Vitrual Running Buddies - w/o 3/27

[Leslie Ferguson]

I guess I get the honor of starting this week. The boards have been acting up but I think this one will stay. It's been a wild week here, sun, clouds and rain all today. I'm interested to hear from Robyn to see what became of the snow and ice today.

Like I said, it was another nice day here - mostly sunny this morning and a little cloudy this afternoon. Still nice enough to get out for a run - just over an hour which is invigorating. Besides that it was a nice day to end the break - classes start on Monday then it's mid-May and we're done for the semester. ~7 weeks left and I'm done with my second year. :eek: It's hard to believe I've been here that long.

What is on everyone's plate for the weekend? I've missed whether anyone is running in a race soon - it would be interesting to get a tally of who is racing soon.

That's about all that's fit to print. Happy trails all,
Les

[Natasha]

Hiya Les, thanks for starting us off. Sounds like a glorious day for a run - good stuff. Yes, hard to believe you're almost 2/3 of the way through school!

I did an easy run yesterday afternoon that was just short of 4 miles, and we're just back from a nice hike with the dog. It's just beautiful out today. No immediate race plans for me, though most of my running group is doing a race tomorrow. It's a bit longer than I feel comfortable with right now so I plan to run in town tomorrow instead, with a couple of IRL running buddies.

I also need to do quite a few things around the house this weekend, pick up some new scooters, and we will observe Earth Hour tonight.

What's everyone else up to?

[SusanMac]

Happy weekend, runners! Trying a quick post to see if it works well.

Les - thx for kicking off the week (twice apparently :-) Glad you are finding time to run

Robyn - I'm not sure any exercises will help you with the slanted road issue. Those are bad for everyone, no matter how fit! Hopefully you can avoid them.

Don't remember when I posted last?
Wed - good hill workout
Thurs - 5 mile tempo run w/my running team. I ran a faster pace than I've been doing, which is a great confidence booster.
Fri - indoor bike spin & weights/core
Today - rest/recovery
Sun - supposed to be 14 miles w/my running team....but we're supposed to get Robyn's snow tonight, so will have to check conditions in the a.m.

I'm planning to volunteer at a race next weekend. Haven't done that in a while, and looking forward to it.

Later gang :-)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Yep I ended up posting twice - what a fiasco. I hope the BB is better soon. Not much but a fly by. It's neat to watch 12- and 13-year olds play basketball - where I spent most of my day. Tomorrow's a long day at church but if things go well I may swing a walk to stretch my legs before classes start back on Monday.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Hi Susan! Hi Les! Watching kids play basketball sounds like a relaxing way to spend some of a Saturday. :) Susan, volunteering sounds fun. I have enjoyed that in the past and am thinking I may do that next month when some of my friends hold an event in town.

I went out this morning for a character-building run. It was raining quite a bit when I woke up and I thought maybe I'd just do an hour with a friend and do the rest on the treadmill, but no... I stuck it through. We did an hour, went back to the starting point to collect a couple of other runners, did another loop, and then tacked on more, as I'd wanted to do 2 1/2 hours. I did 2:26 and figured that was good enough. It poured for most of the run and we were all drowned rats pretty soon. Definitely one of those runs where the moral support was *most* welcome. We're now back from a trip to the coffee shop where we all enjoyed some well-earned relaxation and treats.

Then DH and I took the dog for a walk (it stopped raining!!), and now it's time for the non-active part of my day.

How's everyone else doing? Did you guys observe Earth Hour?

[SusanMac]

Nat - I'm impressed you got out there! Those workouts are definitely excellent practice for cruddy race-day weather.

Speaking of weather....it was mushy & slick yesterday, so I didn't meet my running group. I've really come to look forward to them on Sundays. I spun indoors instead. Headed out for my LSD run this afternoon.

Seems like the BB is happier today! Yea!

[Leslie Ferguson]

That's a great runNat, 2 1/2 hours is longer than I've run in forever. All of it outside too, in the rain. You're right, that is a character building run in my book. Glad you got out with DH and the pup after the rain stopped too. Kathy and I observed earth hour - it was odd having the lights off and if we had been thinking about it we would have turned off the computer and the other power sumps in the house (or at least the ones we could turn off). I hope you're having a good week after your long run too.
Susan - I hope you have a good long run today after an inside spin this weekend.

What a wild Sunday for me. The long haul at church yesterday punctuated by an older lady collapsing/fainting/something in the middle of the service. Gracefully there was a nurse or doctor there (never figured out which type of medical professional she is) and the EMTs got there quickly. Still, the 15 minutes threw the whole congregation into a disconcerted group (luckily she went down at the beginning of the sermon and not afterwards). As of 5 pm last night there was no bad news (all the tests came out well - cardiac etc.) and they were planning on keeping her overnight.

Today I went for a real ride outside again (it's supposed to rain for the next two days). I didn't want to struggle with the wind because it was blowing to beat the band so the ride was great.

Besides that, back at classes with the sights set on the middle of May - the end of the semester.

That's all that's fit to print so until later... Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Susan, how was your LSD run?

Les, wow, that must have been stressful. I'm so happy to hear that the tests all checked out fine for the lady. Nice job on your ride... sounds like a blast.

Forgot to mention two things yesterday...

1) When I got home a soggy mess, the first thing I noticed was my slippers by the door, and I thought, "Hmm... didn't think I'd left them there." I then noticed other things around the house. DH knew I'd be cold and wet so had the fireplace on, and had brought down a bathrobe, fleece sweater and the slippers. Sweet.

2) While returning from an epsom salts run (:o :p), we discovered that a new running / tri / adventure racing store is opening in town!! It's a branch of one of the best outdoor stores in the province, and it'll be less than 2 miles from our house. Yeah! Well, yeah for me; oh-oh for my wallet! ;)

That's it for me. I did yoga this evening.

Best to everyone! Hope Kathy's doing well (I'm sure she's up to a lot of activity as usual), Oceanjasper's healing well, and that everyone else is fine. I wonder how Carrie is enjoying France! I also wonder how Vicci runs hills. I see she posted at the end of last week's thread but I can't read it. Crazy board woes!

[VictoriaL]

Les good for you to get that bike ride in before the rains begin (and aren't we lucky it's only supposed to rain?!)

Nat, a 2-1/2 hour run plus walking your dog? Kill me. :p (and it would) And how incredibly nice that DH had your slippers and a warm robe ready for a soaked you!

Hope that the snow stayed away Susan, and that you were able to get out for a run.

Okay, Vicci Running Hills, Part ??? :D

I incorporated little bits of everyone's advice and went out today for a nice, long one (50 min). I am definitely a mid-strike runner, landing on my flat foot then rolling up toward the toe for a push-off. On the hills, I leaned into it a bit, tried to use the ball of my foot more, and set markers on my way up to check my progress. Funny how my HR can jump 25-30bpm from the bottom to mid-hill!

There is one hill in particular which doesn't look too bad from above, but from below (and while running up it) there doesn't seem to be an end. But I ran up more than 3/4, so I am getting better.

Here's something funny. I was running down a long hill which we call Waterfall Hill because of a small waterfall down near the bottom. I noticed fresh deer tracks just beside where I was running and I was watching them, and trying to avoid tripping over branches, when I realized that something wasn't "right". I looked ahead and stopped immediately. Apparently the deer trail led to their favorite watering hole, I had strayed off of my own trail, and I stopped about 15' from running into the creek. :) It would have felt nice in a few months, but on a 48-degree day, not so much!

Oh, and for Les' question about future races, I'm considering my first. A 5k on April 25th. I'm not a morning person, and it starts at 9am in Pittsburgh (45 minute drive), so I'm still deciding... :o

Take care everyone, and I hope that you've all had a nice start to this week.

[KValley]

Tap Tap... Is this thing on? Ahem... (clearing throat).

Just not certain if I dare post, but it appears that the BB is working again...

Natasha Awesome run for you and kudos to your precious husband.

Vicci It's so great to read about the hills and your consistent improvement and confidence. You inspire me.

Les I wish you a smooth start to the semester. SO good to know the little lady in your congregation is all right- it must have been a very scary time for all. Glad you got out for a mind-clearing ride.

Susan Did the nasty weather hit? Do you have snow? It must be so frustrating as you are coming into such an intense part of your training. It's supposed to be spring!!!

I returned to work and to the gym last week. No lifting, no ab work and no yoga, but lots of walking indoors and out, elliptical and very light weights.

Yesterday was my first run in about a month- first major intense cardio session post-surgery. I did mostly run/walk intervals, just easing my legs into things. I felt ungainly and slow, but the "idea" of how good it felt to run again carried me through about 5 miles.

This morning was my first full on yoga- ah- felt so good.

Have a great week everyone!

[Kathy B]

Julie, really glad to hear that you are back to working out and enjoying yoga. And a 5 mile run/walk, too....that is wonderful! :)

Vicci, funny about following the deer trail. :D Sounds like the hills are progressing nicely. I know when I am driving, the hills never seem that impressive, but when I run the same route, they somehow increase greatly in their slope!

Natasha, yeah, busy as ever. Did you know there are only 51 days of school left this year? (DS is giving us daily updates!) And there is a lot happening between now and then. Your 2-1/2 hour rainy run sounds....well, good for you for sticking it out! I am sure it had to help to have others running with you. What a thoughtful DH you have!!

Nice assortment of workouts, Susan! Hope you had a good run today.

Wow, Les! I agree that must have been stressful for everyone to have someone collapse during the service. Glad it all ended well. Good job on your long ride.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to get my workouts in, so I have been mostly relying on my DVR'd yoga shows and the home TM. Tomorrow I am planning to hit the CC early so I can finally get weights done before heading into work for meetings and office stuff. Working all day Wednesday and another meeting and class on Thursday, so I doubt if I can fit much more in. (Sigh...) Oh, well, surely all this running around counts for something. :o

Better sign off so I can get up on time. Take care all!

[SusanMac]

KValley - it's so good to hear from you! Wow, you sound like your recovering fabulously. 5 mile walk/run is fantastic.

Nat - Your DH is a sweetie. No, we didn't do Earth Hour. Must not have been watching the news enough b/c didn't really know about it until after the fact. I think we were home watching a movie at the designated hour

Les - pretty traumatic service, but glad to hear the woman is OK. Not sure turning off the lights counts as much if you're still working on the computer ;-)

Vicci - Your hill workouts sound really great. Nice progress! Too funny about teh creek

I got in 12 miles yesterday. It was slow, but actually went by pretty quickly. Gorgeous weather. I don't mind the spring snow. It was sunny & a lovely 42 out. Really nice. My hip flexors are really sore today. I think that's a good sign though. Did some extra stretching & will probably take a recovery day today.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Les - Not sure turning off the lights counts as much if you're still working on the computer ;-)

Flying by... I wasn't working on the computer, I just realized that I hadn't turned off those things that could be powered down that are energy sumps (computer being the biggest thing that wasn't in use at the time). No I was away from the computer in the dark. :)
Les

[Kathy B]

Back to report weights and 30 min on the TM this AM. I could have added a stair workout at work since I parked on the very lowest level of the parking garage today, but it was 8 flights. I told myself "Hey! I already did 30 minutes on the TM!" and took the elevator. :D

[Leslie Ferguson]

That's a good run Susan and there's a little part of me that would have loved enough snow (but not too much snow) to get a good run this winter but the stuff we had just was a little too much to go in without showshoes/Yak Trax.
Kathy B - That's a pretty neat story about taking the stairs and the other decisions of the day. I hope you have a good day all around.

Today was nice and there wasn't a drop of rain today (that will teach me to trust weather forecasters). But instead I spent some extra time on campus then decided to take a spin because I needed to do some reading (Martin Luther -- yeesh) and then had a nice dinner - broiled Mahi Mahi and rice. Yum! Now, I'm off to clean up then do some more reading of Luther (no fun but it's gotta be done).

Happy trails,
Les

[KValley]

I had a lousy night's sleep Monday and switched off the alarm sometime around 4 am, knowing the gym was out for the day. I woke up in time and with a sort of hysterical energy to go for a run before work, which was the perfect thing. The fresh air, the beauty of the morning were just was the doctor ordered. I got some hills in and just let myself run- no watch, no worries about pace or distance.

Today a sort of day of rest- I've got a post-op appointment before work. But work will be demanding- I've got several wine displays to build, so lots of upper-body workout! Feeling good about lifting...

Kathy love the elevator story! I HATE elevators- I'm so claustrophobic- and I've got a 14-flight journey ahead of me this morning. Brendan and I tried once to use the stairs, but there is no way around it- after the first 3 flights, the stairwell is set with alarm doors. :mad: So i have to wait for a car that has no one else in it... :rolleyes:

Susan I'm glad the snow was followed by sun and balmy temps. Spring really is on its way. As my sinuses can attest- maybe it's the bouquet of daffodils I have on the table...

Happy Wednesday, all.

[SusanMac]

KValley - often times, I find those are the best runs. Just go. Stop when you feel like it. Go as fast or slow as you desire. Hope your dr. appt goes well

Well, yesterday was NOT a recovery day, as planned. I was getting together w/a few tri girlfriends last night, and they suggested a run b4 dinner. Even though my hips were sore, I decided to go, and I'm so glad! We ran through the neighborhood for 30 minutes, pretty easy, just chatting & catching up the whole time. We had each brought a dish to share, so got home & had a fabulous dinner. This was the first time I'd met 1 GF's DH and 10 m.o. baby. So nice to have a run, then sit around the table gabbing. We all decided to do it more often.

So....today will be a rest day. It's also my first day back to just 1 client. So, DH and I are headed to the library later this afternoon, and a few other errands. I want to make sure I feel productive! The good news is, one of my very favorite old colleagues called yesterday to tell me he thinks he has some work for me in about a month. Even if it doesn't happen, it totally boosted my spirit. yea.

Ramble over ;-)

Hope everyone's having a good April Fool's Day! Les....why do I have a hunch you really like this day? ;-)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hope everyone's having a good April Fool's Day! Les....why do I have a hunch you really like this day? ;-)
Moi? Me, a fool? Never... ;) :D Besides, why limit it to a single day - I'm an equal opportunity fool thank you! :D

[TKay]

Could it really be true? Are the boards working properly again?

Forgive my lengthy absence. I got really tired of typing in a message and having it not post. It really kept me away.

I've been keeping up with my TM runs, yoga and weights. I will read through all your posts to catch up on what you've been doing. But that's about it with me.

Hello to all!

[newsomz]

Hi All :) Remember me?? Paris has been busier than I could have dreamed.. though my trip is almost over (only about another week to go). First, replies to this weeks thread and then questions for my marathon.

Les - Hope you have a good end of the semester!!!! Great job on the run. And what an exciting sermon. I am glad to hear the lady is doing well.

Natasha - I had my parents bring me some new scooters since mine were getting worn down.. it sure is nice to have new ones.

Susan - Wow! Lots of good workouts. Great job.

Vicci - Sounds like a great run.. Very funny about almost running into the creek. I am glad you stopped yourself in time.

KValley - Ah, I can't wait to get in some yoga myself, soon! Sounds like you are recovering okay. Keep at it and you'll be back in tip top shape soon.

Kathy - I'd say the running around counts for a lot! Great job on making it to the CC.

TKay - Hi!

Also, hi to all the other VRB's! So, France has been absolutely wonderful... and insanely busy! I took a month of intensive French lessons, Got sick three times now (1 flu & 2 colds), and am showing around my third group of visitors with the last two groups coming today and tomorrow :o

My marathon training (the marathon is on Sunday) went okay.. My longest run was 3 hrs (not sure how many miles.. maybe 18) about a month ago. Since then I've hiked a ton in the Cinque Terre, walked my a** off around Paris & Budapest and now caught a cold :( It is just a little cold (super tired for a day or two.. and now a stuffy nose) but it has been lingering for the past 5 days because I am so worn out. I should also add that when we get back home (less than a week after the marathon) we'll be packing up our house, moving and then I'll be gathering documents needed for starting nursing school mid-May!

I'm a little worried that adding in the marathon will be just too much for my body to handle and I'll have a very, very slow recovery from it! I am also feeling very bummed about missing it because I've been training & planning for it! So, I could use some expert VRB advice :) Should I still run??

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hi All :) Remember me?? Paris has been busier than I could have dreamed.. though my trip is almost over (only about another week to go). First, replies to this weeks thread and then questions for my marathon.

My marathon training (the marathon is on Sunday) went okay.. My longest run was 3 hrs (not sure how many miles.. maybe 18) about a month ago. Since then I've hiked a ton in the Cinque Terre, walked my a** off around Paris & Budapest and now caught a cold :( It is just a little cold (super tired for a day or two.. and now a stuffy nose) but it has been lingering for the past 5 days because I am so worn out. I should also add that when we get back home (less than a week after the marathon) we'll be packing up our house, moving and then I'll be gathering documents needed for starting nursing school mid-May!

I'm a little worried that adding in the marathon will be just too much for my body to handle and I'll have a very, very slow recovery from it! I am also feeling very bummed about missing it because I've been training & planning for it! So, I could use some expert VRB advice :) Should I still run??

Thanks, we're actually just ending the first week of classes for this portion of the semester but in 6 weeks we're done (blurr).

About running the marathon on Sunday - that's a tough question. Did you have a time goal for the race? If you did and your longest run being 3 hours your goal may have to be stepped back a little. If you're just wanting to finish the race you could be fine - what kind of training base do you have? Did you get plenty of running in before your long run and getting sick? It's a tough question. My experience: I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in the end October 2001 while I was moving from Norfolk to Rhode Island to go to graduate school. It was a good race but not a good race for my time or body (yes there were other things bothering me like a huge hole in the side of the Pentagon) but the move was stressful for me.

So what does that mean? You'll have to really listen to your body and what it's saying to you. Are you not sleeping because the race is just something that is looming terribly on your horizon? Are you not sleeping in any case (starting nursing school would be troublesome without the race)? So, at my bottom line, I can argue either case - you won't be any better prepared in the coming years to run a marathon but your experience right now may he such that you never want to do another marathon. Tough call and I pray that I haven't muddied the waters too much.

Gotta go... lunch calls. :cool:
Les

[SusanMac]

Newsomz - It's great to hear from you! Sorry about the colds, but sounds like a fantastic trip nonetheless. DH & I are planning a Sept trip to Paris. We've rented a flat in Ille St. Louis. But, on to your question....

If it were me, I would still totally go for it. I mean, it's the Paris Marathon! You've paid, signed up and trained. Do not even think or stress about any commitments after the race. You can deal with those later. Stress will just make your cold worse. Since you don't have a ton of recent long runs under your belt, just take the marathon nice and easy. Start slow. Walk often. Meet everyone around you. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Be sure to take in some calories, too. Just take it easy & have fun! I personally think a DNF is better than a DNS, for this particular situation (not always).

that's just my opinion. If you decide not to do the race, don't beat yourself up. You'll just have to fly back some other year for vengance ;-)

[Leslie Ferguson]

I reread my post - just trying to be the moderating influence but I'm with Susan, I'd probably run in the race anyway. I've done the same thing in the past - even ran in Boston having only gotten as far as 19 miles in training. Try not to worry about what is ahead and have fun in your race.

Happy trails,
Les

[newsomz]

Susan & Les - Thanks for the boost! I definitely needed someone to tell me I wasn't crazy for trying to fit it all in :) I will definitely be taking it SLOW (planning on 9 min run/1 min walk) & hydrating along the way. I definitely don't have a time goal and have a descent base (though not as good as I'd like) so I think I'll be okay. Maybe it will be a good stress reliever!

[JeffreyWestin]

I just found this thread and would love to get in on the action. Are you still looking for people to virtually run with?

I'm pretty new though and can only do a few miles (with a lot of walk breaks).

Let me know if this is still going on!

[Robyn1007]

I just found this thread and would love to get in on the action. Are you still looking for people to virtually run with?

I'm pretty new though and can only do a few miles (with a lot of walk breaks).

Let me know if this is still going on!

We start a new thread each week. You're welcome to join but I suggest you remove your spam link from your signature. ;)