Virtual Running Buddies 19 December

[KValley]

Well runners, it's 5:30 a.m. here in Seattle (well, it was when I wrote this- it took Comcast 35 minutes to process!). I've just dropped my w/o gear in disgust by the door and plopped on the sofa to vent my frustration.

I made it to the sidewalk en route to the car, though I should have been tipped off by a) the absence of a morning paper on the doorstep & b) the utter silence- not a creature nor car motor stirring. The roads are sheets of ice.

The snowfall arrived yesterday, after nearly a week of dire predictions. It tapered off and began to melt, but then it turned very cold last night. All that began to melt yesterday has turned solid ice. We're in for a larger storm tomorrow night, followed by continued deep freeze. Reports are this is the worst winter storm we've had in nearly 20 years.

It's been a rough week all around. Brendan and I lost our beloved dog Lucy on Tuesday. She was 15+ but in great health, so her sudden death was a horrible shock.

Between the weather- not being able to get to the gym, yoga classes cancelled earlier in the week- and upset over our loss, I've not had a great week of working out. I think I will have an early breakfast, then try for a run or at least a brisk walk in my Yak Trax after it turns light. I need the fresh air and a chance to clear my head.

Vicci Thank you for sharing your photos- what a beautiful home! The house looked gorgeous all decked out for the party. It appeared to be such a special evening with some really lovely people. Congratulations again.

Les Congratulations to you, as well, for the completion of another term! Enjoy the respite from your studies. You are welcome to some of our snow :p

Robyn I'm filled with gear-envy reading your posts ;) If we can make it out of the driveway today, Brendan & I are headed back to University Village. I've got a coupon for Lucy- the women's athletic gear shop- that I need to use by the end of the month. I think I want a hoodie...

Meg, Kathy, Carrie, Natasha, Eva, Susan, Terri, EVERYONE- enjoy your weekends- this final push of cookie-baking, holiday planning, gift shopping before next week. I wish you balance and peace as you enjoy the season!

Julie

[Natasha]

Julie, thanks for starting off this week. I am so sorry to hear about Lucy. Many many hugs to you both. Losing a pet is so difficult, and right before the holidays... please accept my condolences.

And that storm to boot - sounds like a doozy! It's snowing and blowing quite a bit out there now.

And yes, you do want a hoodie ;) You will love it!

That reminds me... Susan, did my ramblings about my hoodie on last week's thread make sense? Hope they helped!

Got in a spin last night and hope to run today after work, but it will be indoors. And shovel. Well, I don't hope to shovel, but I know it will be happening. We don't have much to shovel, though, with the cars on the driveway.

Best to all heading into this action-packed weekend!

[Robyn1007]

Copying most post from the other thread here. Hi Natasha!

Oh, Julie, I'm so sorry about the loss of your beloved puppy! And not being able to get workouts in to vent some of the emotion is just adding insult to injury. :( I love Lucy! I won't be surprised if I get a few things from there from my aunt and uncle for Christmas since she knows how much I love their stuff. If you're looking for some workout pants I LOVE the studio knee pant. They're a capri which is great for me since most workout pants are too long for me. These have a nice split on the rear of the calf that makes them super easy to move in. And they are SOFT!!! But I have great shirts from them as well and hoodie would be good.

And, yes, my gear problem is funny. It would work a lot better if I were independently wealthy. I joke (only sort of joking) that I need to move to a 2 bedroom apartment just to have a room for all my gear. Currently my dining area is home to not only my dining table but 2 pairs of skis, a road bike, ski gear bag with boots (oh that's another awesome purchase it has slings on the outside of the pack on the sides to carry my ski boots and a hard pocket for my goggles and huge middle pocket with a spot for a hydration bladder) and then an innumerable amount of coats/jackets/vests/ski pants. :eek: :o

I love running in my tights yesterday! I did just 2 miles but it was hilly and my speed was nearly a full minute per mile faster than Sunday. Although I have 2 funny run related first I was running on the side walk in an especially blind curve for a short bit and was messing with my iPhone (using an app that tracks mileage and speed) so I didn't see the um, animal carcass on the sidewalk until that foot was already on it's way down to it. YUCK!!! Thankfully there was a snow bank nearby which I promptly stopped and rubbed that shoe all over. :mad::rolleyes:

Then I get back to the office and am headed toward my office when our CEO comes around the corner and says "There she is! And she's all ready to go." All of the sudden I realize I'm dressed perfectly to put markers on and act as test subject for the engineers who are learning our animation software. Doh! So I spent most of the afternoon walking around with little reflective balls stuck to me while they played and made me a gremlin and she-ra type characters. Wouldn't have minded except it put me behind in work so I had to do some stuff this morning and now missed my swim time. I might try for a run later but I'm headed to Boulder to hang with the family and do our Christmas this morning through tomorrow so who knows.

Here's an idea of what I had going on yesterday except I was in the tights and my jacket that I pictured last week.

http://www.vicon.com/_images/applications/games_main.jpg

[SusanMac]

KValley - I'm so sorry about your pup! We had a similar experience a few years ago (happy, active pup with a very quick end -- it was cancer, with no previous signs). The shock just puts a rock in your stomach. Let yourself grieve. Maybe an ice storm is OK - curl up on the sofa, look at pictures & share good memories!

Robyn - that's really wild!! Have a great early Christmas this weekend.

Nat - I forgot to respond, but yes, your hoodie explanation helped. I have an REI gift card I need to use, but just realized I should maybe wait til after Christmas.

We also got a big snow dump last night. It's beautiful! But, I can only say that b/c I'm not shoveling. I've had meetings all day so far, and DH has been wonderfully & dutifully shoveling. I owe him some cookies or something.

I have been itchin' to workout, as it's been several days now with only some core work. I need to get my HR up. Planning on a bike trainer session. Keep your fingers crossed.

[Robyn1007]

Hey Susan, are you a member of REI? If so there's a coupon out right now for 20% off 1 full price item valid through Christmas Eve. ;) I'm fortunate with my early Christmas because if I don't get one of the things I asked for I might just go use that coupon...:p

[KValley]

Just a quick report- I had such a wonderful run this morning. It's stunning out- the sun is shining, the mountains are cloaked in white, the cold is invigorating. I love cold weather running!

Thank the heavens for YakTrax. I garnered some open-mouth stares from the uninitiated as I cruised past - I was faster than any car creeping downhill. It's a disaster out there for cars and peds alike, but I'm hoping this sun will melt the ice.

Today was a testament to the restorative powers of running- for body and soul.

Thanks everyone for your sweet words about Lucy. My dad and his SO lost their elderly dog last week, so we know Chaplin and Lucy are hanging out together in the great beyond, chasing squirrels and eating popcorn.

[Robyn1007]

J
Thank the heavens for YakTrax. I garnered some open-mouth stares from the uninitiated as I cruised past - I was faster than any car creeping downhill. It's a disaster out there for cars and peds alike, but I'm hoping this sun will melt the ice.

So glad you got to use them! ;)

[SusanMac]

KValley - You sound so much better! Yes, endorphins are very good thing. So glad you could get out.

We had a change in plans, as well. I helped DH finish shoveling the driveway, then we both went out for a snowshoe hike with Bode. We all had a blast breaking ground in a hilly park. We are all 3 officially pooped. What a great workout, and so beautiful!

[newsomz]

KValley - So sorry to hear about your dog! It sounds quite shocking and sudden. I'm glad you got a nice run to clear your mind.

Natasha - You've had quite a bit of snow, huh? Shoveling is hard work!

Robyn - The animation testing looks like it was a blast.

Susan - Wow! Snowshoeing of fresh snow sounds fabulous. What a fun workout.

We've been having very un-wintery weather.. Highs around 80 lately :eek: Luckily, today there was a thick cloud of fog that never lifted. I got out for a 15 miler with the running club. Lots of fun though they like to run fast! I am totally pooped and thinking about a nap very soon :)

Happy trails to all! I hope you're having a great weekend.

[Natasha]

Carrie, great job on the speedy 15 miler! Sounds like you've found a good group to run with. I love to run alone and with another person or a group, and have found that company can be a very good thing (though not essential by any means) for those super long runs.

Susan, yay for snowshoeing! DH and I went out for an exhilarating snowshoe expedition this afternoon as well. As with you, we broke trail the whole way... great workout for the ol' glutes!

Julie, how are you doing, all considered?

Robyn, sounds like an interesting day at work!

Les, are you out there? zzzzzzz Hope you're resting up - you've earned it!

Yesterday I got in a spin and some shovelling. Not bad.

Okay, off to dress for a Christmas party now. Best to everyone!!

[Leslie Ferguson]

...coming up from the fog...
Wow - stopped by yesterday to read a little before going to the Hospital (Children's that is) and just a little action (KValley and the ice... Nat, and Robyn) then all get out goes by. That'll teach me. :)
Carrie - A 15 miler sounds great . But I bet my bod would protest loudly right now. I hope that you enjoy your summery weather and have a good weekend.
Susan - Snowshoeing in fresh snow sounds divine. Congrats on your good workout with DH and Bode.
Nat - I hope that you enjoyed your Christmas Party and that the snow etc isn't too yucky up your way. How is Cabot doing with the snow these days?
Julie - Sorry about your pup. Good that you had your Yak-trax and I can only imagine the looks as you went blitzing past. Seattle is always a little weird when it snows too - which was always odd to me when I lived in Renton. But then it isn't that snowy in Seattle.

I didn't run yesterday - the damp, nasty weather and catching up on some administrative things (like Christmas shopping) after a couple weeks of dedicated work at school precluded me running. That and I went back to Children's hosptial yesterday afternoon because I had to drop off the paper I wrote with my chaplain supervisor and dropped off some cash and toys (the hospital is almost out of toys -- a bad thing this close to Christmas). Felt great to go back and see some of the staff there - I want to go back. Today, I did some final wrap up things after the semester (I have to write to the Bishop 4 times a year to keep him informed about my education and formation). But I did get a spin in this afternoon - not much but felt good.

They're predicting a Winter weather advisory in the morning - sleet and freezing rain mixed (YUK) and I'm still on to work 3 services tomorrow morning (7:45, 9:00, and 11:15). But I may have a few moments to run after that and before I take one of our International Students to the airport so he can go to a sponsor's house for Christmas.

Anyway, happy trails all and be safe,
Les

[Robyn1007]

A quick drive by! We had a great early Christmas and the bike I've been borrowing for the last few months is officially mine! :D My aunt and uncle are also giving me a trip to Florida after my crazy season is over. I've never been on vacation as an adult that wasn't just going to visit family and I'm super excited. I got in a run today of around 2.5 miles with aunt and uncle's dog which felt great and have a spin scheduled tomorrow. Life is good!

[Natasha]

Les, I hope the hospital gets more toys soon! That's good that you were able to make a contribution. How nice that you were able to go back and see some of the folks you spent so much time with a few months ago... I can imagine how much you liked that (and they liked seeing you again!).

Robyn, congrats on your bike being officially yours! The trip sounds good, too.

The party was lovely and we got another snow overnight so we are about to go out and play in it. :) It's another beautifully sunny day out and warmer than yesterday so prime playing weather. We may also go meet the running gang for coffee but we'll see.

Take care, all!

[1MegMeg]

Nat - Glad you had fun at your Christmas party! The new snow fall sounds beautiful. I know it's easy for me to say that though, with not having to deal with shoveling and other snow duties hehe.

Robyn - You're coming to Florida?! When, and what part?! :)

Les - So wonderful that you were able to give some toys to the hospital. I know how much they appreciate contributions. Stay safe if you are out running in the sleet/ice!

Carrie - Nice work on the 15 miler!

Susan - Snowshoeing sounds like so much fun! It's something I want to try next time I am in the snow. I suppose I could try it here, but I might look a little funny clip-clopping down the sidewalk in snowshoes. :p

Julie - I am so sorry about Lucy. Helping our pets cross the rainbow bridge is one of the most difficult things. Glad to hear you finally got a good run in. I completely agree with you, it does wonders for the body and mind.

Got in a couple of nice runs, some biking, and really good rock climbing this past week. Ran 2 miles this morning, would have liked to run further, but I finally caught the cold that everyone else has had, so I didn't want to push it. On the plus side, since it was a shorter distance my per-mile time was the fastest it's ever been. Last night DBF and I went out to a really great dinner and then drove around and looked at Christmas lights. It was nice to have a relaxing fun evening together....we've been so busy lately.

We are leaving on Tuesday for our tour de Florida hehe. AKA - traveling to see both families for Christmas. It will be hectic, but I am excited to see everyone. I am bringing my running shoes and clothes, hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in some runs.

[Robyn1007]

Meg - It will be Ft. Myers Beach and probably in mid to late May. I can't remember where you are but would love to see you if you are or can be in the vicinity. (Carrie, that goes for you as well!) Have fun seeing family.

Nat - Thanks for the reminder, I kept meaning to get some coffee in me! :p

ETA: Duh, just looked at your location Meg and see you're in Orlando. If you want to come over for a day or something I'd love to hang out. We'll talk more as the time gets closer!

[Natasha]

Hey all!

Robyn, I meant to mention that now that that bike is officially yours, you really need that second bedroom ;) Too bad you can't charge your gear rent! Thank goodness for our closets and our basement as otherwise I don't know what we would do with our gear.

We had a fabulous time at coffee - all the runners present serenaded the coffee shop staff with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and gave them a little gift as they put up with us every week. They were really touched and surprised, though they told us afterwards that they don't celebrate Christmas. ;) They appreciated the sentiment!

I also got in a run, about 9k, and a walk through the forest with DH and pup. Now for a hot beverage and the practical part of my day... some work planning, some tidying, and a bit of gift wrapping.

Meg, do you climb outdoors or at a gym? I hope the cold passes soon. That's a good sign that you were able to have such a good run despite the cold. Sounds like a perfect evening for you and DBF last night. Enjoy la Tour de Floride!

[SusanMac]

Robyn - awesome news about the bike & the vacation! You've only had family vacations?? You will never go back now ;-) Is this your 2nd bike? I've forgotten

MegMeg - Nice job on the speedy run. That's good motivation. Have a great week visiting your family. Definitely need to squeeze in a few runs whenever you don't have to work.

Nat - We will be sending more snow your way later this week :-) Your run/coffee group sounds fun!

I got in 2 good bike trainer sessions & core work both Sat and Sun. My first time on the trainer this season, so it's still new & fun. One-leg drills, spinups, etc. Need to find some new DVDs for future sessions, though. Can anyone recommend a good TV show on disc?? Last year I tried 24 & just couldn't get into it. I'm thinking maybe Lost.

[aggie94]

Hey all,

It's been awhile since I've run and hence, since I've posted. Glad to hear the crazy weather around the country hasn't deterred most of us from our runs. Easy to say for me, as today's high is 63°. :D

I bailed on my usual Sunday long run last weekend after working in the office from, oh, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday. :eek: I just wasn't up for an early Sunday. And work last week was not any better, so the most I had to speak of were a couple of 20-30 minute treadmill runs.

Yesterday, though, I did get out for a nice 8-miler in some gorgeous, cool, brisk weather. And by that, I mean low 50s. :p The work push to Christmas Eve is going to be a rough one - three LONG billable days between now and Wednesday, when we head to Houston for a week. Not sure how many runs, if any, I will get in on our trip, but I have a plan to really buckle down when I get back from Houston to get me ready for the PF Chang Rock & Roll Half in mid-January. Yes, the race I swore I'd never do again after the year of below-freezing temps. But here I am, not yet signed up but leaning in that direction. :rolleyes:

[Robyn1007]

Susan - This is the yellow bike that I've posted pics of. My aunt has been loaning it to me since January and now it's mine! I watched Everest Beyond the Limit Season 1 last year which was a Discovery channel series and enjoyed that.

Eva - Good luck with the long days and enjoy your vacation!

Nat - I have a good chunk of time off over the holidays so I'm hoping to clean out some stuff in closets and such to make more room.

[Natasha]

Susan, we just finished The West Wing on DVD. As one interested in politics, government, and so on, I loved it. Anyway, it's not all that recent so maybe you've already seen it. Since we only get a few channels, we are years behind in our TV watching ;)

Now we've started watching Mad Men on DVD, about a 1960s ad agency. We're only a few episodes in, and it's kind of warped, but still interesting. I need to pick up the next couple of discs!

Speaking of the Discovery Channel, I know my DH really enjoys the Eco-Challenge (adventure racing) videos that DC did, but those are a few years old now since the race no longer exists. You might find them at the library but not sure if they are your cup of tea. I roll my eyes at times because of how they present the races as high drama, but they do depict some great feats and some of it is very inspiring (and the destinations are so scenic).

Eva, good luck getting through these next few days, and safe travels!

It's cold out there, but I'm not complaining! Beats the rain we're supposed to have later this week.

Not sure whether to spin today or do a ton of yoga (or a bit of both). Guess we'll see.

In other news, I just found out a few minutes ago that an old friend is having twins!! So excited for her :D But I digress.

Off to do my last pre-Christmas grocery shopping! Take care, all :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Busy day wasn't it? Cold and windy (and snowy?) from what I gather but I too digress.

It was grand to get back to the hospital and it made me a little homesick (I really want to figure out how to work there permantly - sometime it will happen).

Eva - Sorry all the long hours and I'd almost trade weather with you except that I keep hoping for snow. Good to get runs in when you can and I don't blame you for bailing after working until after midnight.
Nat - Yuck. Snow then rain - never a good thing. Still sounds like you and DH are having a grand time of it up there. That was neat that you serenaded the coffee place too - way cool. :cool:
Susan - How are things with all the snow? I dropped off one of our international students to go to Lansing (yes I know that's not near you but still in the same geographic neighborhood). He's from Haiti and he's not looking forward to Lansing for 2 weeks. :p
Robyn - I hope that you have a productive time off and cleaning. Definitely sounds like you could use another room too. Loved the picture with the targets too.
Meg - Skipped doing anything in the sleet and icy conditions - I'm becoming a wuss when it comes to ice anymore. Need some Yaktrax if I'm going to do things in the inclimate weather sites. Good run for you even if it was just 2 miles - something is better than nothing.

Going off topic a little... I'd like send out a little request (although this contradicts a previous e-mail tha tsome have received a little), my father is going in for open-heart bypass on Friday - has to be at the hospital at 5:30 am. 3 or 4 arteries blocked but it's not that critical because the surgeon was willing to put things off until after the New Year if he couldn't work out schedules with Dad (offered to do his bypass tomorrow morning - but dad felt that wasn't doable). In the long run Dad's fitness level is very helpful - just another reason to keep in good shape I guess. Still he'll be out of things for 4-6 weeks (no driving, no lifting "more than a gallon of milk"). Biggest issue - he and mom are moving from Appomattox in mid-January. Luckily his church is paying to move him (no lifting of boxes) but still odd getting things from the house to the new house. Luckily all the kids and LW are here in VA and all the folks I know in Va Beach (and Dad's new church etc.).

On the up side, I got a spin in this evening. I had planned to head out for a run, opened the door and felt the rush of wind and cold air (20 with wind chill in the lower teens) and opted for a nice toasty ride in my basement. I feel much better.

Hope all are well and having a good remainder of the week with Christmas/Hanukkah celebrations.

Happy trails to all,
Les

[VictoriaL]

A very quick drop-in today. Things have been so crazy busy, and we leave for my parents' home tomorrow until Saturday. I have been able to run or EB (esp today as it never got above 12 degrees out) to keep the stress level at bay. :)

DH said that I woke him twice last night, singing Christmas songs in my sleep! :o

Most importantly, Les, your Dad, and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers this week. I hope that everything goes as planned and he makes a swift recovery.

Must get to bed, I can't keep my eyes open. With any luck, it will be a silent night...

Happiest of Holidays to all of my VRB friends!!!

[Robyn1007]

Les Your dad and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Vicci Enjoy your parent's. Happy holidays!

I got in a 30 minute swim tonight and a 60 minute spin yesterday with my coach. She says I've spoiled her as her first athlete because her others are so difficult. She often tells me something like run 4 min then walk 4 min and I tell her I'm doing more like run 10, walk 2, run 7 walk 2 etc. She has other athletes that she has to twist arms to do what they need to do. Gosh, that made me feel good. :D One more spin tomorrow night and my coach is actually not teaching this one but will join me so it's my turn to watch her get tortured. :p :D

[KValley]

Les-- I keep your dad and all of your family in my prayers as your dad prepares for and undergoes surgery on Friday. I'll also pray for a quick recovery and continued good health.

To everyone- I wish you a safe, peaceful and joyous holiday. Vicci- it sounds like you have sugarplums dancing in your head- I love that you've awakened your DH singing carols!!

Our winter storm has been pretty extraordinary- the city just isn't prepared for snow of such amounts- it's been varying degrees of paralyzation since Friday. I waited for an hour for a bus last night, until, shaking with cold, I called DH from work to rescue me. It's a jungle out there...

But not for those in possession of Yak Trax!! I ran yesterday and this morning. Normally I don't run in the dark, but the predawns have been so bright with snow glow and so peaceful as I am the only fruitcake out and about, I've been relishing the novelty and the great workout. I can't drive to the gym- it's too dicey as the layer of ice is still thick on side streets- so these am runs have been a necessity AND a joy.

Now, to re-don the YT's for my walk to work...

[aggie94]

Les, lots of prayers and good thoughts headed your father's way.

Happy Holidays to all!! I've resigned myself to the fact that tonight will be another all-nighter in a mad push to get everything done before I board a plane to Houston at 4:30 tomorrow afternoon. Then, I plan to do a big fat lot of nothing but R&R until I have to return to work on January 5.

Best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy 2009 - see you in January!

[1MegMeg]

Am wrapping up things at work, but wanted to stop in for a quick drive-by... :)

Les - Your Dad and your family, as well as the surgeons operating on him, are in my thoughts.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! Peace and Joy be with you all!

[Natasha]

Les, continued good thoughts to your father and to you and your whole family.

Eva, another all-nighter... sorry to hear that. But you're almost there!

Busily working on things here too, but no more this evening... I'm off to spin! It's snowing here again (as Susan predicted ;)). Looks Christmasy but tomorrow we are supposed to get rain so maybe no white Christmas.

Anyway, best wishes to all for Christmas and Hanukkah. Have a happy, healthy, and merriment-filled few days!!

Edited to report a spin. It was only 40 minutes but I got a late start and it was certainly better than nothing (and I went pretty hard). I will work from home tomorrow 'til early afternoon and then I'm off work until January 5, like Eva!

[Robyn1007]

I had a fantastic spin tonight! Felt stronger, heart rate was lower and just all around enjoyed it. Not sure what was different because I was using harder gearing to boot. :confused: Only thing I can think of is my body knows its on vacation for the next 12 days! :D

Happy, happy holidays to all! I'm heading to Vail tomorrow. Family was supposed to join me but because my uncle's mom had a fainting spell that put her in the hospital overnight they don't want to take her up to the altitude so it will be just me. I'll be skiing my heart out and have made a reservation at Dish for tomorrow night.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thank you all - sounds like most are busy getting ready for the coming days. At my folks house now, things are ok/as to be expected. It will be a weird holiday to say the least but we're trying not to fret about things.

Maybe tomorrow I'll swing out for a run (can't ride bceause there's no trainer) before Church and my sister and DBF getting to the house.

I appreciate your thoughts and prayers and I too pray that everyone has a good Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Boxing Day.

Happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Happy Christmas Eve all - back to backs (which either means that everyone is busy or buried under snow).

I had a good run this afternoon - not sure how far but ran for about 63 minutes. A nice hilly course out and back in the south and western sections of Appomattox. The weirdness continues - Dad's surgery has been postponed until this coming Tuesday (the doctor had more critical bypass surgeries pop up today so Dad got slid - which I figure is good news).

Tryign to get ready for dinner - an new tradition : Chicken and Dumplings - between services.

Happy trails to all and have a great Christmas.
Les

[Natasha]

Happy Boxing Day, all! ;)

How was peoples' Christmas? Ours was wonderful - fairly quiet and very relaxing. Great cocooning type of day. :)

I also have three good workouts to report from the last three days: decent 45 minute run; 50+ minute intense spin; very strong ~9k run (one of those runs when I wanted to go on and on, but figured that might not be smart ;)).

Les, sounds like a nice run for you. Must have been just the ticket with all that's going on. Sounds like you are all doing well, all things considered, and thanks for the update on your dad. You know DH and I are thinking of him and your whole family.

Robyn, enjoy the skiing.

Hi also to Kathy, ktg, Susan, Vicci, Betsy, Melissa, Meg, Eva, Julie, and the rest of the gang. Hope everyone is kicking back and enjoying life! Oops, guess I should have started a new thread as it's Friday. I'll copy this over later. Gotta go - it's tea time!

[Robyn1007]

I'll post more later but I've had a beyond fabulous 3 days of skiing so far. The fitness level that I'm at has really helped my skiing incredibly and I've been playing in powder and bumps like never before. :D