HL/WWSG week of Aug. 24

[JackieO]

Hi, all. I will be somewhat AWOL this week as we MOVE and switch internet service providers. No workouts planned, although unpacking boxes, etc. should provide some exercise.

Picking up on last week's thread, to show you how out of the popular culture DH and I are, we went to an independent theater last night thinking we were going to see a big-screen version of the Alfred Hitchcock movie, "Spellbound" with Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman. Ha! There's a documentary out about eight kids from around the country and how they made it to last year's National Spelling Bee. It's a great film....the differences in their backgrounds and support systems couldn't be greater. It's a very uplifting and sometimes very funny flick. Catch it if you can.

I'm off to bed EARLY tonight since I start my new job tomorrow. Ta ta.

[wallycat]

Congratulations again on your new job.
It was great having lunch, and just as I suspected, DH didn't want any of my leftovers :D ;)

Good luck on your first day and hope unpacking and the move aren't too stressful.
I'll be thinking of you :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Jackie - I know that you'll not get this before later but the best of luck and grace as you move. Things will go well, I'm certain.

This week will be a busy one. The schedule is:
Sun - XT weights (done)
Mon - 5 x hills
Tue - 4 miles EZ and golf w/ sis and dad
Wed - 40-50 minutes tempo run
Thu - 8 miles at Race Pace
Fri - rest
Sat - rest
Sun - Rock 'n Roll 1/2 marathon

Healthy living - more of the same from weeks past. Personal maintenance and weight control are in place (haven't moved the weight in a couple weeks but haven't lost -- a good thing). Sleep and following up on the positive weekend I had are biggies for me too.

Today's cross training day was good - protected my shoulder a little and I think that I'll be in good form for the 1/2 marathon on Sunday.

Hope the week goes well for everyone - this one will be a little longer than last week but the carrot is the 1/2.

Peace,
Les

[615bride]

Jackie - I've heard good things about Spellbound. I feel like I haven't seen a movie in forever.

This is the first day of school with students and it's so strange to be the language specialist and not have my own homeroom. My seven mile run was good on Saturday and I wore a Fuel Belt for the first time. Didn't have any problems with it weighting me down or jostling around.

Mon - run 3.3 miles
Tue - Sculpt class (so sore after last week)
Wed - run 3.3 miles
Thu - swim
Fri - rest
Sat - 5 mile run (step back week)

As for healthful living - just trying to readjust to school dining room lunch (we're not allowed to bring our own lunch...)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey gang - interesting run this evening. I'll start by saying that I must be a glutton for punishment (is that a shock? :confused: TIC) . Tonight's run was supposed to be (and was) 5 x hills. I decided to try the "scheduled" type of hill - "200-400 m of 10-15% incline at 10k pace". Not really knowing if there are any 10% inclines in Norfolk (I'd guess not) I decided to do them on the treadmill. Big mistake. I did the first repeat on a 10% incline at 10k pace (worked out to 7:08 on the treadmill was the closest). I struggled through an eighth of a mile (just over 200 m) and felt like I was going to get slung off the machine. I did the next 4 repeats on either a 5 or 5.5% incline at the same speed and came through okay. I'll have to let the coach know that 10% incline may not be the one that you want for hill work (plus I'm sure they are hard to find).

Does anyone have anything fun planned for Labor Day? I'll be having some "Labor Day fun" recovering from the Rock 'n Roll half marathon from Sunday.

Gotta fly - LW just woke up with a terrible cramp in her calf - I'll see if I can provide some relief for her.

Peace,
Les

[jazzyjas]

Congtatulations, Jackie on all of these exciting changes in your life. have fun with the move and just look at it in little pieces so it isn't so overwhelming. I heard about Spell bound on NPR and was disappointed I missed the DC showing -- it sounded great (and I think spelling bees are fascinating, I know, I know, I am a geek)

Les, A friend and co-worker is running the Rock and Roll -- (her first half) so I will be thinking of you both on Saturday.

Bride, welcome back to the school year, sorry to hear about the room situation -- I can empathisize and am glad to have a room even if the building renovations are not finished and not what they promised and I hate them and they got spray paint all over everything. That is too bad about lunch -- is the food acceptable? I wouldn't eat lunch if I had to eat at our cafeteria.

My vacation was good and I strongly recommend Newfoundland for anyone who needs to get away -- it is beautiful, and the people are so friendly -- although the food lacks something since there is very little fresh produce available.

My homecoming, however, was bittersweet (more bitter than sweet) since my grandmother died Wednesday morning. She was 94 and had been ill. I am glad that I visited in the hospital before I left. My mother is no good with funerals (it was her mother) to the point where she will stay with me the night before so I can make sure she gets there. For that reason all of the planning of the memorial service has fallen to me. (it is the least I could do and I wasn't sure she would get it done). It is probably a good thing that I have little experience planning this type of event but it certainly has been a challenge.

I started back at work yesterday and the gym is closed for yearly maintenance so for healty living --

Walk Tigger daily on the 3 mile loop
Stay sane and accept the help and support of my friends and family
Get through this week

Have a great one all!!

Jas

[Laura]

Jasmine, I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother's death; living to 94 is a wonderful age, but I know it doesn't make the loss any easier. You and your family are in my prayers.

I am so glad you had a wonderful trip in Newfoundland. My ex's family is from Cape Breton Nova Scotia and my kids spent 2 weeks there at the beginning of the month. They love it there.

As for me, I had a really trying run on Sunday. I allowed myself to get overheated, dehydrated, and my heart rate way too high for my liking. I am running 6 in the morning at a nice slow pace.

Since the run didn't go well on last Sunday (we only went 9 as opposed to the planned 13) we will shoot for 13 again this week. Hopefully things will go better.

Jackie, I hope the move is going well for you. I just found out my new boss is from your area (most of us telecommute, so she is in Green Bay, and I am here in Colorado).

Les, I can't believe you were running at a 10% incline. The Teton Pass in Wyoming is a 8% grade I believe, and that is nuts.

Bride, I really like my fuel belt as well. So much so that I have decided I will run with it in the 1/2 as I like having my fluids when I want them, and I like having a squeeze bottle, as opposed to a cup. I can't seem to run and drink out of a cup at the same time.:rolleyes:

Seems quiet here this week, I hope everyone is doing well.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Jasmine - Welcome back and I'm sorry that you returned from vacation to such news. What time you are having these days - my heart and prayers are with you and your family. Next time I'm by the candles one gets lit for you. :(
Glad to hear the good report about Newfoundland. LW and I are always looking for new places to visit. Probably won't be in the cards to go to Newfoundland for this year's anniversary (#20 this year!!). :cool:
Please take care of yourself and let others help you get through these times - people are and will be there to help you as you need and can accept it.
Any way that I can recognize your co-worker? If I can get some way to recognize her I'll give her a cheer when I see her. You can PM with number/name if you know them.

Laura -You aren't kidding - 10% is a killer and even too much for a crazy like me. Especially at 10k pace (try sprinting up hill - no fun).

Today's run was a short one - just 4.25-4.5 miles at a leisurely pace. I did the run after playing 18 holes of golf (boy do my shoulders ache). Just a recovery run today - looking at my 50 minutes of tempo run tomorrow.

BTW - LW was thrilled and her cramps went away fairly quickly. Luckily I was still up when they hit.

Be good to yourselves and stay sane and safe. We're looking out for you all.

Peace,
Les

[615bride]

jazzyjas - Hope you and your family are taking care of yourselves during this time. I am sorry for your loss.

Laura - Liking the Fuel Belt was a pleasant surprise since I was sure it would jiggle around too much for me to wear. I plan on wearing it in the marathon and for all long runs.

The pool is open again so I'm heading there tomorrow after a run today. Happy Wednesday everyone!

[heide]

Hi all! Sorry I'm so late to the party. My internet connection has been really dodgy this week, so I haven't been online to post.

Jasmine, I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Take care of yourself during this time. You're in my thoughts.

Les, 10% incline is insane. Really. Please take care and don't hurt yourself.

This week for me is a fairly normal one. I'm gearing up to add weight training to my routine (how many times have I said that?:rolleyes: ) but this is the plan so far:

Sunday: 60 minutes Pilates
Monday: rest
Tuesday: golf 9 holes
Wednesday: tennis lesson 60 minutes
Thursday: golf 9 holes
Friday: maybe swim and weights
Saturday: golf 18 holes, President's Cup tournament

My friends are starting to roll back into town after the northern Summer, so that's good. I think aerobics starts back up next week, and a couple of my tennis buddies return too, so next week will probably different. We'll see.

Have a good week everyone.

heide

[Leslie Ferguson]

Heide - Trust me - I'm not going to try a 10% incline on the treadmill at 10k pace again. Only once was sufficient to prove that I was utterly crazy. The next time on the treadmill I'll just stick to 5-6% at 10k pace which is doable for about .15-.2 miles and on the road I'll just run hard up the hills that I can find (but I'm certain they aren't 10% incline).

Today's run was tough. Not only was it terribly hot (about 95 dry bulb when I started with an apparent temp of 100+) my legs were a little wiped out from all the fun yesterday - the golf and my easy run.

Bride - Good that the fuel belt is working out so well. I'm thinking of getting one - especially for days like today. It would have been nice to have some accessible water during my run.

Be good to yourselves and I'll see you later,
Les

[cinbis]

Late again this week! Time is just flying by getting the kids ready for school and squeezing out the last few days of freedom (for them!).

Jasmine-so sorry to hear about your grandmother. 94 years old is really something....a friend's father said he found it a privildge to live to experience old age. What a great positive attitude to have!

My workouts haven't been too bad considering how busy we've been. I ran 5 miles on Sat. Here's the rest of the week:

Sunday: bike ride with Cub Scouts - about 10 miles. It was very flat but bumpy. I'm thinking of trying this trail for running. We took the kids to an amusement park at night....I only had a taste of fried dough!
Monday: day off....we had a family day....out to breakfast, mini golfing. I almost forgot, went to Yoga after dinner.
Tuesday: Pilates
Wednesday: ran 5 miles...maybe walk tonight
Thursday: another day off! First day of school.
Friday: cycle, maybe run too
Sat.: not sure, probably run

Les-10% on the treadmill is brutal! I've only done it when I've run with our 63 y.o. cycle instructor. I'd be curious to know how the incline on the hills I run on regularly would equate to the incline on the treadmill.

Hope everyone is having a great week!
Cindi

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by cinbis
Les-10% on the treadmill is brutal! I've only done it when I've run with our 63 y.o. cycle instructor. I'd be curious to know how the incline on the hills I run on regularly would equate to the incline on the treadmill.

Hope everyone is having a great week!
Cindi

Sounds like you've got a good weeks worth of workouts planned.

I am still not certain but the way I figure it - the formula for figuring percent incline is something like "the change in elevation divided by the distance run." I could probably come up with a true mathematical formula using sine but I'll not bore folks with the the "geek stuff" (I'm an old applied math guy). But my calculation for a 10% incline over a quarter-mile is something like 133 feet (I certainly hope that I'm wrong). But I do remember that when I drive out west on the 6% downgrade over 5 miles the total elevation drop is about 2000 feet (just under 1900 I think) - which would make sense with my formula. I'll let you know though.

Night all and peace,
Les

[JackieO]

Hi, all! I'm taking a break from unpacking my cookbooks (Ana, if you're lurking, know that I am thinking of you -- mine only take up two shelves above my kitchen desk!) ;) The move has gone incredibly well -- the only really irksome thing is that we lost a remote to our tv/vcr combo and you really NEED the remote to make the thing work, and the idiot who packed my kitchen boxes did a very POOR job of labeling them. But if those are the only two things that I have to complain about, I AM LUCKY INDEED!

Jas -- so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Hope you and your mom are coping as best you can.

Les -- you are NUTS to do a 10 percent incline voluntarily! What were you thinking???

Where's Minky? Watching the Packer game, I hope (even tho the scrubs are playing horribly, according to DH.) The heavens opened above Lambeau shortly after game time but we are only getting a sprinkle and we're just a few miles away.

Laura -- what kind of work do you do? After six years working in a "boutique" consulting firm with just a few other people in the office occasionally, I am thoroughly enjoying being back in a corporate environment and all that it involes -- support staff, IT help desk, networks that WORK, etc. A former colleague from my previous life just recently relocated to the same office and we have been comparing notes...she is spooked by how "small" our office is and I am thrilled to be working among people again. I also met someone who recently moved here from Iron Mountain, MI and is living in the same subdivision. He told me how chaotic he finds living "in the suburbs" and I told him I couldn't get to sleep last night because it was so "dark and quiet" here -- I felt like I was living in the country! Perspective....

My best news, however, is that DS already has an invitation to sleep over with a couple of the tennis players!!! [editing to say that sounds a little odd -- I'm happy that he's made good friends very quickly. The parents came over to pick him up tonight and we all had a great conversation about kids, community and life that I feel really comfortable with the move.] My nightmare of him eating lunch alone on the first day of school has evaporated. I am so happy for him. I truly feel this move was destined.

Well, I better get back to unpacking. DH was a sweetheart today -- stayed home to deal with the home theater installation people and he'll be trapped here tomorrow to wait for the cable guy to hook us up to "real" tv and the internet. While waiting for all these service people, he is washing dishes and unpacking our home office. No easy task. I have way too much stuff and am looking forward to the long weekend to get settled. We hope to join the tennis/fitness club tomorrow (at least process DS' membership -- we may check into a couple other options.)

Have a wonderful holiday weekend, everyone!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by JackieO
Hi, all! I'm taking a break from unpacking my cookbooks (Ana, if you're lurking, know that I am thinking of you -- mine only take up two shelves above my kitchen desk!) ;) The move has gone incredibly well -- the only really irksome thing is that we lost a remote to our tv/vcr combo and you really NEED the remote to make the thing work, and the idiot who packed my kitchen boxes did a very POOR job of labeling them. But if those are the only two things that I have to complain about, I AM LUCKY INDEED!...

Well, I better get back to unpacking. DH was a sweetheart today -- stayed home to deal with the home theater installation people and he'll be trapped here tomorrow to wait for the cable guy to hook us up to "real" tv and the internet. While waiting for all these service people, he is washing dishes and unpacking our home office. No easy task. I have way too much stuff and am looking forward to the long weekend to get settled. We hope to join the tennis/fitness club tomorrow (at least process DS' membership -- we may check into a couple other options.)

I hope that the rest of your unpacking goes as well as the beginning. You are lucky to have come through so well. Of course, I've been pretty lucky myself in all my ~20 moves. Never really had anything of value lost and only a couple things damaged/broken (and they could be repaired). Plus what a great hubby - staying home to deal with all that home theater stuff.


Les -- you are NUTS to do a 10 percent incline voluntarily! What were you thinking???

I'm absolutely nuts - but I rally hadn't tried a 10% incline before (even though it's been on my training schedule since last November). I just thought I'd try it, mostly because I have a terrible sense of incline. Needless to say I'll never make that mistake again. :rolleyes:

Shifting gears (as it were)... The new scooters -- Their fate is sealed. The new shoes are goners. I was scheduled to do 8 miles at pace (plus warm up and cool down). I was only able to get through 1 mile of warm up then 4.5 miles of my 8 and my feet were ON FIRE. The toe box has gotten so stretched out I can't even tighten the shoes enough to snug up my forefoot. My feet are so raw from moving around in my shoes that my feet still hurt (and I finished running almost 5 hours ago and finished working out about 4.5 hours ago). To top it off the soles are more worn than on my old ones that had between 400 and 500 miles on them (and I've only had these for about 6 weeks, ~ 150-170 miles). But I'm concerned, because I'm not going to get a chance to put a good run into the new scooters because I'm off tomorrow and Saturday. I'll be okay but this isn't the way to head into a race.

Besides a sucky run (BAD SHOES) I'll just have to chock up today's workout. Nothing to write home about. But I guess every run is a learning experience.

Peace and hope everyone is coping with the remainder of the week. Peace to all,
Les

[Laura]

Originally posted by JackieO
Laura -- what kind of work do you do? After six years working in a "boutique" consulting firm with just a few other people in the office occasionally, I am thoroughly enjoying being back in a corporate environment and all that it involes -- support staff, IT help desk, networks that WORK, etc.
[/B]

I am a senior editor for a legal publishing company -- a huge change from my previous life when I practiced law and was a litigator. I must say that I do miss the more corporate environment, but I took the opportunity to work from home when it was offered. Being a single mom, working from home is as close to I will ever get to being a stay at home mom. Our company is huge, so I do have IT support and such, but sometimes it doesn't feel like it when I am sitting at my desk in my office at home.

I am so glad that your DS is adjusting so well. I don't know why, I just had a feeling that he would. I had the same fears regarding my DD as she too is starting as a freshman at a new HS. She tried out for and made the dance team, and has already had one friend over, and has been invited to the State fair by someone else. I guess now I only have to be worried about other things, like driving, dating, getting good grades, etc. :p

[Minky]

Originally posted by JackieO
Where's Minky? Watching the Packer game, I hope (even tho the scrubs are playing horribly, according to DH.)


I'm here:) We didn't get the game last night (fortunately, I think:o ) but watched a little of the Jets game. Tough to get really fired up when it's 95 degrees - not exactly football weather!

I thought I'd have more time this week than I ended up with, what with older DS back in school (younger DS has been back for a while.) I did get to the gym 3 times for 20-30 minutes cardio and strength training, so it hasn't been a total bust....but next week should be better!

Jasmine - so sorry to hear of your grandmother's passing. You have my thoughts and prayers.

I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable long weekend:)

[JackieO]

Minky Yes, it is a sad day in the office today due to the Packers loss! I guess I'll have to get used to this....

DH was going to try to get DS enrolled in the tennis club today, but they are waiting on a "techie" to come get our Internet access up and running. The regular cable guy was stumped, but thought our Norton anti-virus might be causing the problems with the connection. :(

I walked to work this morning, though! Not that it is much exercise -- it only took about five minutes!

My office is very close to the Fox River State Trail and there is a woman here who organizes evening rides in the summer. I'm definitely going to get air in my tires this weekend and hit the trail for a little R&R after my week of unpacking/work. :cool:

[Leslie Ferguson]

Minky - I'm with you. Hard to get into football when it is in the 90s. Shoot - it's hard to get into football when it's in the 70s. :D

Jackie - Good that you are that close to work. It must be nice to be able to walk to work (at least when the weather behaves). It may not be much exercise but I think it's great that you can walk - save the environment etc.

Shoe update: Went shoe shopping today. Pretty underwhelming. Sometimes it is hard to be a runner that needs no support - they don't make too many of those types of shoes unless you are looking for racing flats (and those won't work for long runs like I do). I'm going to give a pair of New Balance 752s a shot. This will be the first race (maybe ever) that I've run in untested and unworn shoes. It should be interesting. But as the clerk said today - I'd have never made 13 miles in what I was wearing. He was amazed to see the wear that they had after ~120 miles.

Resting today and tomorrow for the race on Sunday. But I may try to shuffle my shoes a little to get them stretched out a little before the race.

Have a safe and sane weekend. Peace,
Les

[cinbis]

I hate when this happens! I just wrote a long post and lost my internet connection, thus losing all that I wrote!

Here's the shortened version!

Les-Good luck in your race! I hope your feet feel better!

Jackie-glad to hear your son made friends so quickly....what a big relief for you!

Today, I ran 5 miles. I did get out for 3 miles on Thursday before the kids left for school. Yesterday, was cycle and ran for 15 minutes after class at a fairly fast pace (for me!). I may go out for a quick walk now even though I have blisters on both feet today!

Hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend!
Cindi

[JackieO]

but didn't get the air in my tires today. Oh well. Tomorrow.

Maybe I can start next week's thread with a report on my bike ride. :D