Virtual Running Buddies - 1/9 [Archive] - CookingLight.com Community

SusanMac

01-09-2009, 09:26 AM

Happy Friday runners!

This has been a crazy week, and I've lost track of what day it is all along. Finally Friday is here. DH and I went on a great run yesterday. Today, I'm watching 6" of the fluffy stuff come down, so I'm headed down to the basement for a bike spin in between meetings.

MegMeg - Pls report back on your Spibelt after this weekend! I plan to buy one, but would love a report on whether or not it bounces around a lot. I'd use it mostly for travel, and probably some races where I want to carry a few gels. DH thinks it should also be a race belt, but I think I can sew on the little bib holders myself and have it still look good. The next question, of course, is color?? How to decide?

1MegMeg

01-09-2009, 11:35 AM

Hello and happy Friday!! Not too much to report other than I stayed up way too late last night watching the Gators win the National Championship!! :D

Susan - Oh the snow sounds so pretty!! I'll let you know about the spibelt! I ended up being super boring and just got black. I could see myself occasionally using it for non-running things so I figured black was the safest bet. I really like the pink and the orange though!.

SusanMac

01-09-2009, 12:10 PM

MegMeg - While I was rooting for OU, I have no ties there so wasn't too sad. But, that was definitely one of the most interesting games of the bowl season!

I'll probably get black too. Boring....but safe is sometimes good. I might be wild and get a red zipper.

Les - I think you need to get the neon green one to match your chili pepper shorts!!

Robyn1007

01-09-2009, 01:53 PM

Happy Friday is right! It's been a long week.

The snow sounds pretty Susan, I wish we had some here in Denver but at least we are getting slammed in the mountains. We're at around 120% of normal right now! :D

Meg, congrats on the big win! I'm looking forward to the Spibelt report as well.

Checking in to report last night's run and swim. Run was great! I felt strong until I took a drink of water at around 15 minutes and got some side stitches. I'm going to try to hydrate a little more during run days and avoid drinking during running to see if that helps. My last treadmill run (before Christmas :o) I did 2.38 miles in 32 minutes so about 13:27 minute miles. Last night I did 2.5 miles in 30:45 so 12:20 minute miles which is slow to the rest of you but such a huge jump for me that I'm ecstatic. And I ran the entire first 15 minutes without stopping. :D I then went and got in the pool which at first was tough. I couldn't find a rhythm and my body was just fighting. I told myself at that point I had to do 20 minutes and then I could evaluate from there. I'm happy to report that I kicked it up and did the full planned 30 minute swim. Thankfully I only had 1 lap to go when the dude who doggie paddles his entire swim joined my lane forcing a circle swim. It's nearly impossible to circle swim with him!

So, tonight I was planning to do both a run and swim but it's tough to fit both in on Fridays because the rec center closes early. I may have to choose one or the other and I should probably choose swim since tomorrow will involve dancing (a friend is getting married) and Sunday skiing so lots of leg work. But, a run is logistically easier so I'm tempted by that idea as well.

Oh, question. I'm feeling a bit achy all over (I've trained or skied 7 days in a row) which is fine, I know I'm pushing my body to the next level, but I'm having trouble getting my back to loosen up. It just feels kind of out of whack. I've tried gentle twists, lay down twisting stretches and rolling on in on the floor. Any other ideas? I can't really afford a massage right now (maybe in a couple of weeks though).

Robyn1007

01-09-2009, 02:20 PM

Shall I report my newest gear get? Today started REI's January Clearance sale which is always a fantastic one. Of course, it's so popular that it always crashes their site too. :rolleyes: So, I snagged a couple of things after much headache getting through plus this cycling vest. The vest cost me $15.83!!!:eek::D I think I'm keeping up with my nickname...:p

http://media.rei.com/media/cc/a8ad60c1-8f1e-4754-a3fc-fc62b76972a5.jpg

KValley

01-10-2009, 09:33 AM

Robyn we are headed to REI today- Brendan needs some new rain gear for biking and I need, well, nothing really but that isn't the point of going to REI at sale time. :p

It may not be just a tight back, but tight hips as well- i.e. your periformis. I love these for getting deep into my back and hips and glutes:

http://www.drbackman.com/MpsO22low.jpg

http://www.drbackman.com/piriformis-muscle-sitting-sm.jpg

and the pigeon: http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:Ui3g_Oxa98SoTM::www.lower-back-pain-answers.com/images/Pigeon-right-gluteal-stretch.jpg

Meg Following up from last week's thread: I haven't yet concocted a 10k training plan. I've run only 3 or 4 10ks and they've been part of training for a 1/2 marathon. Honestly I think I'll continue with my half marathon training plans and just adjust the long runs to make them shorter (YAY!). I probably won't go past 8 or 9 miles, my logic being that running 6.2 will be a breeze if I'm conditioned for 8 :)

Had a really great run this morning- some hillwork and downhill into a stiff breeze. It's not as if I had the wind to my back on the uphill second half, but at least I wasn't fighting hills and wind!. I left just before dawn and as I turned onto my block and slowed to a walk, it began to rain. So I have the satisfaction of having a run in for the day, now it's off to tea with a friend and the rest of the day free to cook and read :)

Susan- I don't envy you the snow. After our heavy snows and Armageddon-like rains and floods we've had enough winter in these parts, thanks so much. On Thursday, a local radio weatherman stated "THe only way out of western Washington right now is by plane..." :eek:

Have a great week, runners. Stay warm, dry and healthy!

Natasha

01-10-2009, 09:41 AM

Hi all! Susan, thanks for starting us off this week.

Doing a bit of board surfing before heading out for a haircut. Haven't had it cut since late October and I like it as is but a chop wouldn't be a bad thing, especially with swimming and all.

Julie, I'm late to say this, but following up on last week's thread, sounds like you've got a good plan for 2009! I second your recommendation of the exercises you showed for opening your hips. My physio/osteo, who was the one who managed to unjam my hip flexor, taught me those and a few other exercises. For anyone interested in stretching, I also recommend a book called Stretch to Win, published by my favourite sports publisher, Human Kinetics:

http://www.humankinetics.com/products/showproduct.cfm?isbn=0736055290

Happy REI shopping, guys!

Okay, off I go :) Have a lovely weekend, all!!

Leslie Ferguson

01-10-2009, 09:41 PM

Drive by... it's been a busy couple days at home with Mom and Dad and not much time futzing around on the computer - at least on line. Still doing my part to prepare the house to move whenever and I've been playing Information Technology guy - backed up two computers and streamlined a third. Also trying to plan out the next three weeks. And then tomorrow evening I'm home. :rolleyes: And I'm looking at at least one more trip down here and to Norfolk in the next 10 days. Oh, and did I forget that I'm in class all next week? How did I forget that? ;)

Time for bed - didn't sleep well last night and hope to sleep the sleep of the just tonight.

Happy trails and I'll post something more tomorrow hopefully (maybe after I leave since M&D are still on dial-up.....),
Les

SusanMac

01-12-2009, 12:54 PM

Happy Monday...oi is it Mon already?

KValley & Nat - thx for the stretching info. That top one in particular is one of my favs but for some reason I keep forgetting it!

It got my Stuffits in the mail today (these are the shoe inserts that keep your shoes dry & smelling good). But, alas, they have to sit in my closet until DH's bday next month. I'm contemplating breaking them out early just b/c I'm eager to start using them.

I have 2 good bike trainer sessions to report from the weekend, along with some hand weights (a new habit I'm trying to get into!). Looking at the temps in the forecast, I think all week will be indoors bike spins!

KValley

01-12-2009, 01:52 PM

Happy Monday...oi is it Mon already?

Yes, unless your Monday is Sunday; in that case today is Tuesday! ;)

I had a sneezing fit this morning that led to a runny nose which needed urgent attention, so I was awake and up at 4:00 :eek: Time enough to curl up with the book I am enjoying, a large mug of Joe before heading to the gym. A 4 mile run and an awesome yoga session- a great start to a longer than normal day.

Robyn -we never made it to REI on Saturday. We went out for a late lunch of pho and antiquing in Phinney instead- a quest for a dresser, which we found. :)

A quiet start to the week for everyone (here anyway- like Les, our real lives are consuming precious spare time!. Looking forward to your updates Meg, Eva, Terri, AKthy, Kathy, Carrie, applecrisp, everyone!

Run well, stay warm

Julie

Robyn1007

01-12-2009, 09:44 PM

Thanks for the stretch ideas everyone. I actually do most of them already as I LOVE stretching but I'll try to be a more careful to get those in.

I did 2.5 miles tonight at 12 minute mile pace. Felt really good. Hit the weights for 45 minutes after that and did core work so I'm now officially exhausted.

I got lots of compliments on my dress at the wedding and found that I should have bought a size smaller than I did and will need to have it taken in sooner rather than later.

Alright, I'm exhausted I'm off to bed.

Happy running friends!

Leslie Ferguson

01-12-2009, 09:56 PM

Driving by once more... long story (that's always the case isn't it?). Class today: went well; LW had two root canals started today (finished in two weeks but the hard stuff is done); may have fractured a tooth that will be looked at tomorrow afternoon; and I ran for just over an hour: WOO HOO! :D And there was much rejoicing...

To bed though - need to sleep off the pain in my jaw.

Happy trails,
Les

SusanMac

01-13-2009, 05:36 PM

Wow - we are off to a light week. Does that mean everyone's out skiing & running?

Mon was a rest day for me. But I had 4 workout days in a row before then, so figured it was OK. Today was a session on the bike trainer & some weights & squats.

I also have a fresh loaf of homemade bread just come out of the oven. I'm on a new quest since a friend gave me a bread starter a few weeks back. But today I realized that making white bread every few days isn't smart while I'm trying to get back into shape & look fab for a wedding next month. Doh! Must stop baking bread!

Robyn1007

01-13-2009, 09:28 PM

Hi Susan! Nice job on the workouts but yeah fresh bread would do me in for sure!

Another 30 minute 2.5 mile run tonight. It was horrid since I didn't take my iPod and then the tuners for the tv's weren't working. I'm just not enough into the running yet that 30 minutes on the treadmill without something to distract me isn't painful. Oh well, I got it done. Tomorrow night is spin class and lactate threshold testing. :eek:

Leslie Ferguson

01-13-2009, 10:06 PM

I wish... while I'm coming up for air...

I had a packed day - worked at the community worship after 3 hours of class; went to the dentist and it looks like I may not have to have significant dental work (praying that cleocin knocks out the infection in my lower gum); got a good update on Dad from my brother who has taken on the parental assistance duties; spun for an hour; and wrote a 4 page (single space) project and a 1/2 page reflection for tomorrow morning.

Time for bed - I'm beat. Have a great day on Wednesday and I'll try to be more conversational tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

SusanMac

01-14-2009, 08:30 AM

Robyn - that treadmill with no distractions would be tough for me, too! Nothin' but that clock staring right in your face!

OK, guys, I need your help with an important dilemma :-)

DH has hinted very strongly that he wants a new iPod Shuffle for his b-day. He just got me one for Xmas & covets it. Mine is silver, b/c he thought I'd want the subdued color (which is really his taste. He's made comments several times about all the colors, and how obnoxious the pink & green are). So, I was going to get him a white one. Well -- they don't make white Shuffles!! Or black. It's true the options aren't very manly, that's for sure. I'm afraid to get him silver b/c we might get them mixed up. All the other colors are kind of neon, which is not his style. There is a red one, which is the least wild but still quite bold.

So - would you get silver or red to give a s gift??

Thanks :-)

P.S. One more day of free shipping on the Spibelt -- MegMeg, how did your test run go? Inquiring minds want to know

SusanMac

01-14-2009, 03:59 PM

Woo hoo - good bike spin & weights session to report today. And the Lost series is growing on me (funny how your entertainment expectations are different while working out!) Tonight I'm off to check out a new African restaurant with my IRL training buddy

VictoriaL

01-14-2009, 08:45 PM

Robyn1007

01-14-2009, 08:48 PM

Argh, I had lactate threshold testing tonight and I am not happy with my results. :mad: :mad: I'm spent now though so it will be an early to bed night for me I hope. Giving my legs a break tomorrow and doing swim/weights.

Leslie Ferguson

01-14-2009, 09:56 PM

So, who all is resorting to "frigid weather exercising" options???

I ran our trails on Tuesday morning because it was still around 30 degrees and not precipitating (and because it was the 1-year anniversary of breaking my ankle and I just wanted to do it!). Tomorrow, with an expected high of 9, I think that I will use the EB. :)
I'm not really that concerned abotu "frigid weather exercising" options until it gets down to your highs tomorrow. Anything with single digits might MAKE me stay inside. If it's not too windy I'll head out in the teens though. But maybe I'm just crazy (ok - I'm certainly crazy).

Howdy to the gang, late and time for bed. Day three of a five day course covering 8 weeks of class work and I'm getting beaten. I ended up writing a 5 page (double spaced) paper and a 1 page paper this afternoon. Oh how things change in 16 months.

A shout out to the rest of the gang: Susan, Robyn, Meg, Nat, Kathy, ktg, Carrie, and all the rest of the friends.

Happy trails all and good night,
Les

Kathy B

01-15-2009, 06:51 AM

Hi all! Yes, I have been doing some yoga, some TM and some weights and EB intermittently over the last several days, but not a lot of spare time beyond that. I have a hard time remembering what I did two days ago, but I have not been on-line much. Work is pretty busy, and I have been there quite a bit. DD has swim meets about 2x/week, and DS is hard at work on college scholarship apps. (I am chief editor....need to get a few more red pencils! :p)

Natasha, thanks for your nice comment about family time....I certainly hope the kids will have lots of good memories of home when they are out on their own! Which is coming up faster than I like with DS....:(. I do think it is cool, however, to watch as they turn in to independent young people. :)

Good luck with all of your schoolwork, Les. Sounds like it will definitely be keeping you out of mischief!

Vicci, has it been a year already? Congrats on your anniversary, and way to go on getting out for a run. I know you are thrilled to have THAT event so far behind you!

Susan, I vote for red. It is a good color for men OR women and not one he mentioned as obnoxious. If he wants to trade (can you do that after you have already put all your songs on it?), then you could consider that if it's an option, or it would be easy enough for him to trade it in for a color he likes if he can't stand the red. Chances are he will like it just fine, because you gave it to him. :)

Robyn, I can't imagine 30 min on the TM with no TV! What a trooper you are!

Julie, your yoga and run sound terrific! Hope the sneezes and lack of sleep did not turn into anything.

Meg, I'd be interested to hear how you like your Spibelt, too. I don't like to have anything on me when I run, but I know I need to start carrying something if I want to do longer runs this summer. Waiting for your report.....:cool:

Off to the CC now for weights and TM. Then back to the hospital for a load of office work. BB concession stand tonight....always kind of fun since I get to chat with other parents and see a lot of kids I know. And so it goes.

Hope everyone is having a good week!

1MegMeg

01-15-2009, 07:40 AM

Good morning everyone! Sorry for being scarce this week, work is keeping me very busy, but I've had time for some runs. The weather has been gloriously cold (for FL) this week and I have been really enjoying the morning cold runs. Today I ran 4 miles. Four miles!! I remember when I joined this group I was running a mile, now I am up to 4. :) Had a great evening climbing yesterday too; flashed my first 5.10 route last night and finally got through, with no falls, a 5.9 I'd been working on for a while.

I really like the spibelt, but for me it has to be positioned just right otherwise it bounces. I have to wear it a couple of inches below my belly button, right at the top of my hip bones (not my natural waist, and not the widest part of my hips)...hope that makes sense. If I have it there it stays perfectly. The strap is elastic, which helps hold it in place. The first time I wore it I didn't have it low enough and it slide up to my natural waist and was flip flopping all over the place. But the top of the hip bones works good!

Kathy - Chief editor hehe, I like that! Hope you get some relaxing time this weekend, you are one busy lady!

Les - Yay! You're officially more than halfway through your super condensed course. Almost done!

Robyn - This is probably a stupid question, but what is lactate threshold?

Vicci - Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! Time flies! My one year break-my-leg anniversary is coming up in February.

Susan - How was the African restaurant? That sounds delicious! I also vote for the Red shuffle. Your DH didn't specifically say he doesn't like Red and while it is a "color", it's a more normal color...not like the neon pink and the green.

Hi to Julie, Nat, Eva, Carrie, and everyone!!

Robyn1007

01-15-2009, 08:17 AM

Meg - Not a stupid question at all! I'm going to link an article about it that gives some good explanations in relation to cycling but it applies to running as well. Basically though I'll use the findings to set my zones and determine workout intensities.

http://www.velonews.com/article/8217

SusanMac

01-15-2009, 08:30 AM

Greetings from -13 degrees WI :-) No dog walk today (poor Bode - or poor us!), and definitely another day for the indoor bike trainer. But, it is gloriously beautiful outside! All sunny & white.

The African restaurant was great. I had a smoked fish soup with spinach and sweet potatoes, with fried plantains alongside. Yum!

I ordered a Spibelt yesterday. I knew I'd want one regardless of MegMeg's report b/c there are so many times that I either travel & need to carry stuff, or want to carry a few gels in a race, etc. I ordered black, knowing that DH would want to use it in a few upcoming races (once again...no bright colors that stand out...you see a recurring theme here :-) Good tips, MegMeg, on the placement! I'll have to practice with that.

Verdict is still out on the Shuffle (I keep wavering), but thanks for voting!!

I love the core workout for runners article in the Feb Runners World! None of the exercises are brand new to me, but it's nice to have a succinct list to remind me of which ones are going to give me the most reward for my time.

My big news of the day.....I just registered for Grandma's Marathon! Actually, I had to wake up at midnight to do it, as that's when registration opened. I've been eyeing this one for years, and DH and I have been wanting a weekend getaway to Duluth, so now we have a reason. It's June 20. So...now to go make my training schedule. Yay!