom and polypro tights and wind pants on the bottom. I may actually wear a hat at that point in time too.

Missed my run yesterday - no good reason except wrestling with my computer and getting a good copy of my sermon out. Got good reviews so I'm happy.

Hope everyone else had a good weekend and I'll check you later.
Happy trails,
Les

[KValley]

Les- There was a segment on NPR over the weekend about people in DC/Maryland/Virginia renting out their homes during Presidential Inauguration week. Apparently there is quite a booming trade on Craigslist! I thought of you...

So glad your sermon went well- I can imagine that church tithing and charitable giving are struggling lines in many budgets these days. We're getting ready to send out an e-mail to family asking that they refrain from giving us gifts this year and instead donate to one of our or their favorite charities (as we will be doing instead of sending them gifts). Always an uncomfortable thing, but for Heaven's sakes, not a one of us really needs or wants anything...

Anyway. Had a nice run around the new neighborhood yesterday. The weather was perfect and I enjoyed the vistas and the seagulls. But it's back to Frankenfoot as I return to more consistent running. Sigh.

FWIW- it would have to be nose-hair freezing cold for me to not run outside. On the other hand, I wouldn't don my trainers if it were above 75 degrees:p

Robyn You've coached skiiing before, no? I've long pictured you as a ski trainer, at any rate. I think you'd be an awesome coach.

CarrieNice recovery run- the 6 miles must have breezed by.

Natasha Your Sunday sounded perfect- a nice balance of relaxation, play, nesting.

I've been able to adjust my Monday and Tuesday schedules to start work at 9, so I can make the gym by 5 or 5:30, then home to shower, breakfast and out the door to catch the bus or walk to work by 8:20 a.m.. Nice. Come Wednesday I'm off to try out another gym, then I'll decide.

Have a great week everyone!

[Robyn1007]

Les, I know what you mean about those fancy shin digs that you just know aren't part of your lifestyle. Hope today's sermon went well.

Natasha, I do enjoy getting workouts done early on weekends when I can. It's nice to know it's done and have the rest of the day at your disposal.

Carrie, glad the recovery was smooth.

Julie, we're on the same level. Exercise in cold weather is much more pleasant. Yes, I have coached before, in fact, this year is my fourth season. This season will be my third with the 5 & 6 year old group which is fun and frustrating at the same time.

I did ski yesterday but it was miserable. Way too packed with snow conditions that weren't pleasant. To top it off our head coach decided to have us skate uphill to a different area and it caused an asthma attack which I hate. I need to refill my inhaler script and start taking it to the mountain. The altitude doesn't help.

I did a short spin today but the asthma is still acting up and I'm frustrated with that but at least I got something in.

[Kathy B]

Hi, all! This AM I did some power yoga with Steve Ross's Inhale show. And I just finished 35 min on the TM with several good intervals, too.

Vicci, did you get snow today? We had a few flurries Saturday, but nothing stuck. Hope you enjoyed your time at the lakehouse!

Julie, if you are running in a half marathon, that is very respectable in my book, no matter what your time is! Nice that you could adjust your schedule to accomodate the gym. I can't imagine trying to make it there any earlier than 5 AM. :eek:

Les, your sermon topic can be tough, especially in these tough economic times. My dad once told me that when HIS dad had to borrow money during the depression to buy seed to plant in the spring, he decided to go ahead and borrow enough to meet his tithe while he was at it! I am sure a lot of pastors would like to have a few dedicated members like that in their congregation.

Good job on your runs, Carrie! I find it much easier to get up early for runs in the summer, too. I am trying to get myself out the door earlier on days I go to the CC for weights. If I leave it until later, something always comes up. Natasha, I think you have a lot of self-discipline to be able to consistently get your workouts in later in the day!

Robyn, sorry to hear the skiing wasn't great, but at least you have lots of days ahead to make it up! :)

Busy day, busy week, I better get busy! :D

[aggie94]

Carrie, another belated congrats on your race! Great pictures. I'm always impressed at how fresh all of you look after a race! I generally look like I'm about to pass out, which is also how I usually feel. :eek: ;) Have fun with your training for Paris!

Julie, congrats on your promotion! Are you expecting rain in the forecast for the race? I have always been afraid to commit to Portland or Seattle for fear I would get stuck running in the rain, something I *don't* do. :o

Les & Carrie, isn't it great to see how the other half lives?? :p My firm puts me up at the Four Seasons on the once-a-year-or-so occasion I have to go back east to our home office. It would be soooo easy for me to get used to that!

Robyn, please take care of yourself and get that inhaler refilled! I've suffered from asthma in the past, and the cold dry air and altitude definitely do not help! Sorry you had a rough day.

Hi to Vicci, Kathy, Natasha, and everyone else!! :cool:

FWIW- it would have to be nose-hair freezing cold for me to not run outside. On the other hand, I wouldn't don my trainers if it were above 75 degrees:p

LOL. I am the exact opposite, but that's no surprise to you, I'm sure. :p We did have a brief reprieve from the heat last week, but daytime temps are back in the 80s. My Sunday morning run was a tad on the warm side for me, at about 62°. But give me 100° over 10° any day of the week! :D Below freezing and you'll find me inside on the treadmill. I *hate* being cold!

I did manage to get in three decent runs last week, plus three personal training workouts. Tuesday night, I met up with my running buddy at the Y, and we did 5 miles. It was just the two of us, and I get a little freaked out on the trail by myself when it starts to get dark, so I busted a move to keep up with Mike. Turned out to be a fast 5 miler for me. Friday morning, I went out from my house and did 4 miles before work. Sunday, Mike & I did just over 6. I did not even try to keep up with him this time - just went out slow and steady on my own. I ended up finishing about 5 minutes behind him, at 64 minutes. Not bad for the first 10K distance I've done in at least 6 months. The air was definitely tough on my lungs, though, and I spent the better part of yesterday coughing and wheezing. I'm wondering if we aren't getting some nasties in our air from the California wildfires.

This week's workout/running plan should be somewhat similar to last week's.

[VictoriaL]

Hi everyone!

Julie, I'm glad to know that the move went smoothly. We've been in the same house for almost 25 years and, both being pack-rats, I don't think that we can ever leave. And your comment I can make the gym by 5 or 5:30. Oy. ;) You dedicated soul!

Nat I'm with you-- I love morning runs but they are few and far between (mostly because, if running the trails, I have to wait until the grass/leaves dry out a bit). Hope DH feels better and that you avoided "the bug".

Robyn, hopefully you're breathing better by now. I just refilled my inhaler for the first time in almost a year since I don't use it except before exercising. Do you use the CFC formulation (good ol' generic albuterol)? If so, stock up before 31 December because after that day they will no longer be available. I priced the new non-CFC formulations and they will cost about 3 times what the albuterol does now. Just in case you didn't know... :)

So how about it, Les, are you ready to let out your home for a few days over the Inauguration for lots of $$$? :p Nice that you received good feedback on your sermon, you worked hard on it (even thinking about it as you ran!).

Carrie, six miles yesterday must have been a cinch! To answer your question, temperature doesn't deter me as much as snow accumulation and wind does. I will run when it's in the low 20's as long as the trails are clear and the wind doesn't take my breath away. :)

KathyB, yes we got snow, alas. I'm not ready for this! Actually, we had January temperatures today (13 degrees below our mid-November normals). Can I come and visit? Please? I'll do some busy-work for you!

And you, too, Eva, although 80 is a bit warm for me, southwestern PA just won't give me the consistent 70 degrees year 'round that I would like. Nice accomplishment on the workouts/runs last week!

As I mentioned, it was chilly today. :rolleyes: I decided to use the EB and the electronic monitor died (the thing that sets the resistance for hills, etc. and tells me how "fast" I am biking). This will be the third replacement since last April. :mad: Oh well. Good decision to buy the extended warranty on that! So I used my heart-rate monitor to keep me going but only managed 25 minutes.

I had been hoping for slightly warmer temps and a run on Wednesday, but it looks as though the forecast has changed and our only sunny day this week has been taken away. I have to get adjusted to the cold... I went to the kitchen for a slice of chocolate gingerbread and heated the plate in the microwave, then heated the cake a bit too. Warmth, any amount, any way....

Hope that your weeks started out well, all!

[Robyn1007]

Quick drive by while I head for bed early tonight. Got a good strong swim of 31 minutes in. Felt better than I have in a couple of weeks swimming. Don't know what was different but I'm going with it. I'll check in more tomorrow.

[Kathy B]

Weights at the CC and 30 min on the EB. DD started swimming practice yesterday, and DS is playing in the pit orchestra for the school play ("Grease") which is performing this weekend, so lots of practice sessions. Very hard to figure out when to have dinner (and who will be there!).

Glad you had a good strong swim, Robyn!

Vicci, sorry to hear you lost your sunny day. We are supposed to have 60's tomorrow, so I am trying to plan so I can get out for a run. I hear you on the cold weather stuff. The last several nights, I have been filling a hot water bottle to put by my feet when I go to bed. Warm and cozy!

Aggie, great job on your steady workouts! Hope the breathing is better. If the stuff from CA has made it out your way, I would hate to think what the air quality is in CA itself!

Take care everyone!

[ktg0930]

Just a quick post to say that I am back from Costa Rica and it was great! The weather, especially at the beach, was fabulous. It's made it hard to get out and run in the chill of home. More later, as I am trying to get caught up with work and then head to New York for a baby shower later this week.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Drive by... one project down that's due tomorrow, one still to go (the one pending is just 2-4 pages long double spaced, a story about a biblical text). Better than the 10 pager that I'm printing right now.

I'd love to leave personal notes but time is of the essence so until later...

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Kathy, glad to hear you had a good trip. I bet it IS hard to get out in the cold again after running in the sunshine on the beach. Good luck with that....;):D I'd love to see a few pics when you get a chance if you'd care to share.

Hope the paper got done, Les!

I HAD to get out for a run today since it was 65 degrees and the forecast says it will be in the 30's tomorrow. So I went for a short run, but kept extending it once I got going. Ended up with 6.25 miles...my longest run in forever! Hope I don't regret it tomorrow, although I felt pretty good and took it at a reasonable pace I think.

Got a big project done at work today, so all in all, a productive day. Hope everyone's week is going well.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Congrats Kathy B, 6.25 miles is a good run for midweek. I hope you dont' regret it either. I hope that you have a good remainder of the week and can carry your run into the weekend.
ktg - I'd love to see pix too if you get them posted somewhere.

I had a very successful day - delivered my 10+ page paper to the professor (10 pages was the limit and mine was about 10 1/2 - he wasn't too hard over about it). Got the shorter paper done and presented in class. I also found out that I have 7 things to do before the end of the semester - and 2 of them are final exams. There's one big paper that's due 12/19 and two finals that same week. The other 4 things are in my preaching class - one is a sermon (without notes) on the 7th and three shorter projects (a haiku, a word-study/poem, and a metaphor of myself) between now and the 9th. So the end is in sight - even though it looks easy the paper and one of the finals are in a class that has to be one of the hardest classes in the school.

Oh yeah, I ran this evening too. :eek: About 40 minutes in glorious weather... 37 degrees (31 wind chill) wearing too many clothes for my own good. Not sure of distance or speed but just running was enough for me. Then I came home and cooked - broiled salmon for LW and her friend and seared yellowfin for me, topped off with fresh asparagus ($1.49/lb at HT) and salad. I'm so happy and it looks like I got 4 home runs today!

Back to the books - reading never ceases.

Happy trails,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Les, what a schedule you have-- the next few weeks sound brutal. But congrats on the run this evening, it must have felt so good!

Welcome back Kathy! So glad that you not only had a good time, but were able to get some beach-runs in as well.

KathyB, good job on getting out for a run while the temps were in the 60's and increasing your distance to boot!

Another day on the EB as it was 21F when I was ready to go out this morning. One thing that this 30 minutes of cycling-to-nowhere did was warm me up a bit, as I actually wore gloves to bed last night because I just can't seem to shake off this chill.

Hi to everyone! And would those in more temperate climates please send some warmth my way??? Pretty-please??? :D

[Robyn1007]

Les, so glad the papers got turned in. Good luck finishing up the semester.

Ktg I can't wait to hear more about Costa Rica!

Kathy Nice job on the 6.25 miles. I only dream of doing that but know I'll get there some day.

Vicci Have you thought about trying some of those thermarest warming patch things to see if that would help keep you warm? I know of skiers who use them if they have trouble staying warm.

Well, I have a few workouts to report. First, a run on the treadmill on Tuesday. Still very, very slow but I'm running about 27 of the 32 minutes so ecstatic about that. I did learn a lesson though. I'm not to mess with my hair while the belt is running any more. It was falling down so I was trying to get it back up, my left foot landed on the still part, right foot still on the belt and it tweaked me all over. I did finish the run though but felt it yesterday.

After that I headed to the pool which was packed. I was circle swimming with 2 other women when one got out and a guy got in. He said he was slow which isn't a big deal to me since I am as well but I let him get half a lap out in front of me and I passed him really fast and so when I turned and headed back towards him I looked at him underwater and realized he was doggy paddling the entire way. After a bit I gave up as it was too frustrating to continue that kind of swim.

Yesterday was spin class with my coach. It went pretty well and we worked cadence all the way through but my hamstring was giving me fits from the treadmill adventure. And then at the very end I started getting charley horses in both calves. I was not amused.

Today, if this stupid cold doesn't take over through the day will be a strength and swim workout.

[Kathy B]

Robyn, hope you don't catch the full blown cold! Take it easy so you don't tip yourself into it. Yeah, I can't do anything on the TM either, no drinks of water or swipes with my towel or it's not pretty. Glad you didn't take a fall! Sounds like you are getting in a great variety of workouts...way to go!

Vicci, our warm weather left overnight. 30's today!! Last night I was outside in the dark planting the bulbs (that I was talked into ordering) quickly before the cold weather arrived. I told the family I felt like a criminal digging in the flowerbed every time a car came around the corner and caught me in their headlights! Oh, well, it's done, and hopefully I will have something to show for it in the spring. I am such a reluctant gardener!

Les, good job on getting your papers turned in AND getting in a run! Don't you love checking things off your "to do" list? Sounds like there are still plenty of items on yours, but you are making headway!

Weights at the CC this AM followed by 35 min on the TM. Thought I should take it a little easy today, but I felt pretty darn good throughout.

Hey to Natasha, Susan, Meg, Mary and Laura! We've missed some of you this week! Hope you are all having good runs/workouts and life is treating you well. :)

[1MegMeg]

Hi friends! Quick run-by as work should really be my priority today hehe.

Was at a conference Tuesday and Wednesday, which was here in Orlando....the long days prevented running from occurring. I ran 3.1 on Monday and it was probably one of my best runs. I felt great, was moving good, and just felt in my element. Ran 3.1 again today and my time was good, but boy I felt like I had bricks for feet! Definitely a difference from my feet for wings run on Monday hehe.

Happy almost Friday! One week until Turkey Day! :) Speaking of Turkey day, is anyone running a Turkey Trot race?