VRB - week of... Christmas

[Leslie Ferguson]

Ok, I'll bite since it's Saturday and I've finally had a run.

Quiet-ish week last week but spins and runs happening all around. This week will be travelling and possibly running out of town and preparation for New Year's Day.

Nat could have claimed the first run of the week having run on Christmas (as well as TKay on the TM I believe). But all in all we had a quiet Christmas Day with a couple of us not getting to bed until really late and taking naps during the day (me and Kathy B).

Food - pumpkin risotto and other fine feasts for Christmas.

I wonder if anyone got any good running/exercise gear for Christmas. Around here - since we are trying to be good to our promise of only stocking stuffers for adults and the remainder to charity LW and I got a few DVDs and a calendar or two but no exercise gear. :(

I ran today and it was weird. We had a bunch of rain yesterday and it was 52 when I headed out. Very little snow left except in the mounds alongside the roads. It was a little foggy or at least there was this low hanging mist. Got out for an hour and need to do more of those in the coming month.

How about the rest of the gang on Boxing Day - anything fun going on?

Anyway... here's to the final week of the year so... Happy trails,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Isn't is odd, Les, that only a week ago we had so much snow and now... hardly any at all! But wasn't is great to get out for a run and not have to worry about it?! 52 degrees-- I was pleased to get out in 41 degrees today!

I took more than my "self-allowed" week off, nine days to be exact. We traveled to see my family for a whole 24 hours and it feels weird, almost like we didn't go at all, because it was so fast and furious! Three parties in seven hours and, oh, the food!!! I'd think that I dreamt it except that the waistband on my jeans is a bit snug...

A desperately needed run today was enjoyed immensely. Only 2 miles because my back is aching and I have to prepare for dinner guests tomorrow evening, but it felt wonderful to get out in the fresh air!

Hope that you're all enjoying your holiday festivities! :) And, of course, getting in a little exercise here and there (and fortifying naps, as well!).

[Natasha]

Hi everyone,

Les, thanks for starting us off. Glad you got in a run in the fog and mist. Sounds neat.

No running or exercise gear for us this Christmas, but we did visit the local running store yesterday for the Boxing Day sale. I bought a new pair of running shoes, which I needed so figured why not buy on sale? :) We plan to head to Mountain Equipment Co-op today for a couple of things - nothing too crazy.

Vicci, welcome home and back to running! Sounds like a fun-filled whirlwind for you. Enjoy the guests tonight. How's your MIL doing?

Susan, did you guys get socked by the Midwest storm?

TKay, Vegas - how fun! Hope you all enjoy the Love show.

We've had a busy couple of days of socializing with family and friends outside the house, and puttering around the house - nice combination.

I ran for an hour yesterday and plan to train today but haven't yet decided what it'll be. For now, time to walk the dog before the cooold wind chills set in (cold front expected to pass through tonight and tomorrow).

Take care, runfolk!

[SusanMac]

Merry Christmas runners!!

We hit the road early (Wed instead of Thurs) to pre-empt the freezing rain/sleet expected. It continued to rain for most of Thurs, so even though we took running gear with us, we didn't get in any runs at all :-( Goodness knows we needed it with the unbelievable amount of cookies eaten! oi! Beautiful snow on Christmas day, but the schedule just didn't allow for us to sneak out at all.

But, back to reality in Madison. DH & I went on a 6-mile run yesterday. Our half-marathon training has officially begun! (the race is in mid-Feb) I'm also planning on a 5-mile NY Day fun run here that I've had my eye on for several years. Should be fun.

Very cool gifts to report!
* I gave DH a new sports watch, running shirt & the new Mizuno gloves with the material that heats up as you sweat (I'll report back once he tries them out)
* DH got me a crepe pan & cookbook!! We dreamed & chatted about this during our Paris vacation, but I had since forgotten about it. I'm so excited! The cookbook has more savory dishes than dessert, which makes me even more excited. Will have to also report on this as I try my hand at making homemade crepes

I'm headed out to hopefully purchase some new scooters.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Drive by - spun this afternoon for an hour. WOuld have headed outside but it was gusty (25-35 mph) and cool (~36); not my ideal running conditions. This evening went to dinner with my parents and siblings (10 of us total) to celebrate my parent's 50th Anniversary. :cool:

Tomorrow - hope to work in a run.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Susan, have fun with the crepe goodies! I spent over a month in Brittany with a close family as a teenager and the first time I was there bought a crepe pan and crepe tools. They got lost somewhere along the way though :( Now my husband is the crepe maker - he probably makes them once a week on average - but he doesn't have the cool tools. Maybe someday I'll get him some!

Les, we're getting that super chilly weather as well. It's fine without the wind but you have to watch out for the wind chills. Happy anniversary to your parents! 50 years. Now that's a big deal!

Off to run a few errands and train. DH went to see Avatar with a friend but I passed - just not my cup of tea.

Hope everyone's enjoying some continued R&R&R (rest and relaxation and RUNNING).

[TKay]

Happy holidays, VRBs! We had a lovely trip to Vegas. Calm, relaxing, fun. We all really enjoyed the Love show, although our 8 y.o. was cooked by the end of it. After swimming in the afternoon and staying up late, he was toast. I think he was asleep before his head hit the hotel pillow. Speaking of sleep, I got some glorious Zzzzs while we were gone. I even ran on the uncomfortable TM in the hotel's gym. Oh, and ds #1 (almost 10) had his first Kobe beef burger on our trip. He was sold.;)

No workout gear for us this year. Dh insisted on no gifts for him (even though I got him stuff anyway), because he just got a new team bike. And I wasn't in the market for anything new.

Les - Sounds like a nice combination of rest and exercise for you. Happy 50th to your folks. What a milestone!

Vicci - What a whirlwind of a trip. Whew! I feel your pain with the tightening waistband.

Nat - You've had a nice combination of activity and relaxation, if you ask me. I think I'd have passed on Avatar too. I've heard some good reviews, but I just don't see it. Let us know if dh liked it.

Susan - Great gifts! I was about to ask if anyone had any goals for 2010, but I guess I know yours. Your half training is in full swing and it's not even the new year yet? You're impressive! I also bought a crepe pan after a trip to France when I was a teenager. I wonder if I still have it. They are so tasty. Enjoy. And please report what great recipes you discover.

I have a client who is trying to make me work this week. Hmm. Make money to pay for Christmas? Or enjoy a lovely week off with the family? Tough call.

Group question: Any fitness goals for 2010 that you care to commit to? I know that I intend to step up my training, although I don't have a particular race in mind. I just know I need to be fitter to be happier. What have you got planned?

[VictoriaL]

Susan, where is that half-marathon in February? And I had to research crepe pans because I never knew that they existed since I've only ever used an omelet pan. Have fun with this new project!

Not a nice day for a run Les, I can't imagine what the wind chill temp may have been! Have fun tonight, and congrats to your parents! :) My parents' 55th is next November and I'm already planning.

Nat, so you received the cold front as well. Good thing there's an option for indoor exercising, isn't it?

Welcome back Tkay, sounds like you and your family had a fun trip. Hmmm, fitness goals in 2010. I'll have to ponder on that one for a bit...

Because of a sudden snowstorm, our dinner guests cancelled last evening. But we were left with an amazingly clean and beautifully-decorated house and enough leftovers for a couple of dinners.

Today I was late (for everything and all day long) and had time for only 25 minutes on the EB. Good, but not nearly enough (as she munches on a chocolate- and-peanut butter-covered pretzel).

Thanks for asking Nat-- MIL is doing well. We spoke to her physical therapist and social worker and she is now on track for being released next Wednesday. On that day we will drive her halfway to SIL's home in NJ (of course, SIL will drive halfway to meet us... and take her mother home for a couple of months).

Now to think... fitness goals...

[SusanMac]

I can report a good 5-mile run yesterday w/DH & Bode through the neighborhood. I fully credit DH with getting me out the door these past few days! And, I got new scooters. Woo hoo! Long overdue. After researching & checking out several kinds, I've gone back to the Brooks Ghost. It feels like I'm wearing nothing, they are so comfortable. Can't wait to check them out on the roads.

TKay - your trip sounds fabulous! A very impressive show for kids.

Vicci - fantastic news about your MIL. I need to invite people over so we can have a clean house again, too. Xmas paper, etc, has wreaked havoc on everything it seems.

Not sure about other 2010 fitness goals. I definitely want to bike more, but know I need some events on the calendar to get me out. I am looking through the race calendars this week, so hopefully that will get me jazzed.

[Kathy B]

Dropping by though I have little to report. Worked the past two days and just busy with family things. Sunday the extended family is coming for our holiday gathering. I have a pork shoulder thawing (took it out of my freezer, Natasha!! ;)) to make CL's pork carnitas for the main dish (we'll use it for burritos) and everyone else is bringing sides and desserts. I did go out and shovel the driveway/sidewalk this AM, so that was something!

Vicci, good for you for having the discipline to get in 25 minutes on the EB! Something is better than nothing by quite a bit! Around here the cancellations were all on Christmas Eve I think. A lot of my coworkers ended up staying home that night instead of traveling due to the weather here.

Tkay, fitness goals? A few I've tossed around in my head. Care to commit to? Not yet! :D (Anyway, we still have a couple of days before the new year don't we?) Glad to hear your trip was rejuvanating. What is a Kobe burger?

Hope your wind chill didn't get too low, Natasha. What kind of temps do you have these days? The combo of socializing and puttering sounds ideal to me!

Wow, Les, 52 degrees is pretty warm. Congrats to your parents for their 50th, nice that you were able to get together for a celebration, especially since so many things are getting cancelled due to weather in other parts of the US.
Do you have big plans for NY?

Susan, I don't think I have ever eaten a crepe, let alone made one. Hope you have good weather for the NY day run. I am always amazed how many running events Madison seems to have.

A little tired today, we stayed up late watching Midnight Run with the kids. We have been watching a lot of movies and playing some of our favorite games (Taboo, Scattergories) in the evenings which is lots of fun, but I do tend to get to bed way past my bedtime! Cleaning today and hopefully the TM later. Take care all!

[Kathy B]

Back to report 40 min on the TM. Success!! :p

[Natasha]

Hi all!

Vicci, thanks for the MIL update. Glad she is doing well. BTW, enjoy all those unexpected leftovers! Could you pass one of those pretzels this way? ;) On another note, I also have whole days like the one you described, where I turn up to every meeting exactly 5 minutes late :o

Susan, I've never heard of the Brooks Ghost but it sounds fitting that they feel like nothing! :) BTW, both you and Robyn must have heard about the new Centurion Cycling events in both of your necks of the woods: http://www.centurioncycling.com Looks interesting. Just read about it in a local magazine the other day.

TKay, welcome back from your whirlwind trip! Sounds like a lovely time and your DD#1 sounds like a gourmet in training :) Actually, maybe not in training ... I've never had a Kobe burger myself! Did you decide to work or take the time off? New team bike for your DH - very exciting!

Kathy, good job on the TM run and on thawing the pork shoulder ;) The temps here today were very moderate - it was a gorgeous day. Yesterday with the windchill it was about -10F at times, but that is much much colder than normal for us. I've been doing the same as you and keeping late hours. Need to readjust before Monday but time enough for that.

Les, are you now in the midst of your travels?

I'm glad it was so nice out today because DH and I opted for a different kind of outing ... downhill skiing. :) I am a total novice but DH (ex-ski patroller) took good care of me and we had a really fun, relaxing time. Of course to Robyn this would be not a hill but more of a pimple :p but it suited me fine for now! After getting home we had leftover stew and I just did some baking.

Race goals - been thinking them over a lot but haven't signed up for anything yet.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Quick check in, wish I had more time to post but I'll have to wait until tomorrow after my dentist appointment.

It was great to have everyone up here for Mom and Dad's anniversary and 50 is a huge deal. I'm proud to have been a part of the celebration and the family they have created.

The weather has been schizophrenic around here - 52 this past week and now it's ~30 and blowing and supposed to snow/freezing rain tonight.

I ran this afternoon before it started to warm up (it was ~30 when I left and 32 when I got back). Ran for just under 70 minutes, it was chilly and not many stops in the process. Ran my favorite route that has an 18% grade (about 1/4 - 1/3 mile). It was a bit chilly when I broke out of the wind break but by the end when I was tromping home in the trees it wasn't too bad.

No traveling yet, I've got exams next week so I'm laying low and trying not to stress out about the exams - there are 7, 3.5 hour tests, 2 each M, Tu, Th and 1 on F. After that, it's Christmas holiday heading to Oregon.

But now, time for bed. Happy trails and keep warm all,
Les

[SusanMac]

Happy New Years Eve everyone!! I'm in a wonderful endorphin mood as I just returned from a killer 90-min yoga class. Last night was a 30-min stint on the bike trainer. I have yet to get my new sneaks out on the road.

Nat - I knew about that ride, but hadn't seen the website, so thx for forwarding. DH & I plan to review race/event calendars this weekend. Another new sport for you -- the skiing sounds fun!

Les - My in-laws celebrate 50 this coming summer, so we need to do a bit of planning. Glad you had a great celebration

We are laying very low tonight. We typically do fireworks downtown, but they are canceled this year. Such a bummer, esp with a full moon & clear weather. I need to figure out a killer dinner plan.

Tomorrow is supposed to be bitter cold, so I'm on the fence about doing the race. Nat (or anyone up North :-) -- what it typically your limit for temps running outside? I'm thinking it should be 0. The wind chill will likely be below 0 tomorrow. Hmmmm.

[Natasha]

Susan, yoga sounds like it was a blast! I think 0 sounds like about where I'd draw the line, too (and depending on how windy it was to boot). I admit I'm wimpier about running outdoors than I was pre-treadmill, but do sometimes enjoy bundling up and braving the true cold (in a sick way, you know ;)). Stay warm and enjoy your evening, though that's too bad about the fireworks. Good luck with the race if you decide to do it.

Les, nice to hear from you too. 18% grade, yikes. Sounds about as challenging as your exams. Kidding - you'll be just fine.

We went swimming today before the centre closed for NYE. It was far from my strongest swim; I didn't have a lot of juice. Still, it was a good way to work out the muscles, and nice to chat with a few others.

We're also lying low this evening. We'll have wine and cheese night with a friend. Looking forward to it!

Take care, everyone, and Happy New Year!

[Robyn1007]

Uh, well I got behind here! I've been skiing this week and just did my first and only run of the week at 3.2 miles. :o Oh well not much I can change at this point so next week will be better.

Natasha I hadn't heard about the Centurion event but I'm intrigued. Thanks for pointing it out. And glad you enjoyed some time skiing. No matter the skill level or the hill it's all sliding on snow and that's a good thing!

Because my fitness goals are part of my goals for the year I posted them on the resolutions thread but I'll add them here.

1) Improve my time in the Bolder Boulder.
2) Run a half marathon.
3) Log at least 1000 miles of running. (I think this is way conservative with the half marathon training but it's what I can commit to right now.)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Robyn - I know you were trying to run more each week but a bunch of skiing counts in my book. I like your fitness goals too.
Natasha - I hope that my tests go well but regardless, they'll go as they will. A little more review but no heavy studying. Good job swimming and skiing. It's been forever since I've been skiing (or sledding either).
Susan - I don't have many opportunities to run when it's really cold. But I can say that I'm definitely good to ~0 and maybe colder depending on wind, dampness (too humid is yucky), and sun. Below 0, might have to call that one. Too bad about the fireworks at your place too. I hope you have a good NYE whatever comes of it.
Kathy - For the near term this NY I'm going to lay low until the 9th. After that we're "doing Christmas" with LW's family in Oregon (it's been way too many years since we've been out there). Good job on a TM run and it sounds like you had a blast with the kids playing games and watching the movie.
TKay - Welcome back from your whirlwind trip too.

Today the dentist wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be. In fact it was <30 minutes and the worst thing was getting the analog in my moustache. :D It was a yucky day today here - freezing rain then just rain so I opted for an inside spin. Did an hour + on the bike in the basement - felt good after the run yesterday.

My plans for NYE/NYD: I may stay up until the stroke of midnight but most likely LW will be down for the count. I plan on running tomorrow some time - no race up here and that's just fine in my book. The remainder of the weekend will be spent resting and prepping for tests next week.

Exercise goals; good question.
1) At least 5 workouts a week (hopefully more runs than rides)
2) Be ready for RnR half in September
3) Maybe do a marathon (Galloway is sponsoring a new race in Norfolk sometime in the fall)

Other than that - just staying sane until graduation will be plenty (less than5 months now :eek: ).

Happy trails and Happy New Year!!!

Les