Virtual Running buddies- Week of February 19, 2010

[VictoriaL]

Happy New Week, Runners! And those who wish to... (like me!)

Les, love the new emoticon! Did you create it? And, if so, can you get some sort of patent (and residuals) from inventing it? :)

Good to know that the sermon went well on Wednesday, and congrats on returning home for a spin!

Susan it sounds as though you had a great time in Austin. Killer hill toward the end of the race? Why did I think that Austin had none of those (but, considering I have only been in San Antonio, what do I know?!). And it’s so nice you had a chance to catch up with family and friends (with Dad doing better than anticipated- what a nice surprise for you!).
Liked your week of pre-run “training”, too. That kind of schedule I could handle!
Oh, and I try to sneak out and shovel snow because DH has been in pain since we were able to return to the farm and start to clear it away last weekend. He will not let me do it alone, and it is very annoying… ;)

Tkay Absolutely, exercising for 5-10 minutes less is much better than not doing it at all Hopefully your schedule will clear a bit more next week and you can go for each with about 5-10 minutes extra to make up! And thanks for doing that dance—today is 38F and sunny! Keep dancin’, though, another storm is expected on Monday. *sigh*

DH and I have decided on a day on/ day off schedule for snow/ice removal. Today we removed icicles and a lot of the snow and ice from the porch roof. Those icicles are truly beautiful, but some were about 7’ tall and clustered together and quite heavy. It was an experience… we are both spending the rest of today with heat applied alternately to back/ shoulders. What a fun couple we are! :D

I finally took the plunge and went for 20 minutes on the EB this morning (knowing that I would never do it after our work outside, and it has been 11 days since I last did any “typical” exercising). Here was my view:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4371131103_eaa81e1204_m.jpg

Obviously, this was taken before the icicles were removed. I know that they were dangerous, but without them the view is not quite as pretty...

What do you all have planned for the weekend???

[Natasha]

Hi! Thanks for starting us off, Vicci. I'm done Olympic watching for the time being so thought I'd check out the boards for a few minutes. Also fit in a spin earlier this evening, while watching Skeleton.

Pretty icicles, though I know they had to be removed for good reason. Nice job on the EB and return to "traditional" workouts.

Susan, welcome back! Sounds like a very nice trip, and congrats on your race even if it wasn't as fast as you'd hoped. A half is still a half!

Re: your question, I have downhill skied before, albeit not very much - but this was my first ski destination vacation, if you will. :) DH is an avid alpine skiier and was thrilled that I decided it was time to try a ski vacation. He didn't push me into it at all - in fact, he was a bit worried I wouldn't like it - but I did.

Les, the emoticon made me smile. Awesome!

TKay, I agree with Vicci that it's much better to get in a truncated workout than none at all. Hope things get a bit less crazy for you next week.

Hi Kathy!

Happy weekend, everyone :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting Vicci. No, I didn't make up the emoticon so no residuals. ;) There's a part of me that loves icicles and snow sliding off the roof - but only a part of me. Sound plan for removal of snow and ice too. Good spin before going out to de-ice.
Nat - Always glad to make you (and anyone else) smile. I hope you're enjoying the Olympics - I just haven't been able to catch my favorites. It seems like I only get to the games when ice skating is on. :( I wish I could catch something fun like hockey, curling, or bobsled/luge/skeleton.

Not sure what's going on here. I'm kind of achy all over and one ear hurts like the dickens. To bed early and sleep in so I can try to get rid of whatever is bothering me. But no run or spin because of my overall ache. I hope nothing is coming to whack me. This weekend... not exactly sure but I'm going to try and run or ride tomorrow.

Happy trails all,
Les

[Natasha]

Hey Les - hope you're feeling better and got in that ride or run.

Are you not a fan of figure skating, or the other skating events as well (long track and short track speed skating)?

I ran for an hour today while DH did a spin. We watched the women's ski race as we trained.

The library got in The Runner's Rule Book by Mark Remy, which I'd put on hold. I'd never heard of him until a runner over on Other Stuff (not someone who posts on VRB) recommended his blog and this book. I am reading it quickly - it's a tiny, very pithy book - and laughing as I go. Recommended.

The Run Like a Dog Workout on p. 56 is the funniest part DH and I have seen so far, though there's still quite a bit of the book to go.

Hope all is well in runland!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey Les - hope you're feeling better and got in that ride or run.

Are you not a fan of figure skating, or the other skating events as well (long track and short track speed skating)?

Sounds like a good day for you there Nat. I'll have to check out the book and add it to the growing pile of reading I have (personal reading has gone by the wayside - go figure). I'm not a huge fan of figure skating but speed skating, either version, is a big sale for me. And Hockey, I'm big into that, those guys skate well and even when other folks are trying to knock themdow - now that's a sport. :D Interestingly, I like curling too - there's just something about sliding stones on the ice and brushing with a broom, awe inspiring.

I'm still funky - not sure what's going on but a rest day (along with doing taxes) helped a little.

Early church services tomorrow so to bed early. Happy trails out there in run land.
Les

[TKay]

Vicci - Thanks for the kick off. Nice EB view. Our family was in Mammoth during a snow storm one year and we had to be very careful with ds's and the icicles. They just didn't understand why they couldn't play near them. Alternating ice/snow clearing days sound like a good plan. Hope dh is doing better. Today, I'll dance for the storm coming your way to be a gentle one.

Nat - That book does sound like one I'd like to read. I'm with Les, though. Add it to the pile. I never seem to get through all the books I'd like to read. Were you sore after skiing? So far I have missed all of the skeleton competition. How does that happen?

Les - Probably the right call to lay low until you're 100%. Sorry you're not feeling well. Hope your rest wards off anything serious--or even anything not so serious. Taxes! Argh. Thanks for reminding me. I somehow can't manage to keep them on my to-do list. :p

Determined to put some length back into my workouts, I did a little over an hour on the TM yesterday. Steady and easy. It felt great, but then afterward, my toe started aching again. It hurt to the touch. I've taped it, but think I'll take today off. Wondering if I had a bunched up sock or if I need new kicks.

Hi to Susan, KathyB, Robyn, and everyone else out there in running land.

[VictoriaL]

Les I hope that right now you are relaxing under a warm blanket, watching the Russia/Czech match. :D Did you shake that funky feeling yet? Wow, that sounded kinda like a 70's disco move...

Tkay, an hour on the TM deserves a medal (in my mind). Poor toe, hope that it's feeling better by your next run-type activity.

Nat the movie Men With Brooms got me interested in curling but it just isn't being televised on NBC. Will have to watch the movie again... ;)

Well, we finally got the battery installed in the atv (what a hellish experience that was! Do the people who do atv-maintenance all have long, skinny fingers and extreme patience?) and, after I slid under the machine for 20 minutes with a hair dryer to warm it's poor little oil reservoir and lines, we finally got it running. So the driveway is clear-- finally! Well, only to the garage doors, but that's all we need. :rolleyes:

I really wanted to go out snowshoeing again today, so while DH played snowplow-man, I went out on my running trails. All was fine, I stayed mostly out of the deep woods, but because of the depth of the snow and all of the paths merging into the surrounding areas (and a lot of trees down) I got lost! It was only to be a 3/4 mile trek, but I must have went well over a mile while trying to find my way... It was quite the workout, especially since the snow is so heavy and wet, and I am feeling it in my quads, lower back, and shoulders (from the stability poles). Luckily, an "off day" tomorrow (but 3-5 inches of new snow predicted).

BUT, the guy who is to build our boathouse at the lake called this afternoon to get the project set on his schedule and, when I heard this, I almost cried. Spring HAS to be coming now, right??? That's what I'm thinking! :)

So, how are the rest of you spending your weekend?

[Kathy B]

Two runs to report and plans for another today. Friday I did 6.39 miles (I want credit for every bit of that!! :p) on the TM! I must admit, I slogged through the first 3 with a defeatist attitude, but once I got to 3 miles, the rest went pretty darn well. Movie for the event was Jumpin Jack Flash. New to me, and entertaining enough to do the trick.

Yesterday I did a little over 3 miles outside (I say proudly, as it was just barely 30 degrees....a record for me!). Not possible today as the snow is still coming down and it is a sloppy mess on the streets. It is supposed to be a rest day, but I am flying to a conference tomorrow, so can't count on getting anything in. Back to the TM in a short while for another 3 miles.

Natasha, thanks for the book recommendation. Short and funny sounds perfect! I am #12 in line, but I'll let you know when I read it. How was the snow on your ski trip? I am supposed to ski in Colorado in a few weeks, and I have been wondering how the ski conditions are with so much snow this year. Also, how the ROADS are getting there and back....thank goodness my brother does the driving in the mountains! :eek:

Les, that has to be the first time I have ever heard anyone say that doing their taxes made them feel better. :D Hope you are shaking it off as you get ready for Monday. Although Sunday is not usually a restful day for pastors. Don't work too hard!

Nice job on the TM, Tkay! Isn't it amazing how something as small as your toe can cause such a problem? Good idea to take care of it though.

Susan, what a great time it sounds like you had! And congratulations on completing another half. Did any of
your family come to watch the race? I am sure it had to be a relief to leave the snow and ice behind for a week.
...you should not preface a long race with a week full of no runs, driving around the state, staying up late to chat w/friends, and eating Tex Mex :-) :D I will remember this the week before my half!!

Vicci, you do find the most challenging things to do with your spare time! I can almost picture you with the ATV and the blow dryer! :D Glad it was a successful venture. I'm with you, spring has GOT to be getting very close.

Well, after two weekends packing up my mom's house, and about a week of workmen coming to do minor repairs and painting, it was on the market for 3 days, shown 5-6 times, and she already has a contract. Unbelievable! DH never thought they would get what the realtor was asking for the house, but she did, and she got it quick! Hopefully the inspections all go well, and we can wrap it up just as quickly.

Well, the TM is calling, so I am signing off. Gone to a conference the next few days, but hopefully I will still have something to report when I return. Have a good week everyone! :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

TKay - Sorry about your toe. It sounds interesting, almost like you're developing a blood blister or about ready to get black toenail. Check your socks but also check the tightness of your laces. I've had problems in the past when I over-tightened my shoe laces. Anything I can do to help keep taxes on the scope. ;)

Vicci - Russia/Czech sounds good but I'm actually looking forward to US/Canada. Kind of shaking the weird feeling but it's not going away too quickly. Too bad you're getting snow - we're in on the storm but they're only predicting rain here. That might actually get rid of a bunch of snow Monday and Tuesday.

Kathy - Jumping Jack Flash is a good movie, Whoopi is pretty funny. Good luck on the inspections of the house so that can be one less thing of your mother's to worry about.

Not sure I can say that taxes make me feel better but considering I found out that we've spent almost $11,000 on medical (chiropractic and massage therapy) and dental work this year (and we'll get a bunch of that back) things are looking better in the federal and state tax realm (as opposed to last year when I ended up paying ~1,600 in state taxes). Church went well and we're winding down a little. It's hard to believe that I graduate in less than 3 months and I finish at this church on May 9 (mother's day). Time has flown!

Spun a little this afternoon - mostly to get some blood flowing. Off to read some and watch some hockey (I hope).

Happy trails,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Well, Les, I'm jealous. We don't get the network which is carrying the US/Canada game. :( Glad that you got in a spin today, perhaps it will make whatever is threatening you to go away!

Oh, and the most recent weather prediction has turned our snow into rain! Yay! Anything to melt the ice dams on the roofs...

Kathy, what a great start to your training schedule! And thanks for the movie recc-- DH and I are butting heads on our next Netflix choice.

I must have done something very bad to my right shoulder today, and am in quite a bit of pain. Two glasses of shiraz with dinner, and some ibuprofen for dessert, now heat. I have to try not to go to sleep now or I'll be up at 4 tomorrow morning!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Alas I spoke too soon. The web site had a teaser with the US/Canada match but no such luck. We too were blacked out. :(

Dinner sounds tasty or at least the shiraz does.
Les

[SusanMac]

Les - US v Canada hockey? Wow!! We don't get that station either, but NBC cut into their programming last night to show the last minute. It's big news here, as there are UW Badgers on the US & Canada teams. Our UW women's coach is also coaching the US women's team (& was on the Miracle on Ice team) So I'm getting plenty of detailed coverage, even if I can't watch the games.

Kathy - my criteria for stationary workout movies is much different than real-life movie criteria :-) Hope your conference goes well. You are really cranking on the runs lately! Nice job. Yes, my Mom, step-Dad & Aunt came out to watch us at mile 12. Didn't know it until later, but my aunt said it's the first time she's watched a race. Very fun!

Vicci - very jealous of your snowshoe romp. We have plenty of snow, but I just haven't gotten out yet to do it this year. Argh!

Tkay - Hang in there with the toe issues!

Did I mention I have a cold again? Very frustrating. I don't feel too badly, but cough & sneeze constantly. I'm on the downside, tho, so hopefully will be back to normal by tomorrow.

I got in bike trainer sessions on Fri, Sat & Sun. Sun was my healthiest & longest. Doing some race planning for this year, as well, which is very fun! DH keeps mentioning my 'next race' being next month. I guess he is counting on me doing the annual Shamrock Shuffle 10k with him!

[TKay]

Vicci - Ouch about the shoulder! I hope the shiraz and the ibuprofen did the trick. I don't think it's the boathouse project alone that has you longing for spring.

Kathy - Congrats on all 6.39 miles of that TM run. Congrats also on the quick sale of your mom's house. Whew! Have a good conference and keep up all the amazing running work. You're on a roll these days. At this rate, that half won't pose any problem at all.

Les - Graduation is coming up so quickly. Wow. Thanks for the toe/shoe advice. I'm going to tape it today and be careful with my socks/shoes. Sorry you missed the hockey game. $11 grand in medical expenses is a bit daunting.

Susan - Sorry to hear about yet another cold. What is it with this season? Glad you're getting over it though. You need to be healthy for your "next race." ;)

Hi Nat!

[Natasha]

Too bad you guys didn't get the hockey coverage last night, but for what it's worth, from my perspective you didn't miss a thing :p ;)

We are cable- and satellite-less and get all our Olympic coverage by viewing the various stations through streaming video, hooked up by S-video to our TV. It's fabulous.

TKay, glad your toe is better! Been there done that with the black toe but it's good if you don't have to go through that.

Kathy, congrats on the 10k plus run! The snow was pretty good on our trip. There wasn't as much as most winters but enough for a decent base. The first day was super cold but then it got mild the next three days and people shed gloves and layers like crazy. Oh, and congrats on your mom's house!

Les, no wonder you're in a rush to do your taxes! DH has done his as well. As soon as I brought home the software he went right to it. Me, I'm not *quite* that eager ;)

Susan, hope you're not getting another cold. Happy race planning!

Vicci, hang in there with yet MORE snow. Glad you got out snowshoeing, though. Snowshoeing rocks, doesn't it?

I did a long spin yesterday while watching, what else, the Olympics. Today will be a day off (except maybe some abs).

Take care :)

[MealsMadeWLove]

my plan this weekend, just to stay at home and covering the vancouver olympics 2010.

here's the medal count dated February 23, 2010

http://i46.tinypic.com/2zpqet2.jpg

[SusanMac]

Nat - are you getting live Olympic streaming on the web? I just assumed it was also recorded playbacks of events, since that's mostly what it was for the last summer Olympics. When you went to the website, they'd tell you the results, then you watch the video (which irks me b/c I want it to be a surprise)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Nat - That's pretty amazing about streaming video and the Olympics. It's not that I'm always that all-fired up to do taxes but considering the things that will show up between here and the due date earlier is better than later. Likewise, considering starting in June (or so) I'll have to do quarterly taxes because I'll be "self-employed" (most clergy have to claim they are self-employed) so I need to get in the habit. Sorry about the hockey match results - it's nice to have the USA win, just too bad that we couldn't meet the Canadians in the finals.

A shout out to Susan (fie on the cold), Vicci (feel better), and TKay.

I spun for an hour this evening. I wanted to get out for a run but it was starting to rain, drizzling when I thought about going out but that became steady (cold) rain. A spin was definitely a better choice. Feeling better for the most part but can't wait to get myself back in battery in total. I think part of the issues stem from the upcoming HUGE transition - moving, changing vocation, looking for a new job, and not having a new job "waiting."

Oh well, God has provided all along and won't stop now.

Happy trails all,
Les

[Natasha]

Quick check-in :)

Nat - are you getting live Olympic streaming on the web?

Yes, it's live, and when you click on whichever sport you want to see, you see nothing about results. Underneath, you can see detailed live results if you want, but you don't have to scroll down if you don't want to see anything that's happened before. Took me a while to even realize they were there.

Plus when you full-screen the video you can't see any results at all.

Bummer about seeing the results ... I'm with you; I'd want it to be a a surprise. I do notice though that the streaming coverage has come a long way just since Beijing, so maybe it's improved on NBC as well?

Les, glad you're doing better.

[TKay]

Les - You are right to trust that all things will work out (I guess I don't need to tell you that :rolleyes: ). I am also self-employed, but I hire a guy to do my taxes. I pretty much pull together all my numbers and send them off. It helps though that dh has regular taxes taken from his salary. Gone are the days (I hope!) of my writing huge checks to the govt come April. Hope the spin helped keep your mind calm.

Susan - I would hate knowing the results ahead of time too. If I'm going to spend the time watch whatever it is, I'd like to get the surprise at the end too. How are you feeling?

Nat - How was the day off? I checked out The Runner's Rule Book at Amazon and laughed when I read this rule: "Rule 3.1 CALL THEM RUNNING SHOES They aren’t sneakers, or tennis shoes, or kicks, or trainers (sorry, Brits). They are running shoes. So call them that." I always call them kicks. :rolleyes::p

I got in a walk/run/alternating thing with inclines on the TM yesterday. I was testing out my toe which survived. I'm going to keep it taped for a while until all the tenderness is gone.

Question for the group: Do you have one pair or running shoes and wear them until they die? Or do you keep a few pairs on hand? I know those of you who run trails or head out in winter conditions must keep specialized pairs around, no? Just curious.

[VictoriaL]

Susan, hope that you're feeling better. How nice that DH is thinking of you as a part of his "team"! :p Will you do the 10k next month?

Les, what do you mean not having a new job "waiting"? You do, you just don't know about it yet. :) Sensible choice not to run in a cold, steady rain (this is what the trainer is for, right?!).

Nat, I love snowshoeing, but we don't often get enough snow. This year, however, I've gone out more in the past 2 weeks than the total since I got the shoes 6 or 7 years ago.
Your streaming live Olympic coverage sounds cool, but confusing to me (we still have an antenna in the attic!).

Tkay, sounds like taping your toe worked. Isn't it infuriating when you can't determine why something hurts?

In answer to your question, I finally bought a new pair of running shoes last spring and liked them so much that I bought 2. One for the farm, one for the lake, And I've tried to switch them every few months since I run more here than I do there.

I ran my previous pair into the ground (literally!) and my feet were giving me problems as I researched new alternatives. I hope to have the sense to replace my current ones earlier next time. BUT, since the old ones are still "usable" I use them when it's very muddy on the trails.

30 minutes on the EB today (but I pretended that I was running!).

Hi to everyone!

[Natasha]

Vicci, we don't always get too much snow for snowshoeing either. This year the only time we went out was when we were out-of-province in the mountains, where there was enough snow. It was dry as a bone here last week. All the snow (such as it was) had melted, it was sunny, the temps were seasonal, and we were all getting a touch of spring fever (especially the pup). But then it snowed on Monday and it's messy out again. This whole week is supposed to be on and off flurries, snow and sloppy weather, unfortunately. Love the snow as long as no driving / travelling is involved!

Nice job on the EB.

Also wondering if Susan will do the 10k next month! Sounds fun.

TKay, good to hear the taping worked!

I'm still holding out hope that a job will be "waiting" for Les in Canada and he and LW will move here ;) :p Seriously, Les, I'm more than confident you'll find the perfect fit for you.

Hi Kathy!

Another off day (semi-planned). Take care!

[Leslie Ferguson]

You're right Vicci and Nat, there's a call for me I just have to listen for it. Still, this is the first time I didn't know 6 months out where I would be working. But I'm [mostly] okay with that.

I'm still holding out hope that a job will be "waiting" for Les in Canada and he and LW will move here ;) :p Seriously, Les, I'm more than confident you'll find the perfect fit for you.
Don't say that too loud, we could be coaxed north of the border to live in your area. Of course, the Anglican Church in Canada would have to take me (and they probably would). ;)

TKay - I typically run my shoes into the ground. I used to keep two pairs around - of different styles - but these days it's not cost effective to do that. Likewise, most of my running is on the same type of surface so it's not too important to have off-road and on-road/improved trail shoes. Even in days past when I went through shoes in 3 months (or less) I typically didn't keep two pairs that were usable. Another reason I try to stay away from that is I would hate to put on the wrong shoes by mistake (and I've done that -- no fun). Taping sounds like the trick for what ails your toes.

Planned rest day here. Late class (until 5:30) and we had a special guest on campus this evening leading worship - a guy named Fran McKendree, a musician (Canadian ex-pat living in North Carolina I think) with a great voice and a sense of true multi-media worshipful experience.

Tomorrow, if we don't get 5" of snow, I think I'll try to run.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Les, Fran McKendree sounds familiar. I think you've mentioned him before. Sounds like a lovely evening! Happy run today.

Forgot to answer TKay's shoe question.

I typically primarily use only one pair. As the pair gets more worn, I'll sometimes purchase a new pair and alternate a bit (for example, I'll use the new pair for longer or harder runs, and the old one for easier runs), and then transition out the older pair.

Other times, I make a fairly clean break between old and new shoes. It depends. :)

Both pairs are identical. I don't do a ton of trail running, but some (especially in the fall). I just use my regular shoes for it.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Nat - You're quite right, I've spoken about Fran McKendree before. It was a lovely evening, very restful and contempletive. Did you do anything today after your rest day yesterday?

I did run this afternoon - only ~46 minutes but it was nice, almost balmy. The only issue is there are still sidewalks that have dead snow on them so it's difficult to run in places. And at times, dangerous because I was relegated to a fairly substantial road in failing light. Still, safety first and never take on a car - I give them all a wide berth.

They're predicting almost 5 inches of snow between now and Friday morning - just when we've melted most of the existing snow. :( But I'll say that we're supposed to get less that Vicci and her neck of the woods.

Happy trails all,
Les

[SusanMac]

Les - I heard you guys are getting clobbered again with more snow. Wow! What a crazy winter for you. Nice that you got outside for a run. Thinking of becoming Canadian, eh?

Tkay - I do have a separate pair of trail-specific running shoes. But for the most part, I do best with just 1 pair of road shoes. Whenever I've tried having 2 pair to rotate, I end up getting a favorite & using them 80% of the time. In that case, my 2nd pair ends up being a waste of $$. Plus, for average runnners, I just don't find having extras to be necessary. I think you'd need some serious mileage or serious mud/wet for it to be worthwhile. Vicci's 2nd pair makes total sense. I could see having 1 pair at the office or gym locker, for example, and 1 pair at home.

Nat - Congrats on the big hockey win vs Russia!! First in 50 years - that's incredible!

And, to answer a few Q's above, yes, I'll do the Shamrock Shuffle 10K with DH next month. Mostly b/c I already found a costume element!! Last year I bought a headband w/springy shamrocks, but found that they didnt' work for running. This year -- shamrock eye mask! Wish me luck with that. Hope I don't trip!

I've done 4 bike trainer sessions over the past 5 days! Very excited, and hope this new habit can really stick. I know it will help me once I get to bike outside. Being really engrossed in the Heroes series really helps :-)

I'm feeling much, much better, but still a bit nervous to go to another yoga class. I'm really anxious to go, but am nervous about downward dog leading to sniffly nose or an embarrassing coughing fit!

[TKay]

Vicci - Glad you got in that (imaginary run) time on the EB. :D

Nat - I agree that Les will find the perfect job, whether he succumbs to your recruiting tactics or not. ;)

Les - I know what you mean about really knowing the right thing is out there, but still having trouble living with the uncertainty. Hang in there. Sorry about yet another snow storm coming your way.

Susan - I remember the shamrock headband issue from last year. The eye mask sounds interesting. How does that work? Great going on the bike trainer. Down dog with a dripping nose? LOL!

Thanks for the responses to my shoe question. I typically keep one pair and wear it out before starting over. I often think I'm going to simply replace with the same shoe and then learn that the style has changed or something else is on sale. Then I get the shoe that seems best at the moment.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Eh... may move North. I do like Hockey and Curling; Molsen's and Blue. What else do you need?

Not much to report - the dentist took a lot out of me today, just a cleaning and a check up but the massaging of my sore jaw (clenching my teeth) made it feel like I'd been kicked in the head.

One more day and it's Friday.

Happy trails,
Les