Virtual Running Buddies - w/o 4/3

[Kathy B]

Hi all and Happy Friday! I am being a little lazy today after spending the majority of the last 3 days at work, but I did get in a good workout this AM. I did weights at the CC and then 60 min on the TM. Only planned to do 35, but by then I was in a "zone" and just kept going. Kind of surprising, really, since there wasn't anything worth watching on TV, but I'll take it. Felt really good!

The kids have band contest tonight, then the weekend will be spent with driving practice (DD) and college stuff (DS). DH is OOT, but he called me this AM and gave me a "to do" list :eek:!! I plan to get right on it.....tomorrow. (Today I am being lazy, remember? ;))

Carrie, I think you have a good plan with the run/walk method. I would hate for you to miss out after all your training, and who knows if you will get another opportunity to run a marathon in France? Glad to hear your time there has been so worthwhile!

Good to see you Tkay!

Julie, lifting boxes of wine sounds like it could be an enjoyable way to workout. Good job on the early AM run!!

Susan, the run/dinner sounds like a good time. It is so easy to get busy with life and not make time for those little get-togethers with friends. I hope you ARE able to do it more often!

Les, Do you have a lot of tests/papers etc... coming up as the semester is ending? Hope you are finding time for some runs/spins.

Wishing you all a great weekend! :)

[1MegMeg]

Happy Friday friends!!

Had some good runs this week, including a nice 5 miler yesterday. Next week will be 2 shorter runs and then my 8K race next Saturday! :) My parents are coming to visit next weekend and we are going out to dinner at a really delicious restaurant Saturday night. I don't know if I am more excited about the race or about the good food. :p

Oh yeah, I also got a treadmill on craigslist last weekend! I still prefer running outside, but I think I'll use the TM a lot in the hot summer months.

Kathy - Nice work on the TM! 60 minutes is a long time on that thing hehe! Enjoy your lazy day today, it sounds like you have a busy weekend.

Hope everyone else is doing well! Glad that the boards are working again and I can actually get on here!

[Natasha]

Hi all!

Carrie, so nice to hear from you! I was wondering how you were doing. Re: the marathon... I often advocate caution now (more often than in the past), but when I did my first marathon, I think my longest run before that was about what yours was (also due to being sick, etc.), and I was fine. Go with your gut, and if you do it, relax, take in the experience, have fun, and Godspeed!!!

Back from a few days away and I just checked out the bag swap thread. Wow. Good entertainment for an early Friday evening ;) On the workout front, I have a spin to report, as well as a run in the Chicago suburbs.

Meg, how fun that your race is coming up too! Both the 8k and the food sound worth getting excited about :D

Kathy, nice job on your 60 min TM run!

Take care, guys,
Nat

[SusanMac]

Nat - are you still in Chicago?? Hope not. Hunker down tonight!!

Kathy - Good to hear from you. Yes, your 'lazy' days always make me feel pretty lazy!

MegMeg - I have a race next weekend, too. Mine is on Sat. We can race together virtually

Yesterday was a rest day for me. Today will be a 7-miler. Today is also our local 50K race. I'll be one of the course/intersection/directions people. We've got great weather for race day, which is nice for the athletes.

Hope everyone's having a great weekend

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kathy B - I've got a few things to do: 3 papers; 2 finals; a longer sermon for class and a sermon at my intern site; 2 shorter sermons; and 2 reflections. Oh, and 2 final exams too. Of course, the "worst thing" is the one-page reflection that I have to write for the group that is recommending me for the next step in my ordination process. The hardest thing is I only have a page and I need to cover the big events of the last 2 years (I could cover almost a page just on working at the hospital and the time I spent before working with one of the religious societies in my church). Honestly, it will all be well and I hope to get spins and runs in as well as playing in the Ultimate tournament again this year. Great hour run on the TM.
Nat - Glad you enjoyed Chicago and got some good runs in while there.

A shout out to the rest of the gang: Susan, Meg, and Carrie for sure as well as the rest of the lurkers out there.

I had a blast yesterday after class going for a ride - in shorts and short-sleeves. That's a first for the season. I got a little concerned thoug - I was making the turn at 30 minutes and looked back into BLACK clouds! :eek: I was afraid I'd get soaked with horrible weather but made it home without issue. I decided to drop my bike off at the shop (the mountain bike this week) to get it tuned and worked on. I realized I hadn't done anything to maintain it in the past 4 or 5 years. Needless to say it needs work - all the cables are rusted and the bak brakes are shot. Still, considering how much the bike cost me (I won it in a contest) and that I've spent on it in the 7 years I've owned it ($50 for a tune up and $80 for tires) I can't complain.

'bout all for tonight. Long early set tomorrow so off to think about sleep.

Happy trails all,
Les

[Robyn1007]

Hey all! Quick pop in to tell you I'm off to a 4 hour spin-a-thon this morning. It's our grand finale for my winter of spinning with the women's club so it's going to be interesting. If I stop pedaling at all in a 15 minute increment I don't get a raffle ticket for that period. Send any strong endurance and stamina vibes you got my way!

[SusanMac]

That sounds awesome, Robyn! Good luck & have fun.

Sending good marathon vibes to Newsomz in Paris! It's about 6pm there by now, so she is probably resting in a cafe somewhere :-)

[Natasha]

I looked up Carrie! I hope she reports back soon to let us know how everything was.

Susan, no, fortunately I got home before the weekend. I was surprised to see snow there - we don't have any on the ground here right now (though that may change tomorrow). Good luck in your race next weekend!

Les, just reading about your next little while made me tired ;) The ride sounds fun though that is scary about the rain. It's been 7 years since you won that bike?! It seems like it just happened. Have VRBs really been around that long? I guess so!

Robyn, enjoy the spinathon! We have one here that's 24 hours. I did a couple of hours and DH did about 16. Some did all 24.

Went for a run this morning but by myself because I wasn't ready to go as early as the others were going. My legs were dead and it was a tough run. Good thing I hadn't planned to go super long; I'd wanted to do 90 mins and called it a day at 75. I went for coffee and found out that everyone had a tough time today - must have been something in the air ;)

Take care, all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Les, just reading about your next little while made me tired ;) The ride sounds fun though that is scary about the rain. It's been 7 years since you won that bike?! It seems like it just happened. Have VRBs really been around that long? I guess so!
I hope that's not the next week - those are the things that I've got due between now and mid-May. But this week is going to be nuts (more later). I missed the rain but it did open up just after I got home. I'm always a little nervous, especially riding near sunset with potential thunder showers looming. Some days it's all about having a tough day, 75 minutes is good and especially with a funk growing.

Robyn - A 4 hour spin-a-thon. WOW! :eek: you're a better person than I - I think the longest I've ever been on my bike is 2 hours and I was pretty saddle sore after that.

Not sure how much I'll be around this week. As I alluded to above, it's going to be busy. 4 days of regular classes and leading worship on 2 of 4 days and assisting the other 2 days. Throw in probably 5 or 6 of 9 services between Wednesday evening and Sunday midday at my internship site will make for a long week. Oy Vey! I hope that I can swing a run or spin or 2 in the process - that will make for some semblance of sanity.

Baked bread for the coming week this afternoon after the morning's festivities. No pass outs this weekend (whew) but still a long day. Now reading for my class in the morning and an early rising to make it to prepare for worship in the morning. Happy trails all and wishing Carrie a great run (I hope we hear a good report from her).

Happy trails,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Hi everyone!

Carrie it sounds as though you’re having a great time. How did the marathon go?

KathyB don’t you love getting into a “zone”?! ;) And how did it go with DH’s to-do list this weekend?

Meg, are you saving calories this week in anticipation of the dinner this weekend? But then, you need to eat for racing energy… decisions, decisions…

So Nat shortened her run to a mere 75 minutes! How you do those extra-long runs and don't go home and take a nap amazes me. Hmmm, or do you???

How did the spinning go today Robyn?

Les, isn’t that first time out in short-sleeves glorious? And it’s good that you got it in before the rain started (and the craziness of Easter week begins). You also reminded me that I keep meaning to call some places to get costs on having our bikes tuned-up for this season.

We spent a few days at the lake house and I got in 2 runs—61 minutes (felt like taking a nap afterward but resisted) on Saturday and 35 minutes today. I am pleased to report that I did better on the hills this time than last, and because of all of the hills my HR was 147 both times. There were a few trees blooming, and lots of little flowers in patches on the side of the road; the sky was blue and it was warm enough to wear a short-sleeve t-shirt and no jacket for the first time since last fall. Yes, it’s supposed to snow a bit in the next couple of days but I firmly believe that winter is over! Yay!!!

I may be considering changing my distance in the race at the end of the month to the 10k. It is to take place running along a river, on a flat course, so if I can get myself doing 60+ minutes with hills, is it reasonable to expect that I may be able to run a 10k?

Hope that you all have had nice weekends, and the start to the week goes smoothly. :)

[newsomz]

Kathy - Great job on the workout despite feeling lazy!

Meg - Wow! I drop off the board for a few months and you are already up to 5-milers. Congrats!!! Good luck with the 8K. That is great you were able to find a treadmill... I am hoping to use the gym in the summer months so I don't stop running during the hottest months of summer like I did last year :o

Natasha - Thanks for the advice :) And great job on getting in workouts despite being away from home!

Susan - Good for you for helping with the race! I need to do that more this spring/summer. Good luck on your race next weekend. What distance?

Les - Good luck on your end of the semester activities! What will you do to celebrate? I'm glad to hear you made it past the black clouds without getting wet! I always compare the cost of maintaining my bike to the cost of maintaining my car.. The bike wins hands down :)

Robyn - Hi! How did the spin-a-thon go? Sounds like a fun way to get in some exercise.

Vicci - Sounds like you got in some wonderful spring runs! This year was my first to experience the wonderful beginning of spring as I've always lived in hot climates where spring is bittersweet (because it also signals the beginning of intense heat!). If you are already running 60 min I think you'll be able to do a 10k at the end of the month. Sounds like a lovely course, too!

Now for the marathon report :) I ended up sucking up all my tiredness and going. I was very glad I did as the marathon was a lot of fun! I ran with a friend and we ran a very even pace the entire time cheering on the crowd, stopping for our water breaks, and enjoying the scenery! We caught up with our other friend towards the end of the course and we all finished together. I even had enough left to speed up a little at the end.. Madonna & some other music helped me along :) I ended with a time just under 5:00h (forgot to look at my watch so am not exactly sure of the time)! Better than I was expecting given my thin training and extreme tiredness the few days prior. Last night we cooked a dinner in and tonight it is goodbye/celebration drinks with Paris & marathon friends... Then our victory dinner! Not sure what my recovery plan is yet.. When should I start running again? I was thinking next week.

Happy trails to all.

[Natasha]

Yay!! Congrats, Carrie! You're a marathoner :) Sounds like such an amazing time. Enjoy the festivities ahead of you. As for when to run next, I'd go completely with what feels right to you, but in my experience I have done my first post-marathon run a few days afterwards. I take it very easy the first few runs out, not going very far or very fast. You'll probably find the first few post-race runs you do quite liberating, with no stress and no expectations (not that it's not amazing to be training for something, but this is good in a different way).

I also do a lot of cross-training after a race... riding, swimming, and hiking are all good options (just to name a few). Hey, now you can start training for the Tour de France, right? :D

Can't linger but a shout-out to the rest of the run gang!

[1MegMeg]

Carrie CONGRATS!!!! So glad you made the decision to do the marathon, and I bet you are too!! You did wonderful and it sounds like you had an amazing time!! When do you come back home? It's soon right? Thank you for the encouragement about my race and mileage. I am super excited about the race this weekend!

Nat - Nice run yesterday despite your legs feeling like bricks hehe. Maybe I missed or somewhere, or just can't remember, but are you training for anything specific right now?

Vicci - Hehe, I don't really save calories ever and definitely not this week for the race. So I'll be eating for the race and then "replenishing" all the burned calories with a delicious dinner! Your runs this weekend sound soooo nice! I'm not sure what your pace is, but I definitely think if you are running 60+ minutes with hills you can definitely do a 10K! What were you going to run? A 5K?

Les - Glad you beat the rain home during your ride! Thunderstorm + biking is no good! Peace and grace be with you during this extra busy week! Hope you are able to squeeze in a run or spin.

Robyn - How was the spin-a-thon? My behind is a little sore just thinking about being in a bike for that long lol!

Susan - Yay! A virtual race!! Which race are you racing? And what time is it? Mine is at 8am EDT. :)

No exercise whatsoever to report from the weekend hehe. I just wanted to stop by and say hi! I checked the weather and it looks it's going to be around 64 degrees at race start. The course runs along the Indian River and is mostly shaded (according to the website).

[SusanMac]

Meg - My race is a 10K for the American Cancer Society. It's Sat at 10am CT (spring races here start later b/c you never know if it will be cold or warm ;-) So, you should be done w/your race before mine even starts!

Vicci - yes, it definitely sounds like you are ready for a 10K, if you want to.

Newsomz - Congrats !!! We are so glad you decided to do the marathon. Wow, it sounds like a blast. Can't imagine actually running into a friend in that size crowd. Your race & post-race festivities sound really wonderful. Would love to see some pictures of your trip at some point down the road (I know it's too busy now to bother with posting them)

I did an indoor bike spin yesterday, although the weather didn't turn out nearly as bad as predicted. I'm doing my long-run either today or tomorrow....depends on weather & work schedule.

later

[Robyn1007]

Hello all!

Carrie - Congratulations on your marathon!!

Vicci - Go for the 10k. I'm crazily doing one at the end of May...

Kathy - How was your lazy day?

Les - Good luck this week!

Hi Susan, Nat and the rest of the gang.

Well, the spin-a-thon yesterday went better than expected. I'd set a goal of spinning for 3 of the 4 hours knowing that the most I'd been on my trainer in one stretch before was about 1:15. I went prepared with everything I thought I might need including a heating pad as last week was plagued with back/neck pain. We had a pot luck as well along with a massage therapist who came in and spoke about injury and treatment she can help with. I also took my iPhone loaded with episodes of a documentary series on the Iditarod. I figured watching the cold endurance race would be motivational.

I ended up taking 2 15 minute breaks one after 1:30 and the second after 2:45. Most of the riding was just spinning the legs. Kept a fairly light resistance and low cadence except for the 2 15 minute periods that had climbing challenges. During those we earned extra raffle tickets for each of the 5 minute segments we stood. Out of 6 segments I stood for 4 of them. So, total I rode for 3:30 minutes at a light pace of 12 mph covering 42 miles while really going nowhere.

In the raffle I won a few different goodies, the best of which is a bike tune so I left that there to get tuned up and ready to go. It gives me a good excuse as to why I can't get on my bike for awhile.

Today my muscles are sore and stiff but my rear end is painful. Definitely more saddle sore than I've ever been and finding a comfortable position on the office chair is very hard (pun intended).

[SusanMac]

Robyn - That sounds like so much fun! Congrats! I'm really impressed. I've definitely never been on a stationary bike for that long. You had to stand on your pedals for 5-min straight?? I'm certain I've never done that before either. I learned to alternate sitting/standing on tough hills. Yikes.

[Robyn1007]

Yeah, the most I'd ever stood was 3 minutes in class so when she said 5 I thought I'd die. I stood 5, sat 5, stood 5 out of each of the 15 minute increments which were about an hour apart. There were a couple of people who stood for the entire 15! :eek: Although, typically when outdoor riding I spin up most hills but it is a good thing to be capable of doing, especially around here as some of our races end on uphills so being able to power up standing up can win a race if you can do it.

[Kathy B]

Well, the lazy day was definitely too short, but I did finish a book and went to the kids' concert. Their band got a "I" rating, so we went out for dessert to celebrate. Checking things off of the "to do" list right and left....

This AM I did weights and 30 min on the EB at the CC. I am thinking about cleaning the rugs this evening, so that may be my workout for tomorrow! I am so excited....:rolleyes:!

Robyn, I can't even imagine spinning for that long! Sounds like a fun event....congrats on the prizes! Hope your aches and pains go away soon.

Susan, what kind of temps are you expecting for your Saturday 10K? It is pretty cold here, so I am thinking it must be very cold in Wisconsin.

Meg, are you taking it easy before your Saturday race? So what is an 8K....about 5 miles? What kind of restaurant are you planning?

Carrie, Congratulations for completing your French marathon!! I am glad to hear you had a good time and were able to run it with friends. Enjoy the victory dinner!

Vicci, I think you would be fine running a 10K. Sounds like a nice course. (I love flat!)

Les, good luck with getting it all done. I hope you do manage to get a little exercise in to relieve the stress of a loaded schedule.

Natasha, you must be keeping pretty busy. Still managing to get in some good long runs, I see, even if they are a drudgery at times. Hope the next one is better.

THink that's about it. Off to make some veggie mac and cheese for dinner. It's cold and a overcast out, so I think it will be just the thing. Take care!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Flying by - I've had a chance to peruse the posts and my hat is off to Robyn for sitting and standing on the trainer for all that time. I can't imagine standing on my pedals for 15 minutes let alone 5 minutes. It sounds like you won some good stuff in your raffle.
I think you'll be fine in a 10k Vicci if you're running on hills and running for an hour already. Still worth trying for something close to 6 miles before the race if you can get it.
Carrie - depending on which marathon this was (first?) there is a rule of thumb that says no running for at least a week after the race (a reverse taper). I think I didn't feel like running for at least 4 or 5 days after my first. Riding and swimming were great the first couple days but running... maybe a short run the end of the week.
A shout out to the rest - sorry no personal greeting to everyone, even the virtual racers (Susan and Meg). Great workouts Nat and Kathy B.

One day down, 6 to go. I spun this afternoon for an hour - weather was all over the scope today and they are talking possible flurries in the morning (nothing sticking though). :eek: Three more days of classes then the fun begins. I'll try to drop by a little later but might not get there. Regardless, I'll be thinking of you all.

Happy trails,
Les

[newsomz]

Thanks All for the encouragement and congrats!

Would love to see some pictures of your trip at some point down the road (I know it's too busy now to bother with posting them)

You are in luck... I have a few online already :)

Budapest (http://picasaweb.google.com/newsomz/Budapest#)

Cinque Terre (Italy) (http://picasaweb.google.com/newsomz/CinqueTerre#)

January in Paris (http://picasaweb.google.com/newsomz/JanuaryInParis#) (I still have lots more Paris pictures to upload...)

[SusanMac]

Very cool photos!!

[Kathy B]

Wow, Carrie! Beautiful pics! I especially liked the ones from Italy. The dog on the steps was something else! He looked quite relaxed considering where he was. Must be used to it...
I will show them to DS this evening. He loves to look at pictures of new places and add them to his "bucket list". :p

35 min on the TM for me this AM. I decided to do the rugs towards the end of the week when there is less going on...unless something comes up, of course. ;)

[KValley]

Just a quick check in to say FELICITATIONS to Carrie for completing the marathon and having fun! Amazing, you! And it's good to see you here again. I'll peruse the photos when I have time to enjoy. When do you return stateside?

And to Robyn for your awesome spinathon. You are so cool- I love your spirit!

And everyone else, it seems that us Northerners are breaking out of the winter doldrums and getting some spring back in our step (pardon the pun!). We've had a stretch of glorious, warm (okay, warm-er), sunny days here- I've been continuing on with my walk-runs, out-of-doors. Rearranged my Monday work schedule so I'm in at 7, out at 3- time to enjoy the afternoon sunshine with a run and self-practice yoga.

Late night tonight- I work until 7, then to a sherry-tasting/class and dinner at Enotria for our stores' beer & wine teams. It will be fun, but I don't do well with late nights when I have to work the next day. We'll see if I make it to the gym in the am...

Happy Spring!!

[TKay]

Hello, runners. I've been staying away from the bb because my frustration level was rising. I know there were issues for everybody, but for some reason, it really tested my patience. I'd write out these updates and/or responses and they'd never post. Alas, it seems the bb is being kinder these days.

Wow, everyone has been so active. I did lurk some, but missed some crucial activities, I see.

Carrie - Amazing race report and photos! You really rock. I'm very impressed. Yay!

Les - Good luck with the six-day countdown.

Robyn - You stud. I know my legs would be noodles after a spin like that, but I think my bottom would take the brunt of it. This may be a TMI question, but did you use any, uh, soothing agents? Dh is a regular cyclist and swears by it. Never rides without it. Hope you heal quickly.

So many other personal notes to make, and so little time.

I've been on the TM regularly and it's been great. I'm over the hump of dreading a workout but doing it anyway. I'm back to looking forward to it. What a great feeling. Also, got a Bender Ball (http://benderball.com/) to help strengthen my core. (It's essentially a small exercise ball designed mostly for ab work.)

The boys are off next week for Easter break and we are planning a camping trip to the Grand Canyon. The weather report says evening temps in the 20s. Did I mention we'll be tent camping? :eek:

More later. Happy happy to all.

[Robyn1007]

Robyn - You stud. I know my legs would be noodles after a spin like that, but I think my bottom would take the brunt of it. This may be a TMI question, but did you use any, uh, soothing agents? Dh is a regular cyclist and swears by it. Never rides without it. Hope you heal quickly.

Hehe, nope not TMI. You wouldn't believe the online discussions I've seen on these kinds of subjects. I use A+D ointment, yeah the diaper rash stuff. Then, after a long ride I use witch hazel.

I'm feeling surprisingly good today as far as muscle soreness which is fantastic. Planning a swim then an ab class maybe followed by a short jog on the treadmill tonight.

[TKay]

Hehe, nope not TMI. You wouldn't believe the online discussions I've seen on these kinds of subjects. I use A+D ointment, yeah the diaper rash stuff. Then, after a long ride I use witch hazel.

For those who wish to skip the saddle-sore discussion that Robyn and I are having, just move to the next post. ;)

A+D is what Dh prefers. How funny. I know there are all sorts of various products out there. When the boys were babies, dh used to steal the big tub of A+D. I'd be like, hello? I actually need that here. :rolleyes:

Glad your muscles are doing well.

[SusanMac]

TKay - chamois butter is definitely not TMI! I've never thought to use A+D. Probably much cheaper than the official cyclist stuff, so we'll try it. Congrats on getting over that hump. I know it well! I'm off to check out your new toy....

Robyn - Does the A+D either absorb into the skin or wash off super easily? I've never thought of witch hazel afterwards, so will try that as well

KValley - so good to hear from you! Sounds like your recover activities are coming along great. I want to join your beer & wine team!

Well, an LSD run wasn't in the cards for yesterday, so I went this morning. Much prefer the morning runs anyway, but my schedule rarely allows for it. I did 14 miles and was excited b/c my legs felt fresh & quite good.

I've also discovered the joys of duct tape! I have wicked calluses on the balls of my feet that have been getting worse lately (regardless of my sock or shoe choices). Had heard of duct tape but never tried it. No pain at all on my last 2 runs, so I'm happy.

DH was a stud and went grocery shopping today. And, I'm excited that I'm already in talks with a potential new client. It's only been one week since my last project ended. Very good karma! (hope I didn't jinx it)

[Natasha]

Hi all!

Susan, good luck with the new client! Nice job on the run and that was sweet of your DH.

Duct tape... soothing agents... my DH needs to chime in here. He's the veteran in our house of all kinds of treatments to aid in long workouts. ;)

Carrie, I just peeked at the photos but what I saw was lovely! France rocks.

TKay, the camping sounds awesome! I'll hope for your sake that the forecast gets slightly warmer. I've camped in that kind of weather... brr. Not my preferred way to camp even though I can do it.

I went to the physio/osteopath today and he sent a lot of time on my lower back, which was most welcome.

I owe more responses and greetings but will leave it for now. Hope to chat more with you guys soon! Have a great evening :)

Nat

[VictoriaL]

Carrie your marathon experience sounded quite enjoyable! I hope to use a friend’s computer soon to do some things that I cannot do with my dial-up ISP and looking at your travel photos are now on the list!

Meg I was going to run the 5k with a friend, but I think that she may be backing out of it so I will switch to the 10k. I forgot, you’re “of the age” where you don’t have to plan your eating habits around a future feast!

Hey Susan, quit sending your snow our way! :D

Robyn, your spin-a-thon sounds fun (especially the raffle goodies) and also painful. I hope that you are feeling better.

Camping, cold temps or not, simply is not my thing so although I do not envy your upcoming trip, TKay, I admire you for doing it!

I don’t know about you all, but Les’ schedule tires me… 

And thanks to all who suggested that I go for the 10k! I have lots of questions about running my first race (apparel, etiquette, etc.) but will ask these at a later date.

Because of the snow and cold (both of which I could have dealt with in February, just not in April) I spent a lovely 45 minutes on the exercise bike in lieu of a run. I have a very busy day tomorrow, and hope that Thursday is warmer and sunny so I can get out.

Hi to all of the runners out there!

[Robyn1007]

Susan, it kinda absorbs but it doesn't wash of easily. I think the witch hazel helps that as well.

Just a quick note otherwise cause I'm about to fall into bed. I've been up against a mental wall with my workouts. I've been battling with non-motivation and getting frustrated to the point of tears more than once. Well, I think I finally figured out what my problem was.

I got in the pool tonight and had a great swim. Felt so good that I was having to watch the clock to make sure I got out in time to hit the ab class I wanted to try out. I got out after 29 minutes, changed, headed for the class. Then, after that I headed for the treadmill for 25 minutes. And it all felt fantastic.

So, in analyzing what was going on I realized that the big difference was the endorphin hit I got on Sunday. Apparently I'm addicted to those endorphins. Guess their could be worse addictions. :p So, lesson is don't let myself go so long between a milestone. Find a race, even a small one to do regularly. Or do a spinathon. Or something! Needless to say, I'm flying high tonight and will sleep much better tonight.

[SusanMac]

Robyn - I'm glad if you're figuring out your non-motivation issues. So sorry to hear you've been struggling with that. I'm going to throw out one more idea, and it's just a random one. Only you can know what's right. But, I wonder if you need a complete break for a very short while? Skiing, swim, bikes, stationary equipment, classes. You should really be enjoying what you're doing. So, just wondered if a few weeks away would make you desire it more. Just a thought for whenever you need it.

[Robyn1007]

Robyn - I'm glad if you're figuring out your non-motivation issues. So sorry to hear you've been struggling with that. I'm going to throw out one more idea, and it's just a random one. Only you can know what's right. But, I wonder if you need a complete break for a very short while? Skiing, swim, bikes, stationary equipment, classes. You should really be enjoying what you're doing. So, just wondered if a few weeks away would make you desire it more. Just a thought for whenever you need it.

Uh, yeah, my coach is threatening to make me take April 20-24th off completely. Our ski season (except for a couple of May days) ends on the 19th. She may still do that and if she thinks I need it I will but I have a 10k on May 25th so I'd rather not do more than those 5 days. We'll see. I'm feeling much more optimistic this morning and feel the desire to get back to the gym tonight for a swim and strength workout so that's a step in the right direction.

[TKay]

Robyn - I was wondering if burnout had any effect on you. You're doing so much, and everything is great. But maybe you're just worked. I'm adding that much like Susan added her thoughts. Just an idea. I'm sure the idea of a break sounds awful right now, especially since you've been rocking lately.

Vicci - I don't envy my chilly camping trip either. :rolleyes: Doing it for the kids. I admit it. Sorry about your weather. Here's to spring springing in your area soon.

Nat - Glad you got some work done on your back. I can feel the relief from here.

Susan - Really? Duct tape? Do you just cover the callused area? Or do you wrap it around the foot? I can't picture it. Whatever you do, glad it's helping.

KValley - I meant to ask, how was the sherry tasting?

Got in a good weight walk yesterday, followed by abs and lower-body work. Today's been hectic, but I did squeeze in about 35 minutes of pooch-walking. Hoping for more, but may have to settle for tomorrow.

Happy whatever-you're-doing day!

[Natasha]

On the road again... I'm sitting in a comfy hotel room and had planned to run this morning, but now I'm thinking coffee, breakfast, and yoga and core might be the ticket. I'm kind of groggy and would rather limber up, I think.

Robyn, sorry to hear about your frustration but it's good to hear that you have been feeling motivated after the spinathon (great job, BTW!). Do you think you'll do what your coach and others here have suggested and take a few days completely off?

Vicci, I don't nap when I get home after a long run, though that's not a bad idea :) I think you'll be more than ready for your 10k - how exciting!

Julie, how was the sherry tasting?

Hi to Les, TKay, Meg, Susan, Carrie, Kathy, ktg, and everyone else!

Okay, off to get breakfast and get on with the yoga and core. Our Easter long weekend is coming up; I have tomorrow and hopefully also Monday off. Happy Easter and Passover, VRBs!

[SusanMac]

I was a total flake & didn't workout yesterday. I didn't workout Mon either, but justified it by saying my LSD day was on Tues. Yesterday, no reason at all. Was planning an indoor spin. Oh well. Just keep moving forward right?

Tonight is a 5 mile tempo run w/my running club. We are having glorious spring weather this week!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Waving from the sidelines...
I'm actually getting a couple workouts in this week and braving the upper-30s/lower-40s weather we're having now.

I'm keeping track of your workouts and would love to comment on all the posts but alas...
Robyn - endorphin addiction is a fantastic thing. Wait until you have to run 3 or more miles just to get in the swing of things and you don't start to get endorphins until you get out to 6 or 7 miles.
TKay - I've kind of wondered about duct tape too, I always thought it was something to keep your foot from sliding so it might be something on the insole or on the outside of the sock. But we can wait to hear from Susan about where one puts the greatest invention known to men. :D :p

It's hard to imagine that I'm not quite on the downhill side of the week yet. Spun for ~15 minutes (and ultimately could have gone longer but I didn't know how long it would take to drive to Church). Spun for an hour on Monday (before all the fun started). I'm probably going to lay a little low tomorrow with regard to church - at least not drive all the way to my field site and thus get some kind of workout in (maybe a run since it's supposed to be nice tomorrow).

Happy trails all, happy Passover, happy end of Holy Week and Easter.

Les

[SusanMac]

Oops....realize that I forgot to answer TKay's Q re: duct tape.

Yes, I put that sucker directly on my foot over the callused part. Then the sock & shoe goes on just like normal. I haven't wrapped it completely around my foot, thinking it might be uncomfortable. But, I really can't feel it at all. It did shift a bit on my long run, so maybe I will try wrapping more of it. I'm actually off today to do a bit of shopping for insoles as an option, as well

[KValley]

Just came in, feeling both peaceful and energized, from a wonderful bike ride. It's a gorgeous spring afternoon- clouds and sunlight, fresh breeze and blossoms. I biked down and around Shilshole Bay and considered how much I love living here.

2 squat/lunge & core workouts this week and my legs & midsection are so sore- but in a good way. Tomorrow's yoga and massage will help knock out the kinks.

Robyn You are getting some good advice here, so I'll just add a virtual hug and tell you to take good care of you- rest is at least as valuable as action.

Les You have a busy weekend ahead- wishing you some restful nights!

SusanNow you just have to heed your own advice and remember to listen to that bod and keep having fun, no?! Your body was likely telling you that it needed a break and your head hadn't yet caught up with the rationale...

NatSafe travels and enjoy your long weekend!

Tkay Enjoy the pooch walk! I envy you :)

Vicci Snow? I'm so sorry... this has been such a reluctant spring for so many of us. We're set for rain showers again this weekend... well, hardly a surprise considering it's Seattle, but we get giddy if the temps crest 60 degrees...

Kathy, Eva, Carrie, Meg, everyone- have a blessed weekend!

Oh- sherry tasting was lovely. We tasted 6 different sherries, from a salty-dry, pale fino to an unctuous, rich Pedro Ximenez. I'm not certain why a sherry tasting/class was held at an Italian restaurant, but I'm not complaining! Dinner was antipasti of toasted walnuts, salami, bread, Parmesan, olives; Cioppino; Roast Lamb & Ceci served with roasted artichokes, fennel, sweet onions, golden beets; Gorgonzola melted over toast; mango sorbet and chunks of dark chocolate. Mmmm.. I love my job :)