Virtual Running Buddies - w/o 2/13

[Robyn1007]

Good morning VRBs!

So, I'm going to do the 5 mile fun run tomorrow! Just got the okay from my coach to do it as long as I listen to my body, walk when I need to and don't push too hard. I found out that one of the guys on the Beginnertriathlete.com forums is one of the organizers and he posted an encouraging note to me there so I'm feeling pretty good about it. I had planned to swim last night but my body was feeling pretty beat up so I begged out and will swim tonight.

[TKay]

Robyn - Yeah! Have fun tomorrow. I'm sure you'll do great. I can't wait to hear a report.

I ended up getting in 35 minutes on the TM yesterday. I'm doing a dog-walk and some weights today.

Happy Friday all!

[SusanMac]

Hi runners - I'm back from London. Wow, what a fabulous city & what a fun trip! Tough to come back. But, Bode & Merckx are very happy to have us home. Just skimmed last week's thread as a break during my work email mountain!

KValley - So glad you are OK. What a crazy week! Your DH must be a huge support to you during situations like this.

Robyn I - re: Newton shoes....I've heard that they really force you to have a different footstrike & that takes a while to get used to. I also heard they wear out quickly. I don't know anyone who has purchased them - which is telling! The reviews are from a few tri friends who have gotten free shoes as part of Newton's promo efforts.

Robyn II - re: the race....I don't think you have a thing to worry about at all! The race is only 1 mile more than you've been doing. And, with all of your cycling, swimming & skiing, you have an excellent base. The race weather does sound perfect for this time of year. I'm confident you won't need to walk at all. Have a blast!

TKay - I found references to your cute puppy, but not the link to the pictures :-( I think it's that weird CL thing where the color of the text is only ever so slightly different than the regular text. Argh!

Vicci - How can you possibly make all those cookies & not eat many?? That would be impossible in my house.

So - food & running report from London. As you might guess, food was mediocre. The UK isn't known for culinary adventure or expertise. If we were on a business trip, we'd be eating well at posh restaurants. But, it was vacation, and we love pubs, so the dining wasn't the star of the week. Lots of great local ale! Wonderful tea & coffee. Really good Indian food. Some very good pastries. And an impromptu trip to an extremely cool Whole Foods!

It was rainy & chilly (didn't pack thick winter running gear), so we only headed out for one run. We definitely picked the best weather morning. Our hotel was in Kensington, so we ran through Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, the Princess Di memorial fountain, stumbled across a cool street filled with foreign embassies, and just generally enjoyed the running scene.

All week long in even the toughest, wettest weather, we saw loads of runners out and about the city. I was really impressed! I personally gave them each credit for training for the London Marathon, which is in early April, regardless of whether or not it's true :-)

Howdy to Les, Nat, Kathy, OJ, MegMeg & the rest o' the gang.

[Natasha]

Have fun, Robyn!! :) Like TKay, I look forward to the report.

TKay, nice job on the run.

Hi to Susan and everyone else. Friday afternoon before a long weekend, and it's a sunny, warm one to boot!

Okay, off to spin and figure out what's next for the weekend. Take care, all :)

Nat

[Robyn1007]

Susan you're funny! Not walking at all? I'm still run/walk on my other runs so unless the adrenaline gets the better of me I'll be walking. I have a tough time slowing my legs down enough to be able to maintain the jog part. It'll come, I'm not worried. I just remember that 1 year ago I wouldn't have dreamed of entering a 5 mile fun run on a spur of the moment kind of thing. I thought of you last week when we heard that our Oxford office was getting a bunch of snow right after you left.

I'll definitely post a report tomorrow although don't count on pics, I hate running with a camera and I'm doing it on my own so nobody to take pics of me.

[MaryH]

Well since Robyn was wondering where I'd been (and every time I read your screen name I smile because 10/07 is my birthday) I thought I'd drop in.

Okay, so let's see - reason why I haven't been around so much has to do with getting my personal life in order (yeah Seathyme, I was still working on that and I can't believe it's been almost a year since I saw you in Boston :eek:) and changing jobs last June. After nine years of hearing and deciding personnel stuff I decided to return to life as a litigation attorney (I know, I know, I MUST be way short of some brain cells but what can I say :cool:). All I can say is the pace of litigation is much more demanding than what I was doing. That's good in some ways, not so good in others.

As far as running, not really any to report. I have taken to walking at least three times a week with a friend that I used to run with. We keep saying that we're going to run/walk one of these mornings but for now, the walking seems to be what we prefer. I managed to get in back to back yoga days this week so I'm a happy camper.

I'll try to check in more often and I'm glad to see that everyone seems to be doing fine.

[VictoriaL]

I saw that Mary replied, so I had to pop in for a minute. Thanks for letting us know what you're up to! :)

We haven't heard from Seathyme in ages, though...

Robyn good luck today!

Susan, London is on my list of places I want to go to someday. We're not much for traveling, so it may not happen for a while. Sounds like you had a great time (and I have heard that London has excellent Indian restaurants due to the large population of Indians there). How was the wedding?


We're at the lake house until late tomorrow afternoon. It's so different than it was 3 weeks ago-- no piles of snow or layers of ice! The propane truck made its way to us and filled the tank, the water line thawed and we have plenty of water now. Life is good!

I put some gel sport insoles in my old Asics and went out for a run. 52 minutes (and, with the hills, an average HR of 146) and I won a prize! I found that a boat fender (one of those hard plastic bobbing things that you tie to the boat to prevent the boat itself from bumping into the dock)! It must have been lost when someone took their boat out and was covered by snow. I looked a little silly running home with it... ;)

I hope to get in another long run on roads tomorrow before we leave.

Anyone have Valentine's Day plans? Good friends are coming over for dinner this evening, and I hope to unload the last of the cookies/ candy onto them. :) Susan. my willpower is awful, so it was all I could do to not eat cookies during the last few days. I did pack up a box and send to my parents, and I shoved the peanut butter fudge back into the depths of the refrigerator. The biscotti were packaged and "hidden" in the dryer (!) along with the phyllo-nut logs but the absolute hardest was trying to forget about the macaroons and the brownie cupcakes... oy.

Have a good weekend, and also a shout out to Les, Nat, TKay, KathyB, Julie, Meg, et all.

[Natasha]

Hi everyone!

Mary, it's so nice to hear from you. Glad things are going well and I had to laugh about your comment about the brain cells :D

Vicci, I have no concept about how big a boat fender is, but it sounds like it would have been quite a sight to see you running with it! Nice job :) Your mention of Asics reminds me that I meant to call the running store to see if they have a pair of my shoes... I don't need them yet but maybe in a few weeks I should start alternating with a new pair. Oh, and PB fudge?? That's it - I'm coming over ;)

Susan, London is awesome, isn't it? I was there ages ago and would love to go back.

I also hope to hear from Seathyme here sometime soon!

I got in an excellent spin this morning - 55 minutes of hard spinning with lots of intervals - and then we went for a hike. Yesterday I ended up doing weights and core instead of the spin.

No Valentine's Day plans here, really. It's not a big deal for us. We did go for a very nice dinner last night, but that was more just because than anything else. I do need to pick up a card for DH, though. He keeps mentioning giving me mine and I hope he doesn't yet because I don't have his yet! :eek: :p Guess I better go to the store.

Hope everyone else is doing well too. Happy Saturday!

[TKay]

Susan - Welcome back from your trip. It sounds like you had a wonderful time.
Robyn - Not to be pushy but, well? How was the run?
Mary - I know what you mean about walking being the right thing for now. Whatever works, right?
Vicci - Funny about running home with your prize. :D Hope those cookies are gone soon. I don't know how you do it.
Nat - Good going on the tough spin. Now sprint out for the V-Day card. :D

A quiet day around here. Planning a TM run since we've got rain again. Hoping to squeeze in a bike ride of some sort with the kids. They're going crazy from the lack of physical activity. We play a game where I time them running up and down the stairs ten times. They're starting to catch on that I'm just doing it to get them moving. Sometimes they say, "Nah, I don't want to do that again." :rolleyes:

No big Valentine's plans for us either. Probably dinner at home and a DVD (which is actually my preference to going out). We have the movie Into Great Silence, a documentary about life in a monestary. Anyone seen it?

I got the best V card from ds#2 yesterday during a classroom visit. It was so sweet, I actually cried right there at his desk. Really, I couldn't ask for more.

Have a great weekend, runners.

[Robyn1007]

Hi all! Quick report then I need a nap, I'm beat!

This was a great race and the laid back but well organized nature was perfect for me. It was small with mostly runners above 45 years old who were all very supportive. I chatted with a few and told them it was my first 5 miler. Temp was mid 20s and overcast. Course was a bike path and out and back. I ran the first 19 minutes, up to the aid station without walking! Total for the entire run was about 7-8 minutes of walking, mostly short bursts just to catch my breath. Finished under 1 hour which was my goal and even beat a few people. I was quite happy with my performance and it was just topped off at the awards ceremony. Being a masters group my age group was 34 and under meaning I was running against a few 20 year olds :eek: but I still came in 4th and know of at least 1 in my age group who was behind me. And I got a ribbon!!! :p :D Yeah, yeah I know 4th out of 5 is nothing to write home about but half the battle is starting right? :p Overall it was fantastic and I'm quite pleased with myself.

I've suspected for awhile that the shoes I bought in October were too big for me so I decided to go to another place today and have another fitting. Uh, yeah stayed in the same shoe (well slightly updated) but went down 1 size and from a wide to a medium. :mad: Was viewed on a treadmill and had scan done of my feet to measure pressure both standing and walking so I'm quite confident that this one is much better. And they give me 60 days to return if they don't work for me. So the old ones will go to knock around and new ones will be dedicated runners. This store is a ways away from me but I joined their VIP club which gives me 10% off everything and free shipping so I can always call and order stuff shipped home as need be.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Waving from the sidelines here. Been a weird two days but lots of fun. Told Dad's story about a bizillion times (expected that), chatted with a bunch of folks that I haven't seen in forever, made plans for the summer doing another internship in a few churches near home. And in general, had a good (unproductive for school) day chillin'. Noon tomorrow it all ends then it's back home. Luckily there's no school on monday so I can make up for the things that I should have done this weekend.

No time to chat because here comes midnight.

See you later and it sounds like you all are well.
Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Robyn - congrats on an awesome race! Sounds like you had a fabulous time and met some cool new people. Ribbons are always awesome, and 4th place is cool no matter how you get it!

Just got back from a fantastic 5 mile run w/my training group. This officially marks my getting back into the mental focus & discipline of marathon training (post-vacation). Did a fun new (to me) route, with rolling hills, sunny & beautiful. Met a few new folks. I love how the group makes me run at a faster pace. I finished one-minute/mile faster than when I've run by myself lately. If I keep this up, I will be a happy camper.

DH and I are headed out to the Winterfest downtown to watch xcountry ski races, ice carving & the snowboard half pipe competition. Fun stuff & a beautiful day.

Hope everyone's having a great Valentine's Day weekend!

[oceanjasper]

Robyn1007 - Way to go on your race! You should definitely be proud of your yourself for stepping into the unknown and doing such a great job. Clearly all that hard work is paying off. I have never heard of a store that scans your feet in order to fit running shoes. Very cool.

SusanMac - Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! I'm not sure how similar the weather in London is to our weather here, but I know that people around here run in pretty much any kind of weather. You learn that if you wait for the weather to improve before heading outdoors, you could be waiting for a very long time! :)

VictoriaL - I have no idea what you look like, but I have a pretty good visual of you running with your new boat bumper. Score! :D My valentine's day plans were pretty lame considering the holiday, but I had fun - babysitting four little ones! :eek:

Natasha - I sure wish that we were having a long weekend this weekend. February definitely needs a holiday! Happy Family Day!

I went skiing yesterday; skated about 25 km with quite a few uphill climbs. It was clear and sunny and just a beautiful day to be out on the trails. Unfortunately, by the end of the day I could feel the tightness in my hammy, so I have decided to stick to the sidelines at my soccer game this afternoon. I just have to leave my gear at home or I will be tempted to test it out and I just know that I will make it worse if I start sprinting. It is disappointing, but hopefully it will heal quickly and I will be good to go by next weekend.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

[Natasha]

Nice to see you, Les, and to hear that things are going well (if busy).

Oceanjasper, great job on the skiing and I'm proud of you for leaving the gear at home today to play it safe. Your hams will thank you for it. Enjoy spectating!

Robyn, yay on your race! :) And a ribbon to boot - very nice. That's some change in the shoe fitting. Glad you went to a place that seems to really know its stuff!

I ran about 9.5 miles with the club today. It was mostly the speedy folks so I kept up a good pace throughout. When I got back to the place we leave our cars, one of my clubmates pointed out that I had a VERY flat tire. I live so close to the starting point that when I have my act together, I run / walk over, but when I'm running late (like today) I drive over. I guess there was a slow leak that got a lot worse in the time we were out running. The guys were willing to help me but I told them I'd just call DH ;) DH changed it out much faster than I would have, and we made it in time for coffee (and to buy coffee for one of the guys). The club's all impressed with my studly tire changer guy :p

Anyway, now off to stretch and have a bath, and drink tea and work on a puzzle with the pup lazing by my side. Tonight we're seeing Passchendaele with a friend and I'm thinking pizza and beer sound good.

Best to all for the rest of the weekend!

[TKay]

Robyn - Hooray! Sounds like a great race. I am impressed with your time (not to mention the ribbon). How fun. Glad you found a place that can really get you proper-fitting shoes. I find that process a bit daunting, myself. I'm never truly convinced I have the right shoes.

Nat - Your day sounds absolutely perfect to me (minus about 6 of those 9 miles and the flat tire ;)). Enjoy the rest of it.

Oceanjasper - Like Nat, I'm most impressed with your decision to leave your soccer gear at home. Sounds like a wise choice. Hope you recover from skiing quickly.

Susan - Great going on the quick-paced run and on getting back into true training mode. Enjoy your day with dh--sounds perfect.

Les - Here's to Monday's catch-up. Will that include a run or spin by chance?

Got in 35 on the TM yesterday, plus the requisite 40-minute pooch walk. I put Into Great Silence on while I ran and I must say, it was not the right workout choice. Perhaps if I'd been doing yoga, it would have helped. The film was very meditative and beautiful, but quiet and still. Not exactly pump-you-up material. A good choice if you're looking for something contemplative and spiritual.

Looking forward to some weights today. Happy Sunday, all.

[TKay]

Back-to-back, huh? You all must be enjoying your Monday. It's a holiday for us, so I've got the kids with me. We've had a lovely day, just lazing around the house. It's raining, and we've been playing cards and reading. My kinda day.

I did manage to get up and do 40 on the TM. It felt great for my body, not so good for my left knee and shin. They didn't really hurt, just felt tired. I think I'll take it easy tomorrow and just do some yoga and stretching.

Happy rest-of-Monday, runners.

[VictoriaL]

Nat, the pb fudge recipe was found on the King Arthur website. I'd mail it to you, but I'd have to fight DH to get it out of our house. ;)

Robyn: Yeah, yeah I know 4th out of 5 is nothing to write home about
Like heck-- you did great! Congratulations on the ribbon, too!

So how was the day "off" today, Les? Any opportunity to release some stress on the bike or with a run?

oceanjasper, I hope that the hamstring is feeling much better by now. Good idea to lay off the soccer for a bit.

Tkay, I heard about how much rain the southern CA area is getting. Must be hard to get the puppy some activity in on these kinds of days(and we all know how... mischievous... a house-bound puppy can be!

I so enjoyed my run on Friday at the lake house, I went on another before we left yesterday. It was great fun, 55 minutes (alas, no prizes by the side of the road) at about 32 degrees, so it was a little chilly. I was humbled, however. You (mostly) all know that I have never run a race or even run with anybody else (but DH). I prefer to go out by myself, and that's no problem when I go on my trails. And I run against myself, so I think that I do well. I have now been proven wrong!

Yesterday I was approaching my "turning point" when I saw a woman running toward me in the distance. I turned, checked my hr monitor, and had to slow my pace a bit. Within a minute or two, just as I was beginning to pick up the pace again, she went past. About my age, or older (I can never tell), cheerily waving and calling out "hi!" with no noticeable lack of breath... Anyway, she blew by me. I was surprised because I rarely even see anyone out, let alone running. I followed her (at a slowly, but steadily, lengthening distance) for quite a while then I noticed that she was running up a hill that almost kills me to walk up. By the time I got to the top, she was gone. I felt like I lost my race against myself! ;)

Those hills are so steep, how can I ever run up them? But I guess that I will be trying from now on. *wheeze*

Oh well. Anyway, 2 runs in less than 48 hours on asphalt (when I have rarely run even on soft trails in over a month) killed my shins. I hobbled around for most of yesterday, but they were okay today so I did 55 minutes on the EB. I love my new mp3 player-- just when I think that I'd like to quit, another fast song comes on... :D

Hope that everyone is having a great week (so far!)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Quickie... (not that)

Today wasn't bad as holidays go, even if things didn't go as planned. It was busy around here and even though I'm behind and didn't run at all since Thursday it was productive none the less. I also had the opportunity to speak with the Deployment Officer in the Diocese about the future employment outlook and other things pertinent to the coming couple years. All good and I got to speak with a lot of folks who I don't get to see often. Today was a day off school (thank you President's Day) but we (LW and I -- unnecessarily) had to clear out all our closets for the exterminator (luittle fuzzy fellas). Then the leadership at my Intern Church we were supposed to have a meeting this evening so I had a rather disjointed day. Now I'm turning in so I can be ready to get back to classes tomorrow.

Maybe sometime in the next month I'll be able to get some exercise. :rolleyes: Pray that all are well and I'll be in touch tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Back from our road trip which was a good time with DS and a positive experience all around. Walked a lot and drove a lot, but no real exercise. I HAVE gotten in some yoga and TM time yesterday and this AM. Had to back off a bit on the weights since I haven't done them in over a week! Felt good to finally get in some exericise besides walking around, though.

Thought I'd have the next few days to catch up, but when I looked at my calendar this AM, found that I have a class from 1-5 today! :o The rest of my morning will be spent throwing something together for dinner and tossing in some laundry.

I will be back in a few days when I have the house and family in order, and have time to read posts! Wishing you all well! :)

[KValley]

Ooh- a lot of catching up to do!

Susan Welcome home! I once worked for a private uni based in London (I worked from home here in Wa state) & I travelled to London a couple of times/year- there remains a gazillion things I want to do and see- it's a fantastic city. And I agree about the food- we always went for ethnic! You sound refreshed and ready to welcome spring with a return to training.

Mary It sounds like you've had so many major life decisions on your plate. Welcome back here and best wishes as you get used to the more demanding pace of litigation life. All the more reason to run! And to continue yoga practice.

Robyn Congratulations on the awesome showing at the race! You should be so proud of yourself!!

Vicci How lovely that spring is finding its way to the lake house. Your run through the woods sounded heavenly...

OJ You're embracing winter with great skiing adventures- take care of that hamstring!

Les Do you have geographical preferences for your future posting? So glad you had a productive weekend, but you must be itching for a run.

A shout-out to Tkay, Natasha, Eva, Meg, Kathy!

Such a nice weekend. Brendan and I made our Valentine's Dinner together Friday, topping it off with my once-a-year chocolate bash- Chocolate Obsession from a long-ago Bon Appetit- 3 ingredients: chocolate, eggs, butter (okay 4, orange peel). We were fairly ill, but very happy!

Worked it off the next day with a long, fast walk at Shilshole Bay followed by an unexpectedly vigorous salsa class- we were all sweating by the end- it was great.

Nice run yesterday, followed by yoga; elliptical and weights today.

Surgery scheduled for March 17. Clearly I wish it could be sooner, but the surgeon is booked until May and is coming in on her day off to rid me of the Alien. At least I have time to get insurance bits in order! Feeling good- only a bit of discomfort- just taking one day at a time.

I'm also weaning myself from the computer; there's not enough time in the day to do all that I want and something's got to give. The internet is such a time suck- I'm working to limit my time online. But I'll check in once/week or so- I need your inspiration!

[SusanMac]

Vicci - Sounds like you have caught the bug and are *definitely* ready to enter a fun run!

[Natasha]

Yay Julie! Glad you got a booking. Wish I could bring you some Irish Soda Bread on the big day!

Welcome back, Kathy! Sounds like a wonderful trip.

Vicci, I must check out the KA website - thanks!

Got in a good spin and a few walks on my day off yesterday, along with some stretching. Very relaxing day. Speaking of relaxing days, TKay, yours sounds idyllic as well!

Hi to Les (hang in there! sounds like things are more than a little nuts around there), Susan, ktg, Mary, Robyn, Eva, and everyone else. :)

[TKay]

Have you ever tried to do yoga with a cat swatting at your pony tale and biting at your hair? I had a strange workout this morning. :p

Vicci - Sorry about your shins, but I loved your non-race race story. ;)

Les - I'm also interested to hear about your geographic goals/desires when it comes to your future.

KathyB - Glad the road trip went well. Hang in there this week.

KValley - Chocolate...oh...chocolate...Sorry. I drifted off for a second there. Your V-Day dinner sounds lovely. Glad you have a date set for de-alienation. And I hear you on the computer time.

Hi to Nat, Susan, Robyn and everyone else I missed.

Oh, me? Got in a brief doggie walk in between showers today. Then a good hour of cat-impaired yoga. At one point, the kitty stretched out on his back next to me on the floor like he was doing yoga too. :D

[SusanMac]

Kvalley - So glad you have your appt booked for the Alien. Sounds like more chocolate will be in order for the recovery!

TKay - you are defintiely getting great use out of your TM! I'm very impressed.

Nat - I have to confess my ignorance....but what was your holiday on Mon? I know Canadians follow US politics closely, but I'm sure you don't feel the need to celebrate Lincoln's birthday :-)

Got out for a great run with DH today. About 30 min, really pushed the pace. Nice weather, felt great.

[Leslie Ferguson]

We have the movie Into Great Silence, a documentary about life in a monestary. Anyone seen it?
I haven't heard of it but it sounds intriguing.

It is good seeing you Mary, it's been forever since you've been around.
I heard from Seathyme before I went to Boston. She didn't say why she had been away but she was doing well. I didn't get to see her over the 2 days I was there because she was in New York with her brother. Still it would be nice to hear from her "in the flesh."
Robyn - Congratulations on 4 out of 5. Great job and it sounds like you had a great race experience. I love smaller races because there's so much more interaction with the crowd and the people are more "with you" on the course. Plus there aren't as many killer runners in the group.
Julie - I'll keep March 17 on the docket (as it were) for you and surgery. Your V-day sounds fun. I seem to remember having a fun V-day when LW and I lived in Renton. I don't remember all the specifics but it had to do with dinner near the Kingdome and dessert (chocolate) near Pike's Place Market (coffee included). Makes me drool a little just thinking of it. I'll keep your once a week check ins in mind and maybe that would be a good plan for me. :rolleyes:
Susan - Glad you're back from London and back with the gang. Sounds like a good run for you with your running group and a new course too - can't gripe about that.
OJ - I hope your hammy is feeling better these days.

Well, in response to the geographic question there are a few competing factors. The Diocese (the group of churches) that is sponsoring me to go to school wants first shot at me after graduation (kind of want to "get" something for their financial support) - something in the neighborhood of 3-5 years. That would put me in the Southern Virginia region (a link to a site that lists the churches in the Diocese is Diocese of Southern Virginia (http://www.dfms.org/directory_11278_ENG_HTM.htm)). I wouldn't mind going back there too because I still own a house in Norfolk and my family lives in Virginia, siblings near DC and parents in Virginia Beach (as of 3/4). But if there's nothing available or that "fits" me in Southern Virginia I think I may look in Oregon - near Portland or the Willamette Valley - I just can't get away from my home state. Otherwise, I'd even be willing to go "ex-pat" for a while if the Anglican Church in Canada would accept me. ;) I know, that's a long answer to a relatively simple question but I really haven't put too much thought into the question.

Things are weird still - a three day weekend two weeks into the semester throws people off (mine was 4 days). This quarter (all 6 weeks of it) is the hardest time of the year for me, and I think it has something to do with having 6 weeks off between semesters. I'd be willing to have 2 or 3 weeks off and get back to classes just to keep in the rhythm.

After a wild day yesterday I took a short spin this evening. Luckily I can read and ride or I'd be beat when it comes to exercise during the school year. Not much but enough to get my endorphins running.

Talk to you all later - looking at getting cleaned up and more reading for tomorrow (and preparing for a couple tests that are on the horizon - Friday).

Happy trails,
Les

[1MegMeg]

Good morning! I apologize, no time for individual replies, but I wanted to stop by since I've been missing the past few days.

I am leaving today to visit my parents in Tennessee. I am excited about going, but of course this has been the busiest week ever at work. I don't like just leaving things for other people to deal with so I've been trying to either finish things up or get them to a spot where they can "rest" until next Monday hehe.

Had a great Valentine's Day at home with DBF. He made delicious NY Strip Steaks and I made chocolate decadence from CL December 2003. I'd made it once before and it's fantastic!

Have had a few good runs this week and some good climbing over the weekend. We are hoping to do some hiking in TN....it's going to be cold, but the weather should be nice and sunny later in the week.

Have a wonderful rest of the week everyone!

[SusanMac]

Woo hoo - good bike spin, weights & core to report! It had been a few weeks since my last spin, so it felt good to get back on. Not too many drills, mainly RPM spin-ups. I get pretty engrossed in Lost these days, so the time goes by quickly.

[TKay]

Susan - Sounds like your runs are going well--as are your spins. I love when a workout actually feels good and isn't drudgery. We don't have a DVR where the TM is or I'd be watching Lost too. That really would make the time fly. Are you caught up for tonight's show?

Les - Sounds like there will be some interesting prospects in your geographic future. ;) I can't remember how far off this all is? If you are interested in Into Great Silence, I would definitely wait until you are not so busy. I fear you might fall asleep with so much peace and quiet!

Meg - Your V-Day sounds delicious. :D Have a great trip to TN. I hope you get in some good hikes and stay warm in the process.

A neighbor surprised me at the kids' drop-off this morning with her weights in hand. So we did an hour loop with our five-pounders. When I got home, the pooch was sad to have missed out, so she and I did another half-hour. That made her happy. I tried to sprint with her but simply could not keep up.

Have a great day everyone.

[SusanMac]

TKay - We have a TV & DVR dedicated just for the basement workout room. It felt like a splurge at the time, but we use it a lot. And, gosh, no, I'm not caught up on Lost! I'm about half way through season 1. I do like it, but not sure I'm committed enough to stick through all the seasons. We close our eyes when the Lost ads come on (dont' want to see if someone has died or something!)

I forgot to update everyone....yesterday was DH's birthday. And, all of your Shuffle input was valuable (I didn't forget you). I decided on the red Shuffle and he really likes it! Yea! He confessed that he also likes the blue, but is insisting on keeping the red b/c it will be less common. He didn't even know they had red. He plans to plug it into my Mac, so it's definitely good our Shuffles are different colors. Heaven forbid one of us has to run with the other's playlist...shudder ;-)

I also got him an Amphipod fuel belt. He has been talking about this since last summer. So he's very excited about it. He currently has a very worn out FuelBelt brand, so will be nice to have the new one. Of course, this means I"ll now want one, too :-)

Vday dinner was pistachio-crusted lamb w/polenta. Bday dinner was his favorite bourbon marinated beef & a new ricotta w/berries dessert from the Tyler Florence cookbook he gave me for Xmas.

Whew - now you're all caught up!

[ktg0930]

Hello runners (:o waving in embarrassment to all the runners)! I honestly don't know how you all keep up with posting on these threads when life goes out of control! This month has been crazy with a lot of work travel. I had 3 weeks where I ran exactly once each week. So pathetic. Finally, last week was better and this week has started out pretty well.

Robyn, I'm glad you did the 5 mile race. I saw your post about whether you should do it or not.

Meg, where in TN do your parents live? You mentioned hiking so I assume it must be somewhere near me in East TN?

Susan, sounds like a lovely b'day for your DH.

Tkay, what a nice impromptu workout this morning.

KValley, I'm glad your surgery is scheduled. I now feel kind of lame that I mentioned to my gyn that I am occasionally bothered by my 3 cm ovarian cyst that doesn't grow or go away.

Les, how much longer in school? A year after this? Sounds like you have some good options for future opportunities.

Vicci, i hear you on the hills. No matter how much I run my hills, I don't feel like they ever get easier.

Mary, nice to see you. Glad everything is going well, albeit crazy.

Natasha, good thing you have a studly tire changer!

Oceanjasper, sounds like you had a great ski! do you play soccer or coach or other?

Kathy, glad you had a good trip with DS!

[Natasha]

Well, in response to the geographic question there are a few competing factors. ... Otherwise, I'd even be willing to go "ex-pat" for a while if the Anglican Church in Canada would accept me. ;)

:) :) :) Can I twist your arm??

ktg, nice to see you and hear that all is well! Hopefully the work travel will abate a bit for you these next few weeks?

Robyn, congrats on your good news that you posted on the Other Stuff board! You must feel awesome. :)

TKay, that's so funny about the cat and yoga. I've never done that, not having a cat, but I have had encounters of the canine kind while doing yoga or, more often, core.

Meg, sounds like a wonderful Valentine's Day! Have fun in TN.

Julie, that's funny you mentioned Chocolate Obsession, because I remembered your positive review from ages ago the other day, and looked up the recipe to consider making it. I didn't get around to it but maybe will soon.

Hiya to Kathy, Susan, Vicci, and all the rest of the run bunch.

I had a fun 5 mile run on the treadmill. I concentrated on my gait, listened to some music, thought about the day that had just passed, had a cool thought for something to do in future, and planned a bit for my day tomorrow.

On a serious front, I heard some terrible news about a former colleague of DH's. The colleague just died of cancer in his mid 30s. :( Very sad. Please keep his family in your thoughts.

(Edited to add: Hey - this is post 7,000!)

[Leslie Ferguson]

On a serious front, I heard some terrible news about a former colleague of DH's. The colleague just died of cancer in his mid 30s. :( Very sad. Please keep his family in your thoughts.
Nat - my thoughts and prayers go out to DH's colleague's family at this time. And my prayers go out to you two also. Keeps the good news I posted about Dad in perspective (see the Other Stuff Board about prayer angels).
:) :) :) Can I twist your arm??
Well, maybe...

Fly by -- no motivation to do much right now and I've got a meeting in the morning that I need to be ready for. I've got another 16 months (May 2010) until I'm done with school but will start looking for jobs probably next January or February (if not before).

Mustering up some motivation so until later (probably tomorrow.
Happy trails,
Les

[Robyn1007]

Where the heck did the week go? :eek: :confused:

Thanks for all the positive notes. I don't have time to respond individually but appreciate them immensely. Unfortunately, the race on Saturday allowed my plantar fascitis to rear it's ugly head again. :mad: I took Sunday and Monday off completely. Swam Tuesday and did a spin workout yesterday. I'm hoping to do a short 2 mile run at lunch today along with swimming tonight. It feels better just walking around now but we'll see how the run does.

I'll try to write more tonight...

[TKay]

Ktg - Hey, a once-a-week run is better than a non-once-a-week run. (I'm not sure that even makes sense, but you know what I mean.) Glad your week's going well.

Nat - I'm so sorry about dh's former colleague. Yikes. The 30s is far, far too young. Please give dh my best. Sounds like you at least had a pleasant TM run and had some great mind-time. Also, congrats on the big 7-0-0-0. :D

Les - 16 months? Wow, seems like it's going quickly. I know. Easy for me to say. Good luck with all you've got on your plate.

Robyn - Ouch! Sorry about the plantar fascitis. Hope the rest does the trick. Isn't that frustrating? You build up some miles and are feeling good and then something like that happens? Ugh! (Nice about your other news though.)

I am laying low today. A half-hour out with the pooch and my shins were bothering me. I'm resting and will see how they feel tomorrow.

Until then, happy Thursday.

[Natasha]

Robyn, sorry to hear about the PF :( Good luck with the rest, Strassburg sock, and stretches (I'm guessing you will be doing all of the above). Do you massage the area with a golf ball on occasion too? How was the run today?

TKay, hope your shins feel better tomorrow.

Another nutty day and I've opted to sit around in an oversize college sweatshirt, PJ pants and slippers, drink apple cinnamon tea, and do some work and relax tonight instead of training. I may fit in some core, though. That would be good. :)

Catch you on the new thread!

Nat

[Leslie Ferguson]

Another nutty day and I've opted to sit around in an oversize college sweatshirt, PJ pants and slippers, drink apple cinnamon tea, and do some work and relax tonight instead of training. I may fit in some core, though. That would be good. :)
Oh that sounds so nice. I can imagine you there with Cabot and a nice fire. Nothing finer. I hope your day was a nice recharging day all around.

TKay - It's hard to believe that I've been in school since August 2007, 18 months, already. :eek: It feels like I started yesterday. Yes, the next 16 months will probably fly by too. I hope your shins start feeling better soon and that you had a good day with the pooch.

It was a decent day except that I had to drive to my internship Church and there was an accident so it took about 15 mintues longer than it was supposed to. But all in all it was a good day. I even got to spin this evening and baked blueberry muffins for tomorrow morning's small group meeting. We're having a potluck breakfast at our last meeting before Lent starts. Couldn't think of anything else and someone else in the group is bringing egg caserole so...

Anyway, a little more studying for my test tomorrow so until later... happy trails,
Les