Virtual Running Buddies - 10/10

[Leslie Ferguson]

Well now that we're into Saturday afternoon and no one else has hopped on the VRB bandwagon I figure I'll throw my shoes into the ring and start for the week.

I'll tell you that things went well this morning (or at least as well as can be expected :rolleyes: ). 22+ miles in about 3:16 and am I tired. (Total mileage is somewhat in excess of 55 miles.) This was a hard week but guess what... there are exactly 5 weeks until the race is over. 2 more 12 mile long runs, a 24 mile long run, and an 8 mile long run then the race. The miles are really starting to pile up and take their toll.

Interesting question - does anyone ever get cold after a long workout? I've been cold for nearly 5 hours (since finishing my run). I can't seem to get warmed up at all - maybe I'll just have to get in a steaming shower.

On the up side of the run - my right foot came through with only residual pain (the healing process is doing it's thing). But I tweaked my left arch stepping over a hole in the road. I think it'll be okay but it was sore after the run.

Taking a relaxing afternoon to recuperate before heading to the gym tomorrow afternoon.

Hope everyone has a good running weekend and a fabulous week.

Happy trails,
Les

[Jodi]

Hey, Les (and gang!) --

I am cold almost all the time, especially after coming in from outside, whether it was a long workout or not. I read somewhere that the way to warm up is to NOT take a hot shower, which is what I tend to do. Apparently that just makes you warmer on the surface but actually colder inside. Not sure if there's truth to the rumor... Oh, and you know you've been in the shower too long when your pale skin is bright pink. :D :D :D

I am getting ready to head off to the 5-mile Making Strides walk for breast cancer in Philly in about an hour. I'm not sure what's up, but in the last year, 4 of my mom's good friends have been diagnosed, so we're doing it together, which means I'll be walking rather than doing a combo of running and walking (that was my plan originally -- cause I'm not up to 5 miles running yet!). But that's okay.

Question for everyone: I started carrying my hand weights with me when I'm only going a couple miles, and I feel like I've really slowed down since doing so. I'm only using my 3-pounders, and they don't FEEL heavy (or like they're making a difference at all, really). Am I just a wimp, or does that make sense? (I lift with heavier weights a few times a week, so these are light by comparison.)

Better go get something to eat. Happy running, all!
Jodi

[MaryH]

Well, I'm exactly three weeks out from the 1/2. Today was 8, yesterday was supposed to be three, but I blew off a 7 miler last Thursday so we did about 6.

My running partners are doing a 1/2 marathon next Sunday in San Luis Obispo, so I get to do my 12 miler by myself. After that it tapers off (I am so ready for a taper by this point).

Les, can't say that I've had the "cold" issue, but I wonder if it is akin to "bonking." I once did a long bike ride and did not eat enough before hand. For about the last 2 miles I was shivering, even though it was really warm outside. I was with two nurses and although I made it to the end, I was almost physcially sick at the end - I'm pretty sure it was dehydration/lack of enough salt.

[Natasha3]

Hi all!

Les, thanks for starting us off this week! Good to hear that you survived one tough week of training and that your right foot is behaving better. Like Jodi, I tend to get cold after lots of runs, whether long or not.

And Jodi, I hope your walk went well. That's so scary about your mother's friends. Good for you and them to walk together! It must have been a fun outing. :) About the hand weights, to me it does make sense that these could slow you down a bit. In the winter I started doing some of my shorter runs with a backpack (with about 5-7 pounds in it usually) and it did slow me down a bit. In fact, even a water bottle has been known to slow me down because I run a bit differently whenever I'm holding anything, no matter how light. :rolleyes:

I'm all happy about my 9 mile run that I had this afternoon. :p I know it's not that far, but it's more than I've done in a little while, and I did it in 75 minutes without feeling any exertion at all, which isn't too bad. I wish I had trained a bit more seriously in August so I could have fit in a half marathon this fall without pushing myself too much. Oh, well. :) Oh, and yesterday we went for a 2-hour hike 'n' scramble in the woods near the house, and that was a blast. :D

Mary, are you getting excited about your 1/2?

On another note, we had one of our Thanksgiving dinners today (the other one is tomorrow) and it was wonderful.

Have a good rest of weekend, all!
Natasha

[hkhagerty]

Hi ladies,

I'm new to this site and was mousing around since the Red Sox/Yankees game has been cancelled. Came across your virtual running buddies thread - I'm a runner who has gotten rather lackluster lately. I was supposed to do a 1/2 marathon this morning and NYC in a few weeks and I've cancelled both due to lack of training. Can you tell me more about your group?

-Heather

[Natasha3]

Hi Heather, and WELCOME!!

There aren't really any rules for the Virtual Running Buddies; we're pretty informal here. :D Anyone interested in running, whether half a mile or an ultramarathon (or anything in between), and who wants to share details about their own runs, read about others' running experiences, ask running & fitness questions, derive inspiration from others, etc., is more than welcome to join (or lurk). We're a friendly bunch - no worries!

Among the regular posters are some hardcore runners and some newer runners and personally, I love hearing from everyone. I have learned so much from these threads, and they do keep me encouraged and energized! Hope I did an all right job of describing the threads; if I forgot to mention something, feel free to jump in, anyone!

Sorry to hear that you've had to cancel the half marathons you'd been intending to do; I know the feeling! :rolleyes: I have done the distance many times before, including racing, but this summer took a little hiatus from serious running training so... no half marathon for me this month. :( Oh well. Do you live in New York State?

Natasha

[hkhagerty]

Thanks for the explanation. I'm in Boston, actually. I've run the Boston Marathon 6 times, but usually about 5 hours. Life gets into the way of training too easily as of late. I'd like to improve and drop a few beer-related pounds, but need to find the time. I work full-time, go to school part-time, am rather overly committed to a few charities and recently married. :( Sigh.....

-Heather

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey Heather - great to see you and hope you find some inspiration to get back into running. I'll echo Natasha's statements and hope that you hang around with us. 6 Bostons? I'm trying to qualify for my first in 5 weeks at the Richmond VA Marathon. It'll be tough (have to finish in 3:20 or better to qual) but I did just over 3:21 in February (ok - 3:21.09) and think I can shave the few seconds on this race.

Jodi - Hope the walk went well - and for a good cause. Carrying weights - even 3 pounds each will tend to slow you down. Even if the weights weren't at the ends of your arms causing a fairly unnatural motion (really does) think about what an extra 10 pounds does to your exertion level. Wouldn't sweat the slow down because once you go without the weights you'll feel like you're flying.

Natasha - Woo Hoo - 9 miles! Way to go. Hope the Thanksgiving Dinner(s) go well. A little different timing in Canada but vive la difference!

MaryH - Here's to your 1/2 marathon. Which one are you doing? Can't wait to hear how it goes - that way I'll be buoyed into my November race.

BTW - I mentioned to my coach when we were lifting today that I was cold most of the day yesterday. He mentioned that I looked more tired that I have after a run in quite some time. Based on that, I think there may be something to it being my body's reaction to lack of energy. All the blood was headed to the internal organs to keep them warm and thus abandoning my legs and arms. Tired?? Go figure - last week was only a 54+ mile week. :rolleyes:

Hope folks have a great plan for Columbus Day - being a federal employee it's a day off for me. But there's still plenty around the house to keep me busy for quite some time.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Hi everyone! I missed most of last week due to a mini-vacation. Nothing glamorous or extravagant, just a commitment to stay off the computer for 5 days. It feels absolutely wonderful!! We went backpacking for 2 days, canoeing for 1, a local Octoberfest, an anniversary dinner and the brilliant UW v Ohio State game. A fanstastic vacation, but didn't even have to sleep in a hotel :-)

The backpacking was a huge workout for us, so only had 1 long run on Sat. It was fantastic, though.

Natasha -- our main "sightings" were tons and tons of gold and red autumn trees. A few fisherman at the lake. And several historic Madison figures in the local cemetary. Oh, we also saw the UW men's x-country team run by in a pack with the coach riding by on a bike while critiquing them. Hadn't seen that before. it was totally interesting. (and happy Thanksgiving, btw)

Les -- I didn't realize you were shooting for your first BQ. Good luck!! A friend of mine just qualified at St. George (the course is known for that :-) Maybe I will one day, who knows.

Mary -- good luck with your solo long run. That will be a great test for feeling ready for your 1/2.

Heather -- welcome to the BB! Wow, 6 Bostons! We can all probably learn a lot from you. I definitely find that I need a break from running sometimes. Getting into another sport often helps increase my interest in running. With your schedule, that might not be an option, though.

[SusanMac]

OMG - did I kill this thread??!! I hope not. that's been happening a lot lately! Argh.

Anyway, just got back from a great run. Now that I'm focusing on heart rate and an easy/hard schedule more than before, it's so much more fun. I actually had a warm-up and cool-down today (vs. my traditional one pace the entire time run). A few tempo miles and 3 killer hills thrown into the middle. Felt great and got home before the rain came.

Jodi - btw, congrats on doing the walk for breast cancer!! I will wear my cancer logo socks in your honor tomorrow!

Les - no, I typically don't get cold after workouts. Not sure what's up with that. But, given the input from your friend, it sounds like you may be over-worked for this week. Your goal is near, though. Stick with it! (we know you well enough to know that you will!)

[Kristilyn1]

Today has been my third day off in a row, I appear to have done something to the inside of my left knee---this isn't it band is it? I thought that was outside. I sleep on my stomach with that leg bent in a really weird angle---anyway. I'm hoping the days off will take care of it. I can run through it no problem but I'm paranoid of already having an issue.

Sat and Sun I enjoyed the time off, today I feel like a big fat pig.......LOL. Wish me luck!

Kristi

[Laura]

Hey everyone, well I got in a "longer" run today. I went 5 miles on the treadmill as it was too dang windy to run outside. So Natasha, I can't add to your "what did you see on your run thread" but I plan to sometime this week.

Mary good luck on your solo 12 miler. I guarantee that your 1/2 will seem like a piece of cake after that.

Kristi, I hope your knee feels better soon. I spent yesterday working at the Broncos game for DS swim team, and I ate way to many fries, I really needed my run today.

Susan, I glad you had a nice vacation. It is good to get away isn't it. It sounds like you are really enjoying your runs right now -- that is awesome.

Scout, I am planning on being in San Diego Nov. 26-30 to visit my dad over Thanksgiving. Are there any 5 or 10ks that I should run?

Heather Welcome! Wow you have run Boston 5 times?? I just finished my first 1/2 marathon. I liked it and can see myself doing more, but I don't feel the need to run a full marathon anymore. I am seriously thinking about an Olympic Distance Triathlon though. First I would need a new bike though.

Les, enjoy your easy week. I am glad your foot survived your week of training. Take care!

[Leslie Ferguson]

I'll start with the "easy ones":
Kristi - Inner knee probably isn't the IT band. You are right that the IT runs on the outside of the knee. Not sure what the inner knee issue could be but there's a lot of connective tissue there - I'm sure the quad, plus all the cruciate ligaments, plus I think the calf may be connected there somehow too. Have you tried ice and NSAIDs? Rest really is the only "true way" to recover but if the issue isn't too serious ice and NSAIDs may be helpful.
Susan - Nope didn't kill the thread - we've just been quiet over the past week or so. Looks/sounds like a lull in the action between races. I think that the call on the physical exhaustion is right on the target. Last week was a killer and next week will be tough too. Luckily my schedule has easy (37-40 miles) weeks in between. It certainly feels like I'm peaking at the right time though. I like the sounds of your local vacation. I wish there was more things like that to do around here but being a coastal town there's not much going on unless I want to drive about 3 or 4 hours inland.
Laura - Good luck on the solo 12 miler. You'll do fine and you'll knock the 1/2 stiff - I have no doubt.

Answering last weeks thread (a little). The most scenic runs I've had recently were the two runs that bracketed Hurricane Isabel - one on Wednesday before the storm and the other on Saturday after the storm. Wed's run was done right at the beginning of the driving rain and wind. Kind of surreal starting with a little mist and by the time I finished the 9 miles at race pace there was this ultra-fine mist blowing at about 25 mph. It was almost like having blowing sand hit your face. It was also strange seeing the whole sky change in the span of the 70 minutes (or so). Just a little overcast to grey-black.
Saturday's run was just the opposite - bright sunny day. But the scenery was completely different. There were HUGE trees that were blown over like matchsticks. Top that off with a little standing water and all the other junk on the roads. But the neat thing was seeing the ducks that I had seen a couple weeks previous waddling in the grass on the side of the road. Kind of the extremes of ultimate damage and new life.

Today's 55 minutes tempo run was pretty good. I think my legs are bouncing back (helps to have the day off and the chance to sleep in :) ).

Here's to a great week for everyone. Peace,
Les

[SusanMac]

Question for the week -- what to do about black toenails??

DH got his first black toenail after our backpacking last week (I think it was all the downhills. They beat up your toes pretty badly). It's on his big toe. It's a little moon of black at the base. And the skin just below is kind of red and puffy. It hurts a bit, but not all the time and he can wear shoes ok. He's been icing it off and on. What else should he be doing, especially to prevent it falling off? Does he need to change his running or routines at all? For how long?

[MaryH]

Heather - welcome.

Laura & Les - yup 12 miles solo will probably have me wondering again why it is I'm doing this. :D (can we all say endorphin high? :cool:

Kristi - sorry I know nothing about IT

Susan - don't know the cure for it, just that it's a very common ailment. (And along the same lines, we were discussing the "being cold" after a race this morning and it also is pretty common. Someone said something about your core temperatire dropping because of the sustained exertion.)

We did 4 this morning. My friends plan to do 2 on Thursday, so I told them that if I run from my house to where we usually meet, that's 4.5 and I'll do 2 with them and get my 6.5 to 7 in. (and then it's 6 on Saturday and 12 on Sunday. Whew, my legs are tired just thinking about it.)

The 1/2 I'm doing is a local one here called a Trail of 2 Cities.

[scout1222]

Originally posted by Laura
Scout, I am planning on being in San Diego Nov. 26-30 to visit my dad over Thanksgiving. Are there any 5 or 10ks that I should run?


I just checked out www.raceplace.com for what's going on in San Diego. It looks like there are 2 choices for Thanksgiving day, but nothing else is posted for the rest of the weekend.

The first is a 5K that starts in Balboa Park and ends at our new downtown ballpark. (incidentally, if I know the landscape, that means it's a net DOWNhill!) That benefits St. Vincent de Paul and if you're interested the website is www.thanksgivingrun.org .

The second is also a 5K that starts at Seaport Village (which is a nice little spot)and offers a LONG SLEEVE t-shirt - nice!! The website for that one is www.purefitness.cc .

I've never done either race (the second is just the 2nd annual) but both are in fairly decent spots. I'm intrigued by the Seaport Village one, because not too many races around here offer long sleeved shirts to entrants. I've got 20 million short sleeve shirts, so that would be a cool change of pace! I'm surprised there's nothing posted for the Saturday or Sunday.

[Laura]

Thanks Scout, I think I will sign up for the one down by Seaport Village. Many, many years ago, when I worked in downtown SD I ran around Seaport Village and Balboa (or should I say up to Balboa). I like the thought of another long sleeve t-shirt as well, and then maybe the kids and I can wonder around the village. Thanks again for checking for me!

[Natasha3]

Mary, ENDORPHIN HIGH!!! Sorry, you said can we all say "endorphin high", so I'm saying it. ;) Just having a bit of silly fun. Endorphins ROCK! Good luck with the 12-miler.

Susan, I've had black toenails before - generally my big toenail on my right foot - but they haven't bothered me enough to change anything I was doing (except maybe to leave a bit more space in the toe when lacing up that shoe :)). I consider black toenails a badge of honour more than anything else :p, though I haven't had one for quite a while, come to think of it. Anyway, I hope your husband's toe gets better soon.

Kristi, are you feeling any better today?

Hi Laura, Les, and Scout (good to see you back after a bit, Scout)!

Thanks to those who have posted "what I have seen on a recent run". I've really enjoyed reading the anecdotes! Thanks for playing. :cool:

I've been busy here with Thanksgiving, a few lovely days off, and training (hiking, running, elliptical, weights, abs...). Back to work tomorrow. Oh well!

Natasha

[Jodi]

Hey gang!

Natasha, you hit the nail on the head, I think, about the weights: AWKWARD is exactly how I'd describe the way I feel when running with them.

And as soon as I read your post, Les, I had to go out without them to see if you were right. Not that I didn't believe you... ;) I felt like a sprinter! I think I'll shift between using them and not just for the ego-boost of feeling like I'm faster than I really am! :D

Scout, I LOVE long-sleeved T-shirts, so any event that offers them is fine in my book. I need to get my act together and find a few more races before winter comes and I start hibernating on my treadmill.

Happy running, all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by SusanMac
Question for the week -- what to do about black toenails??

DH got his first black toenail after our backpacking last week (I think it was all the downhills. They beat up your toes pretty badly). It's on his big toe. It's a little moon of black at the base. And the skin just below is kind of red and puffy. It hurts a bit, but not all the time and he can wear shoes ok. He's been icing it off and on. What else should he be doing, especially to prevent it falling off? Does he need to change his running or routines at all? For how long?

Once they show up there's not much to do but let them run their course (no pun intended). I've heard that there are lots of times when the nail doesn't fall off but my experience is there's nothing to keep the toenail from being lost. The couple times that I had a black toenail I was able to keep the nail until most of the second one grew in underneath it. As for what to do, cushion the black nail until it feels better and take it easy. Another thing that may help prevent the condition in the first place is placing a little piece of moleskin on the underside of the tongue of the shoe - it seems to keep the foot from sliding forward in the shoe. Otherwise, just put as much padding as necessay on the toe and listen to the toe and foot for cues.

Mary H - (echoing Natasha) ENDORPHINE RUSH!! one of my favorite things. :D The race sounds fun too.

Laura - Need a pacer in SD? I'd be happy to give it a whirl. OOPS - can't do that, will be recovering from my marathon. Alas and alack. Have fun with whichever race you choose.

Great easy run today - just what the doctor ordered. Now, just make it to mid-November without killing myself. :D

Fading into the darkness and to bed now.
Peace,
Les

[SusanMac]

Les -- I'm visualizing DH listening to his toe (grab foot....bring up to ear...try not to tip over) :D !!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by SusanMac
Les -- I'm visualizing DH listening to his toe (grab foot....bring up to ear...try not to tip over) :D !!

ZING!! Touche. I can't believe that the literalist (me) made a faux pas like that. Oh well - that is a great mental picture none the less. :D

Les

[scout1222]

I'm picturing the same thing now - holding the foot like a telephone. HELLO? HELLO?

Now that I've moved in to the new place, I've got a slightly different running route. Today was the first day of it, since I slept in on Monday and Tuesday (I rationalized it by thinking of how much I sweat out both carrying boxes and ASSEMBLING ALL THAT FRICKIN' IKEA FURNITURE!!!). Since I moved 3 miles away from where I lived before, basically the route is almost EXACTLY the same, but in reverse! :p

Only 7 miles on this Saturday's schedule. We had our benchmark 20K last week (which I started out too fast on, and thus bonked a bit at the end). I'm going to try and not flake on runs both tomorrow and Friday mornings - it's tough because I am literally sleeping on the floor right now (bed will be delivered Saturday) and I'm not sleeping well. So the last thing I want to do is get up and run.

[Kerri]

Hello everyone!

I posted here a few weeks ago and thought I would report back on how the Chicago Marathon was. First let me say, the weather was beautiful. It was about 45 at the start and maybe 70 at the finish. It was great for me, but I'm from Dallas. I think many of the natives had some problems with the "heat". I thought it was very well organized and everyone was so friendly. After the race, I was waiting for my ride and even police officers and firefighters passing by told me congratulations. The course was pretty nice and relatively flat, bridges (small) and mile 25.9 not included! The crowd was very supportive, but the last few miles, they seemed pretty thin. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention at that point. It was very crowded and I felt like I was dodging people the whole time. Personally, I did not do as well as I hoped. All I had was water and a little diluted gatorade. After mile 20, I was really out of gas. A few orange slices after mile 24 helped me finish the race with a chip time of 4:47, minus about 10 minutes for bathroom breaks. It is a very nice race if anyone is thinking about doing it.

I am thinking about some half marathons nearby. Haven't decided if I will do another full. I don't feel like I have conquered the marathon yet, but am thinking I might just not be built for the full 26.2 miles.

Happy running!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Kerri
Hello everyone!

I posted here a few weeks ago and thought I would report back on how the Chicago Marathon was....The crowd was very supportive, but the last few miles, they seemed pretty thin. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention at that point... Personally, I did not do as well as I hoped. All I had was water and a little diluted gatorade. After mile 20, I was really out of gas. A few orange slices after mile 24 helped me finish the race with a chip time of 4:47, minus about 10 minutes for bathroom breaks. It is a very nice race if anyone is thinking about doing it.

Thanks for the info on Chicago - never really thought of doing a race there but I bet it was grand. Personally, I like smaller races (less than ~5000) but I've done a couple bigger ones. I'd bet that you probably didn't notice the people towards the end of the race - I know that I typically don't notice them there, my mind's a blur by that time. Sorry to hear that you ran out of gas too - but being your first marathon I bet you picked up a few pointers for your next.


I am thinking about some half marathons nearby. Haven't decided if I will do another full. I don't feel like I have conquered the marathon yet, but am thinking I might just not be built for the full 26.2 miles.

Happy running!

Au contraire! You've conquered the marathon. You finished it right? You went under the start banner and under the finish banner without being driven or carried right? Potty breaks don't take away from beating the marathon. I've run four and (1) haven't run every step in any of them and (2) stopped for a break in the first (before I figured out how to make it through the race without stopping). Running/walking 26.2+ miles is an accomplishment that not everyone can do. Pat yourself on the back!

Happy trails,
Les

[Kristilyn1]

Congratulations Kerri on your marathon! I know what you mean about
"conquering the marathon" I was very satisfied with my marathon in 2000-though considering the shape I was in---it's a miracle I finished. I am just now after doing just 1/2 marathons in the intervening years to give the marathon another chance (May '04). Should be interesting.

Black toenails---I always lose the nail after a black toe, but most of the time you can't really notice as the new one just grows and pushes the old one out---reeeeaaaaaalllll ssssslllllooooowwwww. I've found that keeping my toenails trimmed and not ragged at all, helps.


My mystery knee ailment. Believe it or not I think it's my weird sleeping position that is doing it. I did seven this morning and didn't feel it at all. I won't even describe what my other leg is doing to that knee at night--it's too weird to relate. It bothered me slightly yesterday during the day and I used my hot rice sock last night for about an hour and the pain went away. I really listened to my body this morning while running and if anything the running makes it feel better so I've decided to ignore it.


I'm so jealous of all this outside time everyone is enjoying. I'm stuck on the treadmill most days---I won't be able to get outside until my long run on Sunday. Hopefully it will be nice.

Kristi

[SusanMac]

Kerri - thanks so much for checking in with the Chicago report. Congratulations!! I think this was your 2nd thon, right? I definitely know the feeling of not quite hitting the time you want, but it sounds like you did awesome just the same. As long as you feel you did the absolute best you could on that particular day is what counts. So, no food except for the oranges at the end, eh? Hopefully taking in food successfully is something you (& your stomach) can continue to work toward, even if you focus on 1/2's.

I haven't checked onto the Chicago Marathon website to see the results. Assuming no record breakers this year, right? Rod DeHaven (fellow Madison resident :-) was the rabbit pacesetter for men this year. Most of the big name runners I know are holding back to stay healthy & primed for the Olympic trials next Spring.

Thanks for all the info on black toenails. I've told DH to expect to lose it. But the good news is that it sounds like that shouldn't happen until the new one has started to grow in. About how long should this take?? I'm thinking 3-4 mos.

[Natasha]

Yay, Kerri!!! I've heard that Chicago is a blast. Like Les, I think you have conquered the marathon, since you finished it in one piece! :)

Kristi, I'm not surprised to hear that the sleeping position may be the cause of the mystery knee ailment. I have gotten aches and pains from sleeping in odd positions myself - a constant source of discussion with my chiropractor. ;) Anyway, that's good that you're not feeling pain when you're running. Which marathon are you doing in May? You may have mentioned it, and if so, I'm sorry for not remembering.

Speaking of chiros, Les, did you end up going to the chiro the other week, when you mentioned upper back issues and that you were thinking of seeing the chiro? I have been going to the chiro once a week these past few weeks for upper back stuff myself, while I normally only go about once a month.

Scout, I don't envy you the move, but it sounds like the worst of it is over. Good luck with settling into your new place. And YES - I would say assembling IKEA furniture is definitely a workout for both body and mind. :p

I had a pleasant 5.5 mile run yesterday evening and today think I'll do weights and abs and go for a nice walk or do some easy elliptical work. Tomorrow I'd like to run again. :)

Where's our friend Michelle this week?

Have a great day, all!
Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kristi - Not surprised either about the knee issue being caused by how you sleep. I know that my shoulder really bothers me if I sleep in the wrong position (on my stomach with my arm over my head). Glad the issue is something that is easily (hopefully) correctable.
Susan - 3-4 months wouldn't be unheard of for the nail to fall out. It's been such a long time since I've had black toe that I don't actually remember how long it takes to fall out but 3-4 months is about what I remember.
scout - Isn't it funny how a course will seem different just by running in the opposite direction? Glad that you didn't move too far either and sleeping on the floor is terrible. Hope the bed shows on Saturday and that your 20k trial is good and not too fast.
Natasha - I got to the chiro last Friday and was I in heaven. He could tell that it had been 4 weeks since I'd been in. These days - as the miles pile up - I've really got to focus on every 2 weeks to keep my upper back and shoulder happy. :rolleyes: Congrats on the 5.5 today too.

Today's run - 4 for 4 since Monday and I'm ready for the break tomorrow. ~30 miles so far this week and 12 (only) for Saturday. Nice to take a break from the 54 miles last week and ~56 miles next week.

Happy trails,
Les

[Laura]

Actually I think a record was set.... Let me go check. Yep, the top male finisher's time was 2:05:50. It was the top time for a, get this, FOR A FIRST TIME MARATHONER!! I wish I could finish my 1/2 in that time :rolleyes: Ah well.

Speaking of black toenails, my pinky toe has a black line across it that is slowly growing out, but I don't know that I have put in enough miles to lose a toenail completely.

Kristi, I am sorry you are stuck on the treadmill. I chose to run inside on Monday b/c of the wind, but we are having a lovely Indian Summer here in Colorado that is calling me outside. I will go 4 later this afternoon, 2 tomorrow and then 7-8 on Sunday.

Natasha, how did DH survive w/ the "no meat" Thanksgiving. I love all the sides that go w/Thanksgiving, but I still want my turkey. I am glad you enjoyed your run.

Kerri, congratulations on your finish. I used to want to do a marathon, but after having done a 1/2 I just don't know. I am not sure I want to be out there for 4 plus hours.

Scout do you still live close to USD? I hope you are able to get some decent sleep until the bed arrives.

Les, do you need us to remind you each Friday to make your appt for the chiro? ;) Enjoy your "easy" week this week. It sounds like you are right on track.

[MaryH]

Speaking of records (and I'm not sure this qualifies as such) but something like 50 people from this area competed in the St. George, Utah marathon two weeks ago. I don't know what the winning times were but I do know that one of the top female runners (who runs a lot of the local races) finished it in 2:58!!!!!

[Kristilyn1]

Originally posted by Kristilyn1
I was very satisfied with my marathon in 2000-though considering the shape I was in---it's a miracle I finished. I am just now after doing just 1/2 marathons in the intervening years to give the marathon another chance (May '04). Should be interesting.
Kristi


duh, I meant DISSATISFIED with my marathon.


Kristi

[Kristilyn1]

Originally posted by Leslie Ferguson
Kristi - Not surprised either about the knee issue being caused by how you sleep. I know that my shoulder really bothers me if I sleep in the wrong position (on my stomach with my arm over my head). Glad the issue is something that is easily (hopefully) correctable.
[

Can I just say I sleep like a freak? I also sleep on my stomach with one arm up over my head. I'm the human pretzel.

Natasha---I'm doing the Burlington, VT marathon. I think it's just called the Burlington Marathon. I haven't signed up yet or anything---but the bad news is the timing means I probably will not be able to do Covered Bridges 1/2 Marathon though I will still sign up in case something changes.

I'm trying to convince my family to come up and camp the weekend in Burlington to see me and dh race---I've never had anyone cheering me on personally---my physically lethargic family isn't the most supportive. How about everyone else? Do you come from physically active families or are you alone in the zone, so to speak?

Kristi

[scout1222]

Yes, I still do live near USD, though not as close as I was before.

I failed to get up for the run this morning. :( And work stress is getting me down, which means mentally I'm not in the mood. Unfortunately that means what I really NEED is to run.

I'm pretty much giving up on this week, and hoping that I can use my weekend runs (which are NOT negotiable) to leverage a good start for next week. Essentially, when I run on Monday AM, that sets the stage for the rest of the week. When I bail on Monday AM, I'm a mess the rest of the week.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Kristilyn1


Can I just say I sleep like a freak? I also sleep on my stomach with one arm up over my head. I'm the human pretzel.

Really a comfortable way to sleep on the stomach with an arm over your head. Alas, the years are starting to take their toll on my body.


I'm trying to convince my family to come up and camp the weekend in Burlington to see me and dh race---I've never had anyone cheering me on personally---my physically lethargic family isn't the most supportive. How about everyone else? Do you come from physically active families or are you alone in the zone, so to speak?

Kristi

My family is physically active - dad still runs at 64; mom swims at 65 - and has most of her life; brother refs high school and college football plays b-ball and softball; sister is a swimmer too. I even think my brother has run at least one 1/2 marathon. I've had people cheering me on for 2 of 4 marathons - LW and sister for my first and third (Richmond and Marine Corps). I'll have LW at least cheering me on for this one too. I hope you can convince your family to come and cheer you on.

Scout - Sorry to hear about the funk for running this week. Hopefully the good ones this weekend will jump start your week.

Rest (earned) tomorrow.

Happy trails all,
Les