Virtual Running Buddies March 20th

[Robyn1007]

Oh, boy, what a week! I've gotten a couple runs in, a swim and a spin. It's been good to be back at it. My shoulder really hurt during my swim so I'm resting it, not sure what is going on with it. On top of all that we had a worm infect our computer network at work so we've been out of email for almost 2 full days. Just got it back around 3:30 today. :rolleyes:

Anyhow, coaching tomorrow for our Parent/Child finale race (although we do have a youth ski league race next weekend for some of the athletes) so tomorrow will be bittersweet.

I'll try to do better this week with keeping up with things.

Oh, Susan! I bought a running skirt at Lucy yesterday and used it today and I'm in love! So comfortable!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting Robyn, I saw your note about the worm in your e-mail on the other board and honestly, I'm glad that I don't own and servers or networks anymore - viruses and other malicious software was the bane of my existence. I hope you have a great weekend.

I'm officially done with my 7th of 12 quarters (although we're on a semester system). What a glorious vernal equinox! Laid low because I've had no energy today (go figure). This weekend will probably be a wash because I've got an all day meeting at church but there's a light of hope - we're supposed to be done by shortly before 4 so...

Happy trails and happy Spring (even though it's supposed to be 20 tonight :rolleyes: ).

Les

[Natasha]

Robyn, thanks for starting us off this week! Glad you're back in the swing of things and are enjoying your new running skirt.

Les, hope the meeting goes well and that you're able to fit in a workout of some sort afterwards.

I have a couple of spins to report since my Wed. run, and I'm hoping for a hike, core exercises, and something else (a spin or a swim) today. I'd like to run but will probably not do it today, and instead run with the group tomorrow. I'm also planning to do a few other things, like bake a cake... looking forward to it already!

Happy Saturday, everyone!!

[oceanjasper]

Just popping in to say hi and to give you an update on my running. ;)

Robyn - You have been busy this week! Good for you for being so motivated. Have fun at your finale race. A running skirt, eh?! Sounds intriguing!

Les - Congrats! You are now officially on the downward slope towards the finish line. :) I hope you are able to enjoy some down time this weekend.

Natasha - Sounds like you have a busy day planned. What kind of cake are you making? I just made the Bayou Chocolate Torte (Rebar Cookbook) for a family gathering yesterday. That cake is to die for.

Well, I am sitting here on my computer instead of skiing up the mountain in the glorious sunshine and epic snow conditions. I have still not recovered from skiing last weekend, so I thought it would be best that I just not even tempt myself with the possibility.

I went to the walk-in clinic last Sunday and the doc was concerned about infection in my leg. I ended up taking a day off work to keep it raised, just in case, but it seems to be okay. It is still painful and anything creating pressure around my leg will bruise it and cause it to swell. I have had tons of hits and bruises from soccer, but nothing quite like this. Needless to say, I have done absolutely nothing since last week and I am feeling a bit like a lump. :)

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

[Leslie Ferguson]

OJ - I think it's probably a good idea to take it easy after the injury and subsequent leg issues. Better to take a little time off now as opposed to a lot of time off later (voice of experience). I probably won't get much time off this weekend with 6+ hours at church and with another committee meeting tomorrow afternoon. But Monday is a sleep in day and probably just a futz around day - if the weather behaves I may go to the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon (need to address that demon).
Nat - Did you get your cake baked today? I hope it came out ok. Good for you to get all those spins and other core work - glad someone inthe group (not me) is. Things went well today - my proposal was well received, a couple tweaks still but nothing that is untennible.

I did go for a ride OUTSIDE today. I've still got my road bike set up on the trainer so it was mountain bike time. A bit brisk all things considered, ~50 when I started and I tried to dress for the weather. Of course, after climbing out on the hill (2nd gear standing) I was definitely well heated. :rolleyes: As I said earlier, I hope to get a bunch of relaxing done this week. So far I've only got 3 friends to pick up at the airport on Wednesday and Friday, a meeting with my intern supervisor on Thursday, and 2008 taxes (YUCK) so I feel some rides and runs in the offing.

Happy trails all and I hope you're having a great first weekend of spring (for what it's worth).

Les

[Natasha]

Oceanjasper, that cake sounds divine! I made an orange cake that I'd made before, from The Cake Book. I love orange anything.

Sorry to hear you've not been able to run but of course you're smart to rest up the leg. I'm happy to hear that so far so good and that you took a day off to fully rest. Good luck getting back in the swing of things soon!

Les, hope yesterday and today weren't too hectic. A ride outdoors... lucky you!! Enjoy your lie-in tomorrow morning. If you do visit the memorial, good luck with it... I can't imagine the emotions that will be swirling around but it sounds like something you need to do. Congrats on the proposal, too.

I did a run this morning, just over 14 miles in total - about 11 miles with the group and the rest on my own. It's nice out today - a bit chilly but really perfect running weather. DH is out on his mountain bike now.

Have a good week ahead, everyone... Robyn, Susan, KathyB, ktg, Vicci, Julie, TKay, and the rest of the gang!

[oceanjasper]

Natasha - I have that cookbook! Will definitely check out the orange cake. And what an amazing run you did this morning. I'm impressed!

Les - Thanks for the words of advice. I am trying, but it sure is tough! Will be thinking of you and your visit to the Pentagon memorial. I know it isn't the same thing, but I remember how I felt when I visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and Arlington Cemetary. Overwhelming, to say the least. I hope you find peace in what you are dealing with.

Well, I am heading out of town for a few days to get a little break from work before things start to get crazy. I'm really looking forward to trying some new restaurants and doing some shopping. Not sure if I will have a chance to check in, but I hope all of you enjoy the rest of the weekend!

[Kathy B]

Hi all! I have an easy 2 mile run to report. I got home from skiing a few days ago, and I have been busy with work stuff and recovery! :D

Skiing was great, although I did have a mishap the very first day. I was skiing along on an easy green, dutifully practicing my "S" turns with my class, when WHAM! Got nailed from behind by a 14-year old snow boarder. I laid there for a minute to catch my breath and assess all the sore spots (there were several!), and then turned over to find a ski patrol guy looking down at me asking if I was OK. I must have looked pretty bad going down, because even though I said I was OK, he told someone on his walkie talkie he had a "possible injury" and kept telling me not to get up. :o I was pretty darn sore, but no permanent damage. Really glad I had a helmet on. The young lady got a stern warning from my ski instructor but otherwise was fine.

OJ, enjoy your weekend away! Sounds like a good way to spend time while you rest up.

Natasha, great job on your 14 miles!

Les, Glad to hear you got outside for a spin! Hard to relax with taxes hanging over your head. DH is working on ours today, too.

Robyn, you've been busy! How was your Parent/Child finale race?

A big wave to all that follow!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Welcome back Kathy B I'm glad that you weren't hurt badly and I'm glad to hear that you were wearing a helmet. Never had that much of a problem on skis (but then I only went skiing once and didn't do much skiing really). I hope you are recovering well and that you have a good week. Actually, taxes this year won't be too terrible - I've had a pretty "normal" pay year this year so it should all fall together nicely.
Jasper - I do know how hard it is to rest when I'm supposed to also so I'll be thinking about you as you listent ot your body over the next few days. The short story about the Pentagon is I had a guy who worked for me at one point in time killed on 9/11 in the building. I've pretty much gotten past it but there's a spot that still lives on - no guilt but a memory. And yep, there's a lot more roaming around in there too.
Nat - Congrats on 14 miles, some day I'll be back to that distance. I didn't realize that you liked orange... you do know that's a bad thing for me to find out. ;) I hope DH had a good mountain bike ride today.

All things considered, I had a great day at church. Long but good. My sermon was well received and definitely got a bunch of people thinking. But it showed them a side of me that they had never seen which was good and helpful. I even had a good meeting this afternoon that didn't whack too much of my non-existent energy. Oh, in case I haven't mentioned it - I dislike blooming season. :mad:

I went out to run an errand after getting home and ended up near the Pentagon. I decided that a Sunday was a better day to make my foray into the memorial - mostly because it was bright and beautiful out and there is no issue parking on Sunday. I found my friend at the end of the 1969 row, closest to the Pentagon. I think there's still a lot of processing to do but I'm glad I went down today.

No running because my allergies are totally draining me and I'm exhausted from the last 2 weeks. Tomorrow, after sleeping in I may do a little running - no riding for a while because it's going to be a little chilly for the next 4 or 5 days (for me at least).

A shout out to the rest of the gang - hopefully they all drop by and say hi.

Happy trails,
Les

[1MegMeg]

Hi friends! Though I was grumbling about waking up early yesterday, I have a very nice 5 mile run to show for it. After I got over getting up early I felt great the entire time. Couldn't have asked for a better run.

Robyn - I am intrigued by running skirts. I've seen some people wearing them at the races and they look interesting. Are they really just as comfy as shorts?

Kathy - Yikes!! I am glad your ski incident turned out to be a non-injury! And kudos to the ski patrol for being extra cautious.

Ocean - Enjoy your trip out of town, it sounds like fun! And rest your leg!! I hope it continues to get better.

Nat - Nice job on your 14 miles! I am excited to work up to that distance!

Les - Glad you got to spend some time outside on the bike! I forget that it is still cold in most of the US... I am excited that it's only going to be in the mid-70s tomorrow hehe. Congratulations on being well over the hump in your school! And peace and grace be with you tomorrow if you go to the 9/11 memorial.

[Robyn1007]

Les Glad the sermon went well but I hear ya on the bloomin season. My nose was a faucet that couldn't be shut off on my ride today.

OJ hope your getaway was good!

Nat The idea of heading out for a 14 mile run baffles me still but good job!

Kathy Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your collision. BUT it's one of the main reasons I wear a helmet now. Glad you're okay!

Meg Nice job on the run. I did find the skirt just as comfortable as shorts. In fact, more so. I have issues with shorts crawling up between my legs so I'm constantly fighting it. So, with the skirt you have either built in undies or shorts which stay put and then the skirt hides them and you don't see any crawling. I got the Interval Skirt from Lucy.

Well, the parent child race went well but as usual it was bittersweet to say goodbye. Fortunately, I get to see a few next Sunday. Today I got out for my first outdoor ride of the season! :D Did 24 miles with hill repeats with my women's ride group. A great start to the season and felt fantastic to boot! Now I'm just suffering from a bit of sunburn. Oops.

[SusanMac]

Hi VRBers! Happy Spring! Sorry I have been out of sight for the past few days, but:

1) I came down with a bit of a cold last Thurs. Nothing serious, but still yucky
2) Had a midweek business trip to....wait for it....Champaign, IL. It's actually a charming town, even if not the most exciting destination
3) This new BB update is a giant PITA!!

Between crazy work & the sniffles, I had a few too many 'recovery' days last week. Possibly for the best, tho, so my cold doesn't linger. I did join my running club yesterday and got in 8.5 miles. Nice trail run in a new location.

I did get some new scooters. I ended up w/Mizunos, partially b/c I've run in them before & know they are reliable for me. Super comfy. I just feel like they're a bit flat & I'd like more cushion. But, I know they'll be just fine.

Robyn - v. jealous of the skirt. How could you find one to fit so easily when I've tried on at least 5 different brands. Darn hips! Grrr. So sorry to see your ski season coming to a close.

Les - 7 semesters down already! That is awesome. V jealous of your outdoors bike ride, too. DH has been on 3 so far. It's raining this week, so I will stick to the trainer for a bit longer.

Kathy - Ouch! Glad you had a fun ski trip anyway

OJ - sending healing vibes to you & your leg

How is KValley doing with her post-surgery recovery? I think I have missed that.

Today will be a light indoors bike spin until my sniffles go away :-) Later

[SusanMac]

Hi VRBers. I'm still here. Had a lovely post drafted...that never ever loaded. Giving it another try. Will probably be scarce until the BB gets the technical glitches fixed. Grrrrr.....

Have a great week running, in the mean time. We can send virtual vibes to each other!

[Natasha]

Hi all!

I keep reading about posting issues, so let's see if this works :) Edited to add: Yay! It worked!

Meg, sounds like a lovely 5 miler - yay!

Kathy, welcome back and I'm so glad you had fun and that the incident wasn't serious!

Susan, Champaign - was it university-related, by any chance? I'm planning a trip to IL soon but to Chicagoland.

Robyn, congrats on that first ride of the season! Sounds like a blast.

Les, I'm happy to hear that church went well this week! Good luck with the allergies. DH would hear your pain... he's got end-of-summer allergies that knock him out pretty good (or bad!) some years.

DH is away today and tomorrow and then I might be... we will need to catch up on the weekend! We both enjoy some aspects of work travel but not the being apart part :(

Anyway, yoga and TV night for me, unless a friend drops by for a beer. Then it'll be yoga and beer night (*not* at the same time :p)

Take care, guys!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Susan - Sorry about the BB troubles. Oh how I wish 7 semesters because I'd be done - it's 7 quarters of 12. Outside is a great place to ride when it's near normal temps - below 50 isn't any fun in my book. Have a great trip to Champaign - never been there that I can remember but a good trip is a good trip.
Meg - Great 5 miler - too bad you had to get up early to do it though. I'm glad it's only over-70 there too. The memorial was tough but rwwarding yesterday.
Natasha - Sorry about DH's allergies, end of summer isn't any fun either. Too bad he's away and I totally understand not liking that part of business travel. Yoga and beer at the same time sounds like fun... but it could be difficult to not spill your beer. :p

I had a nice, lazy day. The alarm went off at ~7 and the covers came off about 9. Boy did that feel great. After playing chauffeur for a while (two sick sewing machines needed mechanical attention) I went for a run. It was grand and ~52... perfect shorts and tank weather. Pulled off an hour without issue (no tweaks in my chest of shoulder).

Looking forward to the remainder of a light week - taxes getting done. And a few things that need to be done by mid-April are on the plate (better now than next week).

Happy trails all,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Well, you've all been busy! :)

I have to report that I started to run up hills. Well, I'm trying. Seriously, how do you guys do it? I find myself running on my toes and tilting forward a bit, is this normal? There are some absolute killerhills, both at the lake house and at the farm, and I've not been successful in running up more than 2/3 of the way, but I'm plugging at it...

No time for individual replies this evening (bed is calling very, very loudly!) but I just want to mention to Nat that Yoga And Beer Night sounds good to me-- yes, both at the same time. I think it can be done...

Oh, does anyone have a suggestion for a basic HR monitor? My Polar F1 is 3 years old and acting a bit quirky, and DH keeps asking me what I want for my bday (next month). Their F4 looks like a bit "much", but the RS 100 seems more suited to my level. But there must be others, different manufacturers maybe?

Any suggestions/ ideas?

Hope that you're all having a good week, so far. :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

I have to report that I started to run up hills. Well, I'm trying. Seriously, how do you guys do it? I find myself running on my toes and tilting forward a bit, is this normal? There are some absolute killerhills, both at the lake house and at the farm, and I've not been successful in running up more than 2/3 of the way, but I'm plugging at it...
It would be easier to know if you heel-strike or toe-strike when you run. I'm trying to think of how I run up hill and as a heel-striker I still tend to run on my heels. As I was learning to run up hills I was taught to imagine sitting back a little and kind of squatting then as I crested the hill to imagine myself springing over the top. I'll tell you what though, I'll run up the hill in the next day or so and see if I can figure out what I do because it's so second nature anymore (there are uphills all over the place around here) that I can't say "how" I run up hills.

Regardless, good for you to start taking on uphills - you'll find them fun when you get used to them.

Happy trails,
Les

[TKay]

Little to report, and with the temperamental bb, I haven't put in much effort. No official workouts over the weekend, but lots of home projects. With painting and sanding, I did plenty of squats and stretches though. ;)

No time this evening for individual replies, except to say that I'd love to join you, Vicci and Nat, for beer and yoga night. Sounds great right about now. Except that bed sounds even better.

Hope to catch up with you VBRs more tomorrow. Sweet dreams all.

[TKay]

Having lost another post, I'm going to keep this short and sweet and just see if it goes through. Got in a pup walk and 35 mins on the TM today. After school, the boys and I are going on a Cub Scout hike in a local nature center. Lots of activity to make up for the weekend, I guess.

Hello to all you runners. Hope you're doing well.

[Natasha]

You guys are funny! Well, I did yoga last night sans beer, but my friend will be here momentarily with drink creations for us, so today will be an unplanned day off training. So be it. Time with friends is important too!

Vicci, I definitely bounce more off my toes when I run uphill, but I'm the opposite of Les... I'm historically a toe-striker (not so much anymore, but definitely more that than heel-striking). Good luck tackling the hills! I know the hills in your general area and 2/3 up them is something to be proud of!

Les, congrats on moving forward with the taxes! DH and I are now done ours, thankfully.

TKay, glad you've been busy and doing well. The Cub Scout hike sounds fun. The home renos, well, not so much, but I'm sure the results are lovely.

Hi to everyone else! Have a great evening.

[VictoriaL]

Wow, what a problem the BB has been lately!

Tkay, it's a plan-- beer and yoga night with Nat. Let's figure out the details... :) Actually, I mistyped it originally as beet and yoga night. That probably fits in better with the original yoga intent, but I try to convince myself that the pomegranate & wheat beer which I enjoy is healthy, also...

Nat thanks for the encouraging words about these hills. I have, since I started running, always fast-walked up them and never even considered running. Oy.

Les I was just reading something about running style in a magazine (as I waited for a haircut) today and was wondering if I was a heel-striker or a toe-striker (the article said that you should aim for coming down on your mid-foot). I don't know what I do, but when I go out for a run tomorrow I'll find out. And thanks so much for offering to run up a hill to let me know how you do it! Seriously, it will help. :)

KathyB, forgot to mention that I hope your ski-induced bruises are healing and
OJ, hope that your leg is healing nicely.

I'll be back tomorrow with the info on how I run-- ooooh, exciting times are a-comin'!!! :D

[Robyn1007]

Vicci I have the Polar F6 and it's worked well for me. Check with your medical flex spending plan if you have one, mine will cover heart rate monitors! Thanks to Aggie94 for that tidbit a while back.

Les Sleeping to 9? I would be in shock if I did that and I think my family would fear I was ill.

TKay all those squats I'm sure did a number on your legs, I'd call it a workout!

Nat Drinks with a friend sounds delightful.

Well, I got in a windy, hilly 31 minutes today. About 2.6 miles. Slower than I'd like but this freaking asthma is killing me. I picked up a different allergy medicine to try so maybe that will help. Spin day tomorrow, and it's a hill workout. I think my coach enjoys walking around and watching us suffer. ;)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Nat - It's always good to share time with friends. You can never do too much of that. Glad that you had a good yoga session sans beer last night. More about taxes in a sec.
Robyn - The only person I have to "worry about" when it comes to sleeping is my wife and she thinks I don't sleep enough as it is (gee, it's only 11:45 right now :rolleyes: ) Sorry about your asthma impacting your run on the hills (and the wind too).
Vicci - I'm interested in hearing about your running posture/gait. I'm pretty much a heel striker as Nat said - been that way for a long time although I move onto my toes as I run faster. Tomorrow, if it's not raining I'll be able to give you an idea about my form and style.

I took it easy today - had a rough night but got a lot done regardless. I made good use of my down time and I've gotten my Federal Income Taxes 95% done - now all I have to do is check to see if I have any more deductions out there. I hope to run tomorrow. Just thought I'd share here comes the rain in Northern Virginia... where did spring go? :rolleyes:

Happy trails and have a wonderful evening.
Les

[Natasha]

Vicci, beet and yoga night - so funny. You and TKay (and the rest of you) are most welcome to come over for drinks and yoga! Drinks were fabulous yesterday. Very atypical for a Tuesday night but what the heck.

I try not to lean into the hill though I have often found it tempting to, and used to do it more than I do now... I actually stay pretty upright now (or I think I do :p)). Now you've got me itching to do hill repeats! I might have to go do some.

Les, did you find any more deductions??

Robyn, nice job on your run but too bad about the asthma. :(

I'm planning to run today. Yay!

Best to one and all :)

[Robyn1007]

So I meant to post about an issue I'm having on my runs. When I run outside I try to stay on the road for the softer asphalt but I'm finding with the slope of the road that the outside of my lower leg is really painful. I imagine it's a muscle that doesn't get a lot of work between cycling and skiing so it's out of balance. My question is, is there anything can do on runs to help relieve the pain and are there any additional exercises I can do to strengthen? :confused:

[Leslie Ferguson]

That's a tough question Robyn. I'll have to think about exercises to do to strengthen your lower leg but nothing comes to mind. One of the other options although I don't like it very often is running on the other side of the street if there isn't traffic to "equal out" the camber. Are there any grassy areas that you can run in (oops, I forget I'm talking about Colorado -- snow not grass) that would ease the pounding and be reasonably flat? Sorry, that's probably not much help but I'll try to think of more.
Nat - I was thinking the same thing about beets and yoga. Good for you with tasty drinks with friends - always a grand affair. I still need to scour through LW's books but forgot all about an IRA deduction for both of us (we actually qualify now since we don't make "enough" money any more).

Yep, I'm a heel striker - confirmed it today on my run. I took in an hour and actually searched for hills to run on (not too difficult around here). I found a couple interesting things: if the hill is shorter and intense I tend to lean into the hill a little, if the hill isn't too intense I don't really change my running posture at all, and if the hill is long I start by leaning my hips a little forward and pulling my shoulders back a little (it's hard to explain but if you saw me you'd get it) while dropping my hands a little. Then as I approach the summit of the hill I start to lean into the hill a little and start to roll onto my toes a little. Way too involved I know but it was an interesting run (3 longer steeper hills, 2 shorter but intense hills, and 3 long rises). After that I finished up some paperwork to get ready for my meeting with my internship supervisor in the morning.

I pray that all are well... happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Quick post....I had a really long day at work yesterday and am headed back in this AM for a class, so no workouts to report (although I did do yoga before I went in yesterday).

Vicci, I don't know what kind of striker I am (I think heel), but I do know that when I go up a hill, I shoot for short landmarks and I try not to look down. I also know that when I get towards the middle or top of a steep hill, I tend to lengthen my stride (think going up stairs two at a time), and I use an exaggerated arm swing (think power walkers) which seems to help boost me upwards. DS's CC coach always told them to "attack the hills!" which is a pretty good description of my approach. I don't really do that on long gradual hills however, on those I just plod along from one landmark to the next. Hope that helps!

Scooting out the door..... :)

[Natasha]

Les, that's nice that you found another deduction.

Kathy, hope your busy day went well :) I have also heard "attack the hills", and agree that it's very apt. I also like "all hills are flat" ;) Like you, I find that it really does help to look straight forward, not down, and to keep staring at that crest!

Robyn, I thought of the camber thing too.. but don't know if that's applicable in this case, and as Les said, you probably don't want to run one direction with traffic. Sorry I'm not more help - good luck with it!

So Vicci, how do you run hills? Inquiring minds want to know.

Checking in to report a 45 min spin.

Have a great evening, everyone. :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kathy B - That's nice to see you fly by... Hope you have a great day.
Nat - Good spin today. I wish it was that simple in finding another deduction - Mr. Fed is nice... Mr Commonwealth isn't so nice. More on that later.

I saw another post that Robyn and friends where whacked by the snowstorm (actually ice in Robyn's case), something about 2 hours to go 7 miles. I had intended to spin this evening (it's been raining all day and in the middle 40s). But then there's this thing called Virginia State (Commonwealth) taxes. Needless to say, it's not as nice as the refund I'm getting from the Fed, but it's water under the bridge and money that will never come back.

Tomorrow it's supposed to be nice and sunny so maybe a run before retreiving my friends from the airport in the evening.

Happy trails,
Les

[Robyn1007]

We got around 9 inches at my house, although it's hard to be sure due to the wind blowing that occurred. There is a layer of ice on the roads under the snow so I'm not looking forward to the drive in. :rolleyes:

[VictoriaL]

I've tried twice to post recently and they didn't go through, so I will try, try again. :rolleyes:

Okay, Inquiring-Minded Nat, my running strike seems to be flat on the sole of my foot, then I roll to the toe and push off. Since everyone mentions heel-strike or toe-strike, am I weird or just not reading it correctly?

Les, what a detailed description of your running style! But very helpful as I assess my style, and it gives me something to think about as I ascend the hills. I believe that I lean slightly into the hill, and I'll pay more attention next run. It started to rain just a few minutes after I went out today, and turned pretty miserable so I cut it short.

KathyB, I've tried to use short landmarks but it's a bit difficult because they're all trees! :) There is the "split tree", the "poison ivy tree" (I run to the other side of the trail past that one), the "thorny tree"... Not much variety, though. ;)
Not quite sure if I'm ready to lengthen my stride near the top!

Keep safe in that treacherous weather Robyn. I'm holding my breath that winter stays away for another 9 months, now.

I hope that you all have a good weekend! And I hope that when I press "submit reply", it actually does.