Virtual Running Buddies - 5/28

[SusanMac]

Happy Memorial Day weekend! Aaahhhh, this is much needed for me. Work has been crazy. Weather is cooling off. I am ready for a long weekend.

Here are my latest updates:
Wed - 40-min run on some trails near my house. I'm trying to do more trails right now so it is more gentle on my knee.
Thurs - 24-mile bike ride with my cycling group. Met several new women. Very fun ride, followed by lounging at a cafe. I snuck home just in time for sunset
Fri - 30-min hilly trail run at the dog park with Bode. I have a hilly race next week, but haven't been practicing on hills much lately. So, I know it will hurt. Oi.

Les - are you having post-partum/graduation feelings? It must be a really weird shift. Sorry about Florida not working out, but there will be plenty more opportunities.

Robyn - are you doing Bolder Boulder this weekend? Do I have my weekends right?

Any other fun plans among the group? We are headed down to the Latino music festival this weekend, which I'm really looking forward to. The Madison Marathon is on Sun, so I will head out to cheer.

[Robyn1007]

Susan, you sound like me, lots of craziness and definitely in need of a holiday weekend.

Yes, Bolder Boulder is Monday! I'm super excited and relieved to know that our temps are also cooling back off. I did a 3 mile run today in 95 degree heat and didn't fair well. There were times of stopping and sitting in the shade as I couldn't get my heart rate down and could tell my core temps were rising. We apparently missed spring so I've not had any time to adjust. I went by the Bolder Boulder store as they forgot to give me any of the ties to put my chip on there was a line way out the door for registration. Cracks me up since people have had months to get registered.

Not many other plans this weekend which is really quite nice. Coffee with the run group tomorrow (but no run it' a rest day for me) and a very light run on Sunday.

Fantastic news for those that remember. My friend Brett comes home Sunday night! He is currently in Manas awaiting his flight home. He say the accommodations there are much better than he's had in Afghanistan so at least it's comfortable while he waits.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting Susan, but first to Robyn... That's fantastic news about Brett!!! I bet you can't wait for him to be safe and sound on terra firma in the US. Heat is a nasty thing, 95 is no fun to run in and part of the trick running in heat is to run and walk and increase your walk interval (if you're already walking) or adding walk breaks (if you aren't). Slow and steady in the heat is the key. I hope and pray it's cool for you on Monday.

Susan - thanks for starting us this week. I'm not sure what's up - I think the bigger thing bumming me out is the job in Florida although being away from the hustle and bustle of school and the finality of classes and the departure of our small community. Have fun this weekend cheering on the folks in the marathon.

I've had a good day today. Nothing earth shattering but still a good day. Slept late; did some work; went for a run; and got my pictures from graduated printed. The run was about 8 miles - nice day to run too, at least until the end when the sun started to break out. :( Still, it was in the 60s-70s as opposed to the 80s.

Tomorrow, at some time LW and I are going to Peeps & Company store in the National Harbor. Should be a blast - we'll be in our environment. :D And I'll probably hit a long ride, hopefully something in the 30-33 mile range so I can work up to a ride to Purcellville (45 miles one way).

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Les - I'm sitting here laughing thinking of you and LW at Peeps & Company. Sounds like a blast :D Look forward to hearing about it.

Robyn, awesome news!!

Susan, hope you're kicking up your feet and enjoying the start of the well-deserved long weekend (same to the rest of you, of course :)).

DH and I went to a mall for this week's date night, which is EXTREMELY rare as we are not at all big shopping fans. But DH wanted to look at the iPad which just launched here today. It was cool but we wouldn't buy it for many reasons. We also stopped by LUSH, which is not at all new here but I like it and rarely go. Then a lovely walk with a friend. It's cooled down quite a bit and is perfect out right now. Earlier, I did a spin which was much needed as training/workouts were pretty much a non-event this truncated week.

Hi to everyone else!

[VictoriaL]

Well, Susan, you certainly have been a busy bee lately! You deserve a nice, long, relaxing weekend and that music festival sounds like it will be great fun.

Robyn, good luck on Monday! And have a wonderful reunion with your friend, too.

Les, I am a great believer in fate. You weren't meant for that parish in FL, you have another place which you are supposed to go to. :) And you're going to the Peeps store, how cool! Peeps remind me of Easter when I was a kid, always brings back some very nice memories. I think that you will find a Peep-sculpture that you absolutely have to have!

Nat, it was nice of you to indulge DH with a chance to ogle the iPad. ;) To be honest, I have no idea what it even is, but let's all remember that we don't have cell phones. And we use dial-up internet!

I was able to go out for a half hour yesterday (I stripped the tiles on the porch floor then was waiting for it to dry before starting the reglazing process). Unfortunately, it was 88 degrees and somewhere around 80% humidity. Good heavens, I was a noodle when I got back to the house! Today, weights and the usual stretching-and yoga. My back needed that stretching so badly!

My weekend will consist of hospital visits. MIL is still there, they're doing more tests, but if she doesn't walk around often she will just slide backward and we may have to move her out of the new apartment and into assisted living. I really don't want that to happen, so for the next few days, DH and I are on a mission. :rolleyes:

Come on, (mostly) everyone, tell me what fun stuff you all are up to for this first holiday weekend of the summer (I'm dying to go to the lake house, the weather is gorgeous, alas...). I shall live vicariously through you all!

[TKay]

Susan - Thanks for kicking us off this week. Your weekend plans sound fun. Hope the knee is mended soon. Great job on your runs/rides.

Robyn - Fantastic news about Brett! Glad the temps are planning to cooperate. Good luck with the BB. I can't wait to hear how it goes.

Les - Sorry about the (apparent) grieving. I'm sure you are correct. It's only natural to mourn the loss of something that's been so big in your life for a long while. Be kind to yourself. Now, is the Peeps store what I think it is? As in, bright yellow Peeps? Why does that not surprise me? :D

Nat - Dh and I wouldn't ordinarily plan a mall trip either. Must have been kind of fun for dh to check out the iPad though. A friend of ours has one and I tease him about it. Sure looks like an iPhone on steroids to me. ;) Glad you at least got in that ride.

Vicci - Sorry you have to put off the lake house for a while. I hope you report back that it's mission accomplished with MIL and she is mobile again soon. Hang in there.

Not sure when my last update was. I did a combo workout on Thursday with my lighter weights. My shoulder still feels out of whack. Opted for a lengthy dog walk with dh yesterday since he was working from home. Had to take advantage. Will hop on the TM today, but not sure how long I'll go. I am exhausted and want this to be a restful weekend.

Our holiday plans? Hanging out with the kids. We may go see Shrek (even though I'm not a fan of 3D movies), take lots of bike rides and hopefully do a day hike. Lovely. Oh, we also bought some "fresh" Japanese udon noodles at Costco yesterday. I can't wait to try them. I'm hoping our uber-picky ds #2 will like them. He loves everything about the Japanese culture, but refuses to eat the food. But then, he's a natural vegetarian (as labeled by his pediatrician), has never had a chicken nugget (his choice) and doesn't like pizza. What are you gonna do? ;)

Happy weekend all.

[Natasha]

TKay, fresh udon noodles sound fantastic. How were they? That's interesting about your DS2 liking all things Japanese but the food. Enjoy the family time this weekend.

And iPhone on steroids is a good way to put it!

Robyn, enjoy the race!

Susan, I hope it's not going to be as hot in Madison (and Ottawa) as it is supposed to be here tomorrow. Bit too hot for marathoning (at least for my taste).

Vicci, I'm hoping things are going well with your MIL. Sorry to hear that you can't go to the lake house this weekend - I hope you're able to do some outdoor stuff from time to time and get to the lake house again soon.

I had planned to train earlier this afternoon. But DH and I were sitting outside for a bit when my neighbour joined us, which was lovely and most welcome, and we ended up all spending a couple of hours just catching up and relaxing. :) Now it's dinner time (zesty grilled steak, roast potatoes, and salad). I'll get in a spin and some weights later this evening, as I check out a bit of the hockey game.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Les - Now, is the Peeps store what I think it is? As in, bright yellow Peeps? Why does that not surprise me? :D
Of course - what else would they be? Big yellow peeps, in fact one really huge plush peep available for $399 (+ tax). It was huge! And it's still there, if you'd like me to pick it up for you, let me know.

Nat - Got distracted by a friend? ;) Sounds like a great afternoon regardless. Hope you get a spin in and some decent weights too.
Vicci - I'm not sure it is fate but that works for me; I know there's something that is waiting for me, maybe closer to "home;" like southside Virginia/Hampton roads. You've had the spring/summer with your MIL. I hope you find someplace for her to stay that suits her and something that helps her keep moving forward as opposed to sliding back. Doesn't sound like the holiday weekend I'd look forward to but you'll make something good out of it.

For me, I had a blast today. I did get my ride in today - 31 miles which is a record. I rode on the Mount Vernon trail and I forget why I don't like to ride all the way to Mount Vernon - the trail isn't the best constructed. There are lots of off camber corners on down hills under cover of trees; top that off with a damp trail from the rain yesterday and some moss that has been growing on the trail. Not a great idea but still good to get a long ride in.

This afternoon Kathy and I went to Peeps & Company (http://www.justborn.com/peeps-and-company) at National Harbor. What a blast. We actually purchased a Peep Head cover for our BIL and Kathy got a great new mug. They have some new chocolate peep (kind of like a marshmallow filled with chocolate) -- OH MY! :eek: Addictive!

Tomorrow... not sure what but I'm sure I'll make something out of it. Monday - celebrate Memorial Day and may even ride down to the Mall.

Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Hi, all! Reporting 40 min of intervals on the TM yesterday, and a 3 miler Thursday. Had to work Friday, but I did get in my 10,000 steps on the pedometer...it was BUSY! Hoping for weights at the CC this afternoon, and I'll probably do something on one of the machines, too.

Les, sorry to hear the Florida appointment did not come through. It has to be very difficult being in limbo. I did read this AM that clergy person is one of the top 15 fastest growing careers in the US due to increased demand and replacement positions, so it should be just a matter of finding the right fit. Hang in there! I will have to tell DS about the Peeps and Co...he loves peeps, and it would be a fun thing to check out some weekend while he is in DC. Do you know if there is a metro stop nearby?

Robyn, surely the Bolder Boulder will have better temps than the 95 degrees you ran in the other day. Early AM start? Enjoy your rest day today, and GOOD LUCK! :)

Susan, hope the Madison marathon was fun! How long is your race next weekend? Good job on your workouts, and I hope the hills are coming easily.

Natasha, chatting and visiting neighbors sounds very relaxing. I tend to run into my neighbors a lot when I am walking the dogs, but the dogs are pretty patient as they sit and wait for me to quit gabbing and move on. :D Everyone seems to be outside more now that the weather is warm.

Tkay, the family plans sound very nice for the weekend. Kids likes and dislikes are funny aren't they. My DS does not eat hamburgers. Ever. He eats beef just fine, but not hamburgers. Who doesn't eat hamburgers? :rolleyes: OTOH, he eats all kinds of ethnic food that his friends won't touch, so go figure... Way to keep up with your workouts! Hope your shoulder starts feeling better. Are you doing anything for it, or just letting it rest?

Vicci, sorry your MIL is back in the hospital. It is great that you and your DH can be there to get her up and walking. I know that when left to the nurses, there often is not enough time to do it very often. Hope you get out to the lake soon!

Not much going on here this weekend. DH and DD went to visit his sister's family, but since I worked Friday, I stayed home. We will probably see them again in July. The dogs and I are hanging out, and I am getting some cleaning and cooking done (as well as some TV watching and internet surfing)! Nice to have a little down time, (but I'll be glad to have the family home again tomorrow evening!).

Wishing you all a pleasant Sunday!

[Natasha]

Les, congrats on your record ride! Glad you and LW enjoyed Peeps & Company (how could you not)? We didn't have Peeps here until a few years ago but made up for lost time since (not eating them - they ended up being a standing joke at work :D).

Are you one of those people who will only eat them stale? ;)

Kathy, hope you're still enjoying your alone weekend! I know what you mean about running into folks while dog-walking. Definitely a lot more activity in the warmer months.

Susan, how did folks enjoy the marathon? That's nice that you were able to volunteer :)

Today I ran and speaking of warm, it was hot! Not bad, though. We've been mostly relaxing this weekend. This afternoon I made a batch of banana cupcakes with peanut butter frosting (April 2010 BA, which I got from the library). The cupcakes are good - moist and very delicately flavoured. I made 1/2 the frosting and even so only used maybe 1/3 of that to ice my 16 cupcakes! So I've got lots left over for cookie filling or something. Can't imagine what they would be like with 6 times the frosting. They're plenty sweet & rich as they are.

And speaking of dog walks, it's that time... take care, all, and enjoy your holiday Monday!

[VictoriaL]

Tkay, hope that you're enjoying your relaxing weekend (and that it is, indeed, relaxing). My twin nieces (11yo) don't like to eat meat, so your DS is not alone, there. They fill their plates with raw veggies and dip and if SIL can get them to split a half of a hamburger between them, she considers it an accomplishment! I have a feeling that eating like this is probably a very good thing, though, especially as they get older. And what did you do with the fresh udon noodles?

Les, the Mount Vernon Trail sounds quite the challenge... I'm glad that you didn't succumb to the damp, mossy parts of the trail.

KathyB, enjoy that "alone time"! I seem to get so much more done when there is nobody else (namely, DH) around to vie for my attention (and time!).

Nat, send me that extra pb frosting. I can admit to you all that I have been known to eat the stuff with a spoon in times of stress. :D So, do you and DH get to eat all of those 16 cupcakes???? They sound wonderful!

Like Nat, I went out in the hot and humid today. And I just remembered that I didn't calculate my mileage when I returned, I was on such a "schedule". Oh well, that's lost forever! :o But I was out for almost 45 minutes in 90 degrees. This hot weather happened so quickly I haven't yet adjusted to getting out earlier in the day. Spent the afternoon in the hospital with MIL, and made goat-cheese stuffed turkey burgers and mojitos for dinner. Then napped for a few hours! Ahhhhh, long weekends.... ;)

Enjoy your long weekends, those who are so fortunate!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kathy B - Busy Friday for you and I hope that you got to lift weights this afternoon. Sadly there's not a Metro near National Harbor but with a little ingenuity there are ways to connect from DC to National Harbor and if DS isn't averse to doing a little walking he could ride the Metro to Alexandria and walk over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to National Harbor (but it's a bit of a walk).
Nat - Your muffins sound yummy. I'm of the belief that lots of recipes but way too much frosting/icing on cupcakes and cakes.
Vicci - 45 minute walk in 90 degree weather? That's pretty sweltering. Your dinner sounds pretty good and I hope you enjoyed your nap and your holiday tomorrow.

I took a break today and didn't do much except go for an hour's walk (ish). It was terribly hot here too bet I wasn't out to set land and speed records. However, I did do a lot of sorting and tossing of things that needed to be gone through before moving (if we do). I've consolidated my text books into 4 copier paper boxes and cleaned all the cubbies out on my desk. (Nat can confirm there's tons of stuff there).

Tomorrow, may be hot but I'll do something - if it's really hot I may ride; if it's not I may run. Regardless, I'll take advantage of another holiday.

Happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

reported wseadr85 - spammers run away!

[Kathy B]

3 mile run this AM, a little warm running, but really it is a beautiful day. They were predicting thunderstorms, but so far there is no sign of bad weather. Did a bit of yoga, too, and of course the obligatory dog walk. Dogs got their summer haircuts this week, and the little one is now starting to slip out of the yard. :rolleyes: Good thing her haircut makes her look cute! :p

Les, I told DS your comments about National Harbor, and he is definitely going to check it out. The walking shouldn't be a problem....he is doing plenty of that. Told me he walked from the Capitol to the White House and back the other evening just to get outside. He loves taking runs around the Mall and seeing all the sights, so this will just be a new place to go check out. Thanks for the directions. So did you run or ride today? DS said DC is "hot!" even in the shade, and he was trying not to look at the ice cream truck with frosty air coming off of it while he waited for the parade to start. :D

Vicci, your day sounds so nice. (Well, except the 90 degree heat part!) I was just thinking this AM that I am going to have to move my workouts to earlier in the AM if I want to continue outside.

Natasha, good job on your hot run, too! Was there an occasion for the cupcakes, or just bananas needing to be used? That is usually the case around here...they ripen so quickly!

Yesterday I realized at the last minute that I was supposed to have treats for my adult SS class. Didn't have much around, so I showed up with flatbread from my freezer (warmed in the oven for a couple of minutes), butter, feta cheese and blueberry-orange jam. (This is my favorite breakfast with a cup of tea, so I thought, why not?). It went over surprisingly well, but I have to make more this afternoon. DH likes a steady supply of flatbread in the freezer. :p

That's about it for now. Hope everyone's Monday (Memorial Day) is going well. Have a great week!

[Natasha]

Happy Memorial Day, all!



Natasha, good job on your hot run, too! Was there an occasion for the cupcakes, or just bananas needing to be used? That is usually the case around here...they ripen so quickly!



It was bananas that needed to be used up. Good guess ;) That's usually what it is when I make anything banana. This time, I had already seen the recipe a few days ago and mentally filed it away as a "must-try", so it all came together nicely that I was able to try the recipe before I forgot about it! That mental filing system... well...

The flatbread sounds inspired. I'm intrigued by the blend of flavours. Great last-minute thinking to bring that in since you already know it's so good!

Les, way to go on the walk and the tidying. I did some purging of stuff on the weekend but there's still more to do. There always is, I suppose. Did you run today?

Vicci, that's great that you were able to fit in a run, albeit a hot one :) Oh yeah - the frosting is kinda good eaten as is from a (small) spoon ;) I plan to give away a few more but yeah, I think we'll end up eating most of them. How unfortunate, I know!

I am planning to spin tonight while checking out Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals. Now for lentils & rice. Have a good evening!

[Robyn1007]

Hi all! Sorry not to respond personally to everyone but I am beat and heading to bed shortly. I'll expand with a bigger race report in the next day or so but I did get a major PR today. I beat last year's time by 8 minutes and 49 seconds so I'm extremely happy with how the race went. I've not had a moment of quiet since 6:30 this morning though so I'm going to get to bed shortly and hopefully wake up somewhat refreshed tomorrow. Looking forward to a week of easy runs to rejuvenate for my next build cycle which starts next week.

[Natasha]

Congrats, Robyn! Enjoy your well-deserved rest.

I spent 50 minutes on the bike, packed with intervals. It felt so gooood. I love endorphins. :D

[Leslie Ferguson]

Congratulations Robyn, even though you don't think you had a big PR any PR is a PR. Enjoy your much deserved rest.
Nat - Good 50 minute ride. Are you enjoying the Cup? I think I could always stand to go through things considering I'm a pack rat. Sadly, it seems that I don't consolidate and dispose of things until I'm getting ready to move. (Is that normal?)

I didn't run today but I did head out for a 15 mile ride. It was abysmally humid today and it would have been a yucky run. Alas, it will probably be worse tomorrow but I'll swing something, especially if I get up earlier than today.

Cleaned out another box of junk - things that have been around since high school (or longer). More to go through tomorrow... sad to say, that's the biggest task of my days these days.

Happy trails,
Les

[TKay]

Les - Happy purging! Moving is a great motivator. You've got to love something enough to pack it and schlep it. ;) Glad you're getting in so much activity, but oy! The heat and humidity you're dealing with. Hang in there. Oh, I'm not normally a fan of peeps (for eating, anyway), but that chocolate-filled item sounds tasty.

Nat - Your cupcakes sound delish. Even with your unexpected neighbor visit, it sounds like you've done plenty of activity to work off that extra frosting.

Robyn - Congrats on the PR! Can't wait to hear the report, but rest up first. We'll be here when you're up to it.

KathyB - Funny about ds not eating burgers. I think I'd be happy he opted for ethnic food instead. But you're right. Who doesn't like burgers? :D I've just been resting the shoulder, no ice or anything. It feels like I slept on it wrong. Can't think of any injury I may have done, but who knows? Great job keeping up your workouts in spite of your busy schedule. The flatbread sounds good too!

Vicci - Goat cheese-stuffed turkey burgers and mojitos? Why, yes! I can be there for those next time. :D Your MIL is lucky to have you looking out for her. I hope she's continuing to make progress. With your support, I'm sure she's going great. Funny about your SIL and the kids splitting a burger between them. I think you're right. Better to have a lighter eater these days. With the childhood obesity rates, I count myself as fortunate to have two string beans as kids. Sorry about your heat and humidity. Hope it's more pleasant this week.

Hello to JJ, Susan, and everyone else.

Decent TM run on Saturday, off day Sunday (with dog walks and family bike rides), and about 50 minutes on the TM yesterday. It was all good, good and lovely.

My udon noodles were divine. I made a simple teryaki chicken to go with them. Silly me. I didn't have the right veggies to go with it all, but we made do. I can't wait to make the noodles again. Funny story. Dh thought the noodles were so good that he went back for seconds. As he sat down, his arm hit the edge of his plate and flipped it up in the air. The plate, noodles and all, turned trough the air and landed straight in the trash can--food, dish, everything. It would have been funny (well, to me it was), but he had served himself the last of the noodles and he was soooo disappointed. :( Still makes me laugh though. :D

[SusanMac]

Looks like everyone had a great weekend!

Robyn - That is such awesome news about the great race & huge PR! Your hard work with the running group has clearly paid off. You've inspired me.

Nat - I've never heard of PB frosting. DH is really addicted to all things PB!

Vicci - hope your MIL is doing better.

Here are my weekend highlights (sportswise :-)
Sat - My first bike/run brick of the season! I biked 32 mi with DH & one of his buddies. It definitely helps to ride w/people faster than me, as it makes me push harder. Followed with a 20-min easy run.

Sun - I got in a 45 min trail run in the afternoon. In the morning, DH, Bode & I took a long walk along the marathon course to cheer for the runners. The temps were high, and the race organizers unfortunately closed down the course early. Very disappointed, as I think they jumped the gun a bit. It was definitely blazing hot & muggy -- sounds like many of you had similar weather.

Mon - 40 mile bike ride. I was supposed to ride w/some friends visiting from AZ, but their schedule changed. Now I won't see them again until their wedding next month. Kind of bummed about that.

Today - Just got back from a bike ride & decided to do an interval workout. Ouch!! Over the past few days I've started adding squats & some hip exercises. So, pretty much everything from the waist down hurts right now :-)

Gotta run to finish making some smoked salmon & spinach pizza. (Kathy - I made flatbread too. Will have to remember your breakfast version for future use!!)

[Natasha]

Susan - your DH is a PB freak and you haven't had PB frosting? I think he needs a gooey PB cake for his next birthday :D That's too bad about the marathon :( Very sad when that happens. Good on you to go out and support everyone, anyway.

Les - yup, I think that's normal to hoard 'til you have to do something about it. :) Human nature and all that, I guess.

TKay, thanks for the udon review. Your poor DH! I hate it when something I was really looking forward to gets wasted :(

Well, Sluggo checking in today. ;) We're heading out for our walk with a friend now and I did lots around the house, but my only "training" will be core.

Take care, all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Sluggo #2 checking in...

It sounds like you have a busy weekend Susan. Probably better to close early and not risk injuries, especially if it is really hot but for those who are prepared for the heat. Still, never fun to get to a race and be cut out when you're doing well.
TKay - The Udon sounds great - of course I like most things Japanese when it comes to food. Did you get the Udon 3-pointer on tape? :D Good working the TM too.
Nat - Did you have a good walk?

Today was weird and everything that was planned got done, but the unplanned things got in the way. Spent most of my day running around - car inspected (overdue); getting rid of an empty helium tank. The unplanned - driving across DC (nightmare) to the VA hospital (nightmare) to take a "need test" (that I didn't need to complete it considering my level of disability) and drive back home (in the beginning of Rush Hour). Blows an afternoon.

Tomorrow, I hope it's cooler or I get up and at 'em earlier.

Happy trails,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Kathy, blueberry-orange jam? There's a combo I hadn't thought of yet it sounds delicious! Are DH and DD home yet?

Nat
Oh yeah - the frosting is kinda good eaten as is from a (small) spoon
Nope, you meant big spoon, didn't you????

Robyn, big congratulations on doing almost 9 minutes better this year! :D

Tkay, I plan to look for fresh udon noodles when I'm at the ethnic markets next. Actually, I had never thought of these but I do use the dried occasionally. Good going on the TM work, even on a holiday!

Susan, you do know that not taking a day off for a holiday makes the rest of us look... bad... don't you?!?!? ;)

Tossing your precious high school stuff, Les??? How can you? Actually, you inspired me. I was cleaning out a drawer (actually searching for something) and found my grade transcripts from high school and college. And I tossed 'em!
Too bad about the muggies, but that's probably going to be the norm in DC for the next few months.

MIL is still in the hospital. She had some tests today, all were clear. There really seems like there's nothing to keep her there now, so hopefully we can get her into skilled nursing tomorrow or the next day. She is actually very anxious to get back to her "new" apartment. :)

Tomorrow I'll be spending most of the day with her while DH sells my car ('65 VW bug) to a friend. I haven't used it in a few years, and he loves to tinker with old cars, so I'm letting it go to a better place... ;)

I was able to get in almost 2 miles this morning, before the heat got too bad (and I needed to get up to the hospital). The wild honeysuckle and roses are in full bloom in the woods and the smell is fabulous. Almost overpowering. Loved it!

Take care, Virtual Runners!

[Robyn1007]

Bolder Bouder Race Report!

The morning dawned chilly but sunny and promising a warm up. I ate my planned breakfast of a banana and 2 eggs scrambled, got dressed and headed to pick up my running buddy who I've run most of my long runs to date with, Barb. We parked at the park n ride and boarded the bus to the start. Unfortunately the bus took way longer than it was supposed to and instead of having 45 minutes at the start to warm up and use the porta potties we only had 10. We jogged to the potty and then on to our waves (she was in the wave behind me) with just a few minutes to spare. As usual you wait in the group moving forward as each wave goes off until you move forward for your own turn. The trumpet sounds and next thing you know the gun goes off. I took my time actually crossing the line and then started running. As usual many around me took off fast but I watched the Garmin and kept my pace around where I wanted it. At the first mile I took stock of how I felt and found it to be fantastic. Everything felt great. I turned the corner to head up the first hill which is really the largest of the run and just as I reached the topped I realized I had a tall guy next to me pointing down at me which startled me until I recognized the shirt as one from my club's annual race then looked to his side and saw my friend and running buddy Lindsey. She chatted for a moment before she took off (they'd missed their wave start due to the bus delays).

From there I settled into the steady gradual climb to the course summit just after mile 4. This is the section that was really hard for me last year. I battled side stitches and bathroom issues through this area and had to walk frequently last year. This year I was able to continue at a nice steady pace the entire way. I skipped the watermelon, beer, doughnuts, bacon and marshmallows offered on the course (and did a little footwork avoiding marshmallows on the hot pavement) and ran past the slip n slide with a chuckle watching others dive in. Just before the summit on that hill I started to threaten an asthma attack so I walked the last few feet to the summit and recovered in about 20 seconds then started to jog again. The next 1.5 miles is all downhill and sure feels great. I realized that I was right on pace for where I wanted to be and just kept going. About mile 5.5 things got hard but I knew I just needed to push through. At about 5.8 you hit the last hill. It's not really the steepest hill nor the longest on the course but it's tough and crowded as you funnel into the stadium. I think this might be the best course to finish in all of road racing (and this race was named the best 10k in America by Runner's World) because you enter the stadium with thousands of runners and their families in the stadium cheering you on. About half way around the the track and across the finish line. I checked my watch coming in at 1:11:13 but 6.3 miles. Somewhere I clocked an additional 17 seconds over what the official time lists of 1:10:56. As I mentioned this is an 8:49 improvement over last year which proves to me that my hard work this season has really paid off.

After the race I met up with a bunch from my running group and enjoyed watching thousands of runners stream in (a total of 53,700!). The professional race was pretty cool to watch too. It's streamed on the big screens and we watched Ethiopia sweep both the women's and men's races. The 3 Ethiopian men came in together holding hands and crossed the line at the same time which was pretty cool. And one of the guys from my run shop ran for Team Australia which was fun to watch as well.

Finally the Memorial Day ceremonies. With Brett having landed in Colorado at 8:30 the evening before these took on special meaning for me and of course I sobbed watching and singing patriotic songs. Each branch of service's flag is brought in by a sky diver followed by the US flag. It's pretty cool because when that one lands they have 5 guys there ready to gather the flag from the ground as fast as possible. Two medal of honor winners from the Battle of the Bulge were honored a 21 gun salute and taps are played. It's a moving tribute to our service men and women and I'm honored to take part in it.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far! Back later to check in with everyone else!

Did anyone doubt that I'd have at least one picture? This is me and Barb.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_7UMpSolyPX4/TAXD7ygLcbI/AAAAAAAADIc/lwGnL-i-_-I/s512/Barb%20and%20Robyn%20Bolder%20Boulder.jpg

[Leslie Ferguson]

Bolder Boulder Race Report!... I skipped the watermelon, beer, doughnuts, bacon and marshmallows offered on the course (and did a little footwork avoiding marshmallows on the hot pavement) and ran past the slip n slide with a chuckle watching others dive in... As I mentioned this is an 8:49 improvement over last year which proves to me that my hard work this season has really paid off...
Thank you for the great recap Robyn. It definitely sounds like your training has paid off. I shudder that people may actually eat/drink beer, doughnuts, bacon, or marshmallows during a race (even with 57,000 runners). Funny comment about the slip and slide too. :D Great race!!
Finally the Memorial Day ceremonies. With Brett having landed in Colorado at 8:30 the evening before these took on special meaning for me and of course I sobbed watching and singing patriotic songs. Each branch of service's flag is brought in by a sky diver followed by the US flag. It's pretty cool because when that one lands they have 5 guys there ready to gather the flag from the ground as fast as possible. Two medal of honor winners from the Battle of the Bulge were honored a 21 gun salute and taps are played. It's a moving tribute to our service men and women and I'm honored to take part in it.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far! Back later to check in with everyone else!
I'm choked up reading your comments about the patriotic festivities. That must have been something to participate in.

Tomorrow I'll be spending most of the day with her while DH sells my car ('65 VW bug) to a friend. I haven't used it in a few years, and he loves to tinker with old cars, so I'm letting it go to a better place...
Oh the memories of a '65 Bug; one of the cars I learned to drive all those years ago. Letting go of your Bug? :confused: At least it's going to a good home. ;)

Nothing more to add since the last post...
Les

[SusanMac]

Robyn - Awesome race report! The slip 'n slide sounds tempting, but you were wise to pass (I know I would twist my back or stub a toe or something!) I love the pic, but can't quite see the new summer athlete 'do, since it's pulled back in a pony (at least that's what I assume)

Vicci - alas, no rest day yet, as I have a Sat race, then leave town for a biz trip on Sun. So, my training schedule this week is a bit whacked. Sending good vibes for your MIL

[Leslie Ferguson]

It's been quiet today - that's kind of odd. Susan, which race are you running in this weekend? I hope your biz trip doesn't whack you too much.

Today was another exciting day of sorts. Got feedback from my interview in Florida. After which I decided I'd take a little ride to think/clear my head. Had a decent 15+ mile bike ride (it was super humid when I was thinking of heading out at ~ noon). This evening was really weird though - I got a call on my cell (no one calls me on my cell) to set up an interview for THIS SUNDAY in Suffolk VA. Weird because I didn't know they had gotten my name; so now it's prep for the coming interview. We'll see about this church - I haven't even had a thought about it but it has a good reputation and the church is on the national register of historic places. I'll let you know what comes of it. Regardless, it looks like a busy weekend - a bunch of my friends are getting ordained on Saturday in Charlottesville then off to interview.

Hope the rest of your week is good and we'll see you tomorrow.
Les

[TKay]

Robyn - Wow! Great race report. Thanks for all the interesting tidbits--I love it. Sounds like you did everything right. What a great feeling. Moving Memorial Day events too.

Les - That is odd about the cell phone call. Well, here's hoping it turns out to be worth it. Kind of cool that it's a historic church. (Didn't get the 3-point udon launch on tape, unfortunately. We might have won something on America's Funniest Videos with that performance.)

Vicci - Goodbye to the old bug. :( For some reason, my boys are very drawn to old VWs. My 10-year-old would want us to buy your car for him. How are things with the MIL? The fragrant flowers sound absolutely lovely.

Susan - Are you still recovering from your waist-down soreness? What's on the agenda in prep for Saturday's race?

Nat - You still occupying slug-land? I'm guessing not.

Hi to Kathy and everyone else I missed.

Dh worked from home this morning and I talked him into a nice walk with the pooch. I've not been sleeping well and I've had some twinges in my shins and feet. I figured it would be better to take it easy today to be on the safe side. Plus, it makes the dog happy. :D

[Natasha]

Les, how exciting! Good luck on Sunday :)

Susan, good luck at your race (what's the event?) and enjoy the business trip.

Vicci, I wish I could send you the frosting! Awesome news about MIL.

Robyn, congrats on another fine race!

TKay, that's smart to take it easy. I hope you sleep better tonight.

Yesterday was a non-Sluggo day but tonight remains to be see ;)

Hi to Jennifer, Kathy, and everyone else!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Vicci - Good news about your MIL and congrats on getting out and having a nice, aromatic time outside. Hope you survived the thunderstorms today.
TKay - Even though the call was weird I'll take it. Good to put DH to work with the dog too. It doesn't sound good that you're still having twinges in your shins. Yuck!
Nat - Thanks, I think everything will work out for the best this weekend. I hope you didn't have a sluggo day today. ;)

I didn't have a sluggo day - Oh how I hate h&h. Still, it was good to head out and run before lunch today. I decided it would be best to go out before it got really hot - they were talking low 90s this afternoon. It was ~83 when I headed out and made good time; not great but a run. This afternoon was thunder and lightening to beat the band. I was looking for Moses to make sure he wasn't out looking for 2 of my squirrels. ;)

Tomorrow - prep for the weekend. Maybe a ride. Then who knows.

Happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

michael smith -- reported