HLSG/WWSG - 10/12 -10/18

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey gang! Happy to be here on a glorious Sunday afternoon. Norfolk is really shaping up for fall. I think these are the days that I came to Norfolk for.

Continuing a couple thoughts from last week(s):
(1) We aren’t numbers and shouldn’t try to make ourselves something that we aren’t just to be what someone else envisions us to be. (2) Still lots of folks out there who are dealing with pain and family pain (Michelle and Jackie specifically) - prayers and thoughts are still being lifted for you all. (3) A couple of our friends are getting ready for their first races (5k if I remember correctly). Best wishes to all of you who are nearing your race day in the next couple weeks.

Leah - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Jackie - I hope that DS is getting a little more in tune with his classmates. The beginning of the school year is always hard but I feel he’ll come through with flying colors.

Michelle - I hope that DH medical appointments happen as scheduled this week and that his pain either lessens on it’s own or that a decision is made about surgery. :(

JeAnne - Wedding is coming soon isn’t it? Best wishes on the big day!

My weekly workout routine/plan is pretty tame (for me) but I’ve earned it and need an easy week - the marathon is just 5 full weeks away. I think that all the workouts should come off without a hitch - nothing should stand in the way of getting them accomplished. Here goes the schedule for the week:

Sun XT/w weights
Mon 45-55 minutes Tempo
Tue 5 miles Easy
Wed 5 miles Race Pace
Thu 6 miles Easy
Fri REST
Sat 12 miles long

Healthful living - (1) Weight maintenance - doing a good job considering the mileage I’ve been putting in. Again, it looks like no losses this week! (2) Shoulder maintenance - the adjustment seems to have made a lot of difference. (3) Do a little more preparatory cooking for the week so we have stuff to eat around the house. LW likes to have my stuff around to eat - rather than the red and green boxes.

Here’s to all the newbies from the past couple weeks. Thanks for sticking with us and enjoy the company.

Peace and happy trails,
Les

[nealy]

Hi!
I'm mostly a lurker around here, but I thought I'd just jump right in.
I'm hoping to lose about 40 pounds over the next year. In the past week I've done some good things with my diet and had about three pounds of weight loss as a result. I need to get my exercise program going, but have some stumbling blocks where that's concerned. Primarily, I have a pretty severe capsular strain in my left ankle. I've had a couple of months of physical therapy on it, but despite my best efforts it seems as nonfunctional (and painful!) as ever. I'm seeing the orthopedist again tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!
My long-term goals: to lose 40 pounds over a year and to do the Danskin Triathon in Seattle next August.
My goals for this week: My husband and I are going on Wednesday to join a health club with good aquatic programs. Then we can go together and take turns playing with our 10-month-old in the family pool while the other person swims laps. Until Wednesday I'll try to walk a little daily with the baby in his stroller. I also plan to stretch and do my ankle exercises. Even if they haven't done much that I can detect yet, they certainly aren't hurting me!
As far as diet is concerned, I'm going to try to drink as much water as I seem to need. I've been bad about substituting other, less hydrating, fluids lately.

[Michelle Achuff]

I hit all of my workout goals last week...super yay!!! I'm so excited. Still going with the plan not to push myself too hard, but I figure I better get in here and put my goals down before I get caught up in the whirlwind week. This is what my plan is so far:

Sun- Rest
Mon- Rest (will be at hospital with husband, for the nerve block!)
Tues- Pilates
Wed- Lower body strength training
Thurs-15 minutes cardio
Fri- Upper body strength training
Sat- Pilates

Ok, that's one extra workout this week, we'll see how it goes. Determined to ease back into this stuff and not be so hard on myself. Will also see what the doctor has to say and how the week shapes up after that.

Healthy Living goal: keep drinking enough *water*, sometimes I forget lately and I know that's one thing that's dragging me down. Also will take a whole ten minutes just to do some deep breathing each day...I know I need this right now.

Les~ Way to go on the weight maintenance :) Keep up the good work there. Enjoy your 'scaled' back week (ha! still I look at those scaled back mileages and think I would DIE lol).

Leah~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I didn't forget :D Hope you're having a *wonderful* day.

Jackie~ My thoughts are still with your family, and your sister and BIL's Uncle, hope things smooth out (as best they can) soon.

mst~ C'mon and jump right in, I'm glad you joined us last week. Would you believe that I checked out the coolrunning.com site and got sort of....inspired :eek: I still maintain that running might kill me, but that Couch to 5K program, it actually looked doable. Or...maybe I've just lost my mind completely...lol. Anyhow, good luck following that, it looks like a real good one!

nealy~ Good luck with the orthopedist and awesome on joining the health club with your husband :D We'll all be pulling here for you, and now that you've de-lurked, well, there's just no going back (this place is addictive, trust me!).

Hope everyone's having a wonderful Sunday. I'm finishing up some loaves from the Bread Baker's Apprentice...it's soooo lovely!!!! I'll be guarding them, no one can eat them, they are too pretty and perfect! lol (We'll see how long that lasts!)

Smiles~

Michelle

[Leslie Ferguson]

WELCOME Nealy!! Glad to have another member of our merry little band (growing ever larger by the week). I'm not familiar with capsular strains but I'm very familiar with ankle sprains. Although your strengthening exercises may not seem to be doing a whole lot I'll tell you that it really doesn't take a lot to strengthen your ankle and to make it work like it is supposed to or at least better than it does. Your health club sounds like a great place to workout. And it's great to see that you and your husband will be working out together with your 10-month old son. A real family affair. BTW - Swimming is one of the best whole body and non-load bearing exercises going. It's especially go to protect most strains. But you need to be careful with kicking but your orthopedist will tell you more about that (I hope). Admirable goal to lose weight and further to participate in the Danskin Triathalon. Grace to you as you go to the doctor tomorrow too. Thanks for de-lurking and now that you've shown yourself we'll be looking forward to hearing how you are doing.

Michelle - Best to you and DH as he gets his spinal tomorrow. I hope that the 1+ trip is really worth it this time. Thanks for the complement on the mileage too - it's hard to believe that I really think mileage like that is an easy week. Must be crazy (me). :rolleyes:

Sorry for confusing anyone but Leah's birthday is actually tomorrow but I thought I'd get it in before I forgot about it.

Update on healthy living - found out from LW that I tend to have a lot of trouble sleeping (could be why I'm so tired) and my shoulder. May have to start taking NSAID before going to bed and if it doesn't get any better may have to see the doctor or the PT for some other type of remedy for the shoulder pain (even though I don't really think I'm in pain in the night but LW wouldn't lie). Deep breathing sounds like just the thing for you - or at least 10 minutes of just being. One of the things that I used to do to help (1) reduce stress and (2) gather my thoughts (when I was on the ship a couple years ago) was to sit in a mostly darkened room (lights seemed to leak through the joints in the metal walls) for about 10 minutes. Something calming and peaceful about sitting in the dark - even with your eyes open.

Anyone have plans for the holiday? I actually have the day off - but the honey do list is getting long enough that I need to get some checked off. ;)

Happy trails and peaceful sleep to all,
Les

[tmsl]

Good Morning all,

I had a good 4 mile run Friday night and hope to repeat that tonight. My race is this coming Saturday, so I don't plan to do too much this week. It is a busy time at work as well so the plan should be right for the week. Anyway, it will just be easy runs a couple more days this week and then rest before the race.

Welcome to all the new members of this thread! This thread has been great the last few weeks as I have been training for my first 5k. It is helpful to talk to those that have done this before and it helps motivate. I hope this thread is motivating for you to accomplish your goals.

Off to the dentist this morning, hope everyone stays healthy and has a good week.

Laura K.

[ellery]

Good morning good morning! It's the birthday girl! :D (Just in case my mentioning it 22 times hadn't been enough)

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! It's actually a very good birthday so far. Had a good weekend, did a lot of baking and played with my new (to me) KitchenAid stand mixer. Didn't work out because I was still sore from my workouts of the week, and besides, just didn't feel like it. Felt like baking and trying to come up with new ways to convince the bf that we needed to open the big box in the den that's one of his birthday presents to me. I told him that if it was that pony I'd asked him for, then by all means we needed to open the box and let him out - he needed some exercise and fresh air. The bf was not fooled, declaring that the pony had plenty of food and water in his box and would certainly be okay until Monday night when we finally opened up his box. Dang!

There were treats for me here at work this morning (isn't that nice? I've only worked here a week!), and supposedly there will be treats for me at the gym tonight after I'm done teaching class (very nice also!), and then the bf will have cooked dinner for me when I get home, so life is good! I don't even need presents (although I still would like to let that poor pony out of his box :( ). Plus, the bf helped clean the house yesterday so I don't even know how much happier I could be. (Refer to last week's rantings and questions about how to divide up chores with someone who'd prefer that you do them).

The workout schedule is the same as ever, although I think I'll try to run both Tues and Thurs, depending on how the feet feel. Usually I do kickboxing Tues, but I'm finding that the likelihood of me working out after work is increased if I go to the gym on the way home from work. Kickboxing isn't until 7:30, so if I go home in between work and then, the couch usually wins. Only 2 weeks until my 5K, but I'm not going to stress about it. At this point it doesn't seem likely that I'll be able to run the whole thing, but who knows, maybe adrenaline and my competitive drive will help me out on the actual day.

Hope everyone is having a glorious day. Enjoy the day off if you get one!

oh, and p.s. only 18 more days until Halloween!

[Minky]

Hi everyone! Fall is definitely here - I actually saw a little frost on the neighbor's roof this morning:eek: I plan to do some baking and make soup today, along with my other "to-do" stuff.

Here's my workout plan for the week:

MON - Pilates
TUES - weights/light cardio
WED - kickboxing
THURS - Pilates
FRI - kickboxing/circuit
SAT - step class

Healthy Living Goal: not get the crud that's already making its rounds at my kids' schools:o Getting plenty of sleep will help that, too, so it's like getting two birds with one stone!

Leah - Happy Birthday! Please let us know what you decide to name the pony:D

Nealy - Welcome! And congratulations on joining the gym:)

Michelle - Hope everything goes well at the hospital today. I like your "deep breathing" goal - may have to *steal* that one!

Have a great week, everyone!

[615bride]

Michelle - good luck with DH

Leah - Happy Birthday!

Ran ten on Friday before leaving for Raleigh and had pain from mile nine on. The strap should get here tomorrow in time for next weekend's long run.

Sunday - rest
Monday - run 3.3 miles
Tuesday - walk/elliptical
Wednesday - walk/elliptical
Thursday - run 3.3 miles
Friday - rest
Saturday - run 15 miles (if the leg will let me)

This will be my longest distance so I'm really gearing up for it!
Ate a lot of "junk" since I was out of town this weekend. Trying to get back on track...

[greysangel]

Welcome nealy :D Happy birthday Leah and sending you good vibes Michelle.

This week is more circuit work. I'm enjoying doing more cardio and doing a long burn on the weights as opposed to explosive style training. This morning I got in a great lower body circuit and got to really enjoy it having the day off. I have done some research (one of my healthy living goals) and have decided to enroll in Capoiera when I get back from vacation. It's a brazilian style martial arts that incorporates some dance as well so I'm totally psyched about it. I think it will be the mind/body/spirit connection I'm looking for!

The weekend was spent cleaning the apt from corner to corner. The taping starts this Friday with the wedding on Sunday. Everything is in place so I'm starting to be more excited and less anxious. Having now seen the show a couple times, I feel it was the right decision to make to do it. I feel I can say something and reach others who feel they will never get there. WOO HOO for empowerment!

M Lower body circuit
T spin/abs climbs
W upperbody blast/cardio
Thur spin/abs sprints
Friday a total body circuit
Sat - light cardio/tv gym taping :eek:
Sun - OFF!!!

Have a great week everyone!

[ellery]

I couldn't resist checking in on the thread. I'm not making any more bets, however, on how long this week's thread will be.

Sounds like everyone else is in good spirits. Must be Halloween lurking nearby. Sadly, no one has yet volunteered to join me in the pumpkin patch to wait for the Great Pumpkin. Now I know how Charlie Brown felt.

Jeanne, just wanted to say that I just checked out your web site. Wow! And hubba hubba...

[jazzyjas]

i figure I better jump in before there are too many posts and I feel overwhelmed.

I have been having a tough week or so due to high stress levels. I can feel how it is affecting me physically and I am not sure how to let it go. I made a bad decision and am now suffering the very real consequences, in addition to that my moral at work is very low. The administration is feeling the stress of Bush's education policies and is passing that right along to the detriment of employee moral. I was told that my yearly goals weren't high enough and she would only accept goals at x% rate which in reality are unrealistic and unobtainable. I am being set up for failure. I under stand setting the bar high but what is the point if it doesn't look at the realities of the situation. In addition I seem to be having car troubles to go along with my computer troubles and .... OK I am done complaining.

Leah - Happy birthday!! It soulnds like it is turning out well. I am a big beiliever of self promotion of birthdays -- that way you are less likely to be disappointed because no one remmebered.

Minky -- watch out for those infectious children, and make sure everyone is constantly washing their hands.

Laura K. good luck at the dentist. ANd I am excited to hear how your race goes.

Les -- I am jelous you have the day off -- I can say that the commute to work was very easy today since the federal government was closed.

nealy -- good work on joining the gym and working out a schedule to swim (it can be difficult with a baby) Welcome to our little group

Michelle -- I am hoping that all is going well at the Dr and your husband is doing well.

Until later

Jas

[Laura]

Leah Happy Birthday, however I must remind you that it was Linus who waited in vain for the Great Pumpkin to arrive, poor Charlie Brown only got rocks (or was it coal and I am mixing my stories). Anyway, your posts are making me chuckle, and I hope the pony survives! :D

615Bride, I hope your leg withstands your long run this weekend. Have you noticed any benefit from the band?

I was supposed to run this weekend, but swim meets, soccer games and fundraisers got in the way. I am off to the gym to run on the treadmill for about 5 miles in an hour or so. The winds are blowing something fierce outside and I don't feel like battling them.

Minky, good luck on staying healthy. I am just now starting to feel like I am getting over my cold. It lasted much longer than ususal. Your workout looks great -- I am thinking of joining a gym that has a few more classes than my office gym so I can get a little more variety.

JeAnne, enjoy yourself this week. I saw your wedding dress, you look so pretty. I can't wait to see the show.. I will have cable by then, I will have cable by then....:) When do you and your DH go on your trip. Isn't it this month? If so it will be like a true second honeymoon. Have fun this week!

Nealy welcome! Those sound like awesome goals and all very attainable. I have never done a Danskin Triathlon, but I here they are a lot of fun.

Laura K. It sounds like you are in great shape for your race. I have to make dentist app'ts. for my kids and myself :eek: we missed our last ones and we are going on 8 months. Bad mommy here. :(

Jas- I am sorry you are under so much stress. I hope things get better this week.

Michelle, I hope the appt works for DH today. Any further word on if and when surgery will be done? Congratulations on hitting all of your workout goals. I saw your post on the cinnamon bun scones! Wow, I am going to have to make those when I have more people to share them with.

Les, I am glad you made it through last week's runs. I seriously can't imagine trying to get in that much running in a week. This week looks like a piece of cake in comparison! Have fun cooking for LW!

[JackieO]

Not much healthful living on this kid's agenda this week, I'm afraid! It's off to a pretty bad start, but my new life is intervening into my old exercise habits....:mad:

Spent three hours on the road yesterday afternoon to get set up for a public open house for two hours last night. By the time everyone left, it was too late to think about dinner, so I had a bag of Gardetto's Snack-Ens from the vending machine, a cookie and a single serving of Merlot. Yum, huh?

Today wasn't much better. Continental breakfast in the hotel (read: refined carbs), juice, and full-fat yogurt before the hearings began. Lunch was a sourdought turkey BLT, which was yummy, but loaded with fat. Dinner will probably be at 8 tonight, hopefully with my colleagues and in a bar somewhere.

Needless to say, no opportunity for exercise. Tomorrow I make the three-hour trip back home, and I pick up my new Saturn Vue after work. Wednesday I return to the dentist for some sort of exotic cleaning (but I have recommitted to better dental hygiene, so that may very well be one healthful living goal I can KEEP this week!)

I should be able to get back to the gym Thursday after work. Friday I'm on the road again, but just a day trip this time. The weekend will be here before I know it.

Good luck to all the rest of you -- we have a very ambitious lot assembled on this thread. I'm really feeling like a slouch....but with a schedule like this, the best thing is probably to make wise(r) eating choices and do a better job of planning next week.

Need to go check in with my "real" group as opposed to my virtual one.....:D

[Minky]

Originally posted by JackieO
Tomorrow I make the three-hour trip back home, and I pick up my new Saturn Vue after work.

Congrats on the new car, Jackie :) I was next to a Vue driving the other day, and noticed how nice they look. Will it get decent gas mileage?

Pilates workout was great today - like I said last week, I think I'm hooked! I feel so tall and strong when I'm finished:cool:

Jasmine - Take care of yourself during this stressful time. I hope things calm down soon for you.

Laura - Glad to hear you're feeling better. Funny how those kids' activities chew up a weekend, isn't it?

[karen w]

Today the kids were all off from school, and it was a glorious fall day here! I got my daily swim in this morning before DH left for work. I'm sure I'm just imagining it, but after 2 days riding on the new bike, my legs felt stronger in the pool??(probably not that fast, but hey. . . humour me:D ).

The rest of the day was spent with the kids. DD had a swimming lesson in the morning. After lunch we DS#1, DS#2, DD, and I all went apple picking and for a hay ride. A perfect fall day. I've got a big box of Mutsu's and Empire apples in the garage and I promised the kids some sort of apple goody this weekend. Hmmm. . . .decisions, decisions. . .??

LEAH: HAPPY B-DAY!!!! WOW! Sounds like your getting the royal treatment for your b-day! I'm jealous!!

JEANNE:Have a wonderful wedding day!

NEALY:WELCOME!

JAS: Hang in there!

And to everyone: HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!

Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Laura - Linus in the pumpkin patch and Charlie Brown got rocks. I had and eventful day today - not everything that I wanted to do but many things I needed to do. Spent $$ getting my 10-year old car fixed, blowing oil all over the engine compartment (hopefully all better after $475). I did a little baking (SHOCK!) made some cracked wheat bread. Smelled yummy coming out of the oven - the test will be when it's toasted... YUMMM. Made a big pot of soup this evening, mixed fresh veggies and chicken (tomato base) with black beans. Right now it's calling my name from the bottom of the fridge - boy will it be great tomorrow evening when we reheat it for dinner. :D Just think, homemade bread and healthy soup for dinner. Just the fall kind of meal.
Jasmine - Sorry about the stress. It is really tough to deal with unattainable goals - especially when they aren't yours to begin with. Prayers for peace in these trying times.
JeAnne - Glad my mind hadn't slipped already. Sounds like you're really primed for the wedding. Enjoy yourself (I know you will).
Leah - Hope the pony didn't make too much of a mess. ;) It sounds like you had a fantastic birthday. And who knows, the thing in the box may actually be something smaller than a pony...
Jackie -I feel your frustration. All that travel, being out of sorts with your life, and all the stress of the presentations and hearings. YUK! Things will be better I'm sure. But CONGRATS on the new car. Happy (early) Anniversary! I'll try not to tell LW about your new car or she'll want one for her next Anniversary. :D ;)
bride - Hope the cho-pat band helps. I know how much it must hurt to have the IT band issues. Take it easy and try not to stress the knee too much.

Workout update - good news on two fronts. My legs recovered already (more or less) from Saturday and I didn't do anything to my shoulder yesterday. Plus the bonus of better sleep - after having taken three ES Tylenol and an antihistamine (sinuses are flowing like a river right now).

Michelle - Let us know how DH's appointment went. Prayers being lifted.

Peace and happy trails all,
Les

[Michelle Achuff]

Hey everyone :) Thought I'd check in and I see the thread has been busy as usual! Working on some bread in a little bit, so I'm sure I'll be knee deep in the dough most of the morning. One good thing about baking so much lately is that the steam is doing wonders for my skin...lol. Who says you need a spa?

The appointment went well. Thankfully they partially sedated him for the nerve block and that seemed to take the edge off. The procedure itself only took 10 minutes, it's the fastest we've *ever* been in and out of the hospital. Truly amazing. He's got one more scheduled. After talking with the doctors I'm still not sure what we will do. Both of us are going back and forth on the surgery thing. They tell us that these cortizone/steroid injections take some time to build up in the system and after the 2nd or third one it can actually *repair* some damage. I am told that it can significantly reduce the size of the bone spurs, and that if the tissue is not inflamed, having bone spurs is actually not such a big deal (sounds big to me, but hey, I didn't go to medical school :rolleyes: ). So, I think we are just going to wait until after the next one (the 27th) and see what happens. They told me of people who have similar problems and go in for injections about once every other year and do great on them. With all of the risks involved with surgery...I just don't know. Ugh...the saga continues. Good news is, he's taking fewer pain pills, just one less a day (3 as opposed to 4), but this tells me that the pain is lessening somewhat. He is ok now, as long as he doesn't do *too* much of any activity. Will definitely keep everyone posted.

Laura K~ How did the dental appointment go?? Awesome on the four mile run...hope you have a great (although it sounds busy!) week!

Leah~ Between Halloween and the pony in the box, I was laughing my butt off reading your posts. Toooo funny! I'll wait in the pumpkin patch as long as we have some hot apple cider....lol. And now I'm dying to know...*what was in the box?????* Too neat that you got some surprises at work, that was really nice especially since you are so new! How is work going, btw?

bride~ Good luck this weak gearing up for that big run :) I know you can do it!!!!!

JeAnne~ Thanks for the good vibes :D Sounds like things are shaping up really well for the taping/wedding. I am SO glad to hear that your stress level is going down, maybe now it can just be *fun*! I'll be thinking of you over the weekend. That dance class sounds totally awesome! I have always wanted to do dance (any kind, I guess I always really wanted to do ballet...so graceful, so strong...so not me right now...lol), have even considered learning swing dancing. I am just SO self conscious about any kind of dancing. Maybe someday I'll get up the nerve and stop caring what anyone else might think and just do it...oh, to be that free!

Jas~ I am so sorry to hear about your stress/troubles. It is difficult when you have no control over things (i.e. someone else's expectations that you are accountable for). Just keep hanging in there! Sending you magic fairy car wishes...I *hate* it when the cars act up, don't they know we don't have time for that junk???

Laura~ Hope you continue to get better...I love running on the treadmill, I think one day I'll actually get one for here at home. Thanks so much for the thoughts about my husband. I was really proud of myself too for hitting all of those goals. Hopeful for this week as well! LOL about the scones...I fed them to everyone "would you like a scone? here try these!" I had two myself over the weekend and managed not to beat myself up for it...yay me, that is some progress! (I told myself the oats were good for me...lol.)


Jackie~ Good grief! You sound busier than a one armed paper hanger! Don't feel like such a slouch...easy for me to say, I'm sure. Sometimes I look at people's workout goals here (especially in terms of cardio) and I think....jeez I'm such a lightweight, etc. But I know that I do what I can and the best I can for me. We ALL have weeks like you're having, where working out is just not even possible. It will all even out in the end. In the meantime, good luck with the eating choices and things like that. Sometimes when it's just 'too much' to work out or it seems impossible, I just give my body 10 or 15 minutes sometime during the day to *stretch* and that always makes me feel a little better (it also makes me aware of how my body feels, a very good thing when you're tense). Hope the new car is great!!! How exciting!

Minky~ I'll be a Pilates junkie with you....lol. If you're going to get addicted to something, I'm thinking it's a pretty healthy addiction ;) I know I feel actually *graceful* (gasp!) when I do it....and that's something I've always wanted to be!

karen~ congrats on the new bike :) Isn't it beautiful out? I just spent fifteen minutes at the bus stop with the kids, crunching in the leaves and breathing the cool, crisp morning air. Gosh I love fall! Apples....I keep meaning to try that Gooey Apple Butter Cake that is posted on the Food board, it looks delicious! (I don't actually want to eat it, lol, I want to make it and feed it to everyone else...I seem to do that a lot!)

Les~ Ugghhhh about the car!!! I hope that fixes the problem. Sending magic car fairy wishes your way too ;) I'm so glad to hear that your legs recovered and you didn't do anything further to your shoulder. That must be some excruitiating pain. Sounds like you're on a roll this week...bread AND soup...YUM. We're going to be doing a lot of that around here as it gets cooler. I really, really love a beef stew stocked with veggies and a nice crusty dinner rolls. Glad you got to bake, I know you've been wanting to! Bet LW is in heaven ;)


Happy Tuesday everyone! :)

Smiles~

Michelle

[ellery]

Laura, I just love how you knew enough about Peanuts to correct me on who was in the patch. My memory was fading a bit. How funny was that show? Is it even still on or have they retired it? Charlie's ghost costume with all the wrong holes. Too funny. I have been called Lucy before - with reference to her little brunette bossy self, but I can't understand the reference. Controlling and bossy are totally different things...

Sad news about the pony. Because the mean bf wouldn't let me open the box early, it withered away into nothingness, with just a scrap of hay left to mark its presence. Very sad. I will let you know about the memorial service. Its untimely passing almost made it hard for me to enjoy my birthday, but I pulled myself together and braved it though the evening, with only a dry tear or two. I got some nice presents from the bf, as well as a homecooked meal where I didn't have to do dishes or even get up from the table, which was heavenly. What I enjoyed most about the birthday was the attention and the recognition - I got a cake from work, a cake from the gym, and a cake from the man. Boy did I feel loved! Considering how new I am to the area and to each of my employers, it was overwhelming for them to be so generous. Very nice!

Sorry to hear that some people are going through rough patches. We'll have to send out some flying monkeys to whisk away the sources of their troubles.

Not much to report on the working out front. Although I very much want to go home and crash, I'm going to make it to the gym tonight with the plan of lifting and hopefully a little cardio. The man is in town tonight, which means I have to come up with something for dinner, which adds a little stress. He's usually out of town during the week, therefore I can eat cereal or something simple and quick for dinner, leaving me more time to unwind. Cooking still stresses me out a bit - coming up with the menu, etc. Oh well.

Quiet on the thread today... hope all is well...

[nealy]

Ellery -- glad your birthday went so well. It's great to get attention and be made to feel special once in a while!

Michelle -- I'm happy to hear that your husband is recovering well. That makes him happier and your life simpler as well!

So I went to see the orthopedist again yesterday about my ankle. She looked it over and x-rayed it and still couldn't understand why five weeks of PT hadn't made a difference for me. She finally went next door and talked to a physical therapist who works in her office. He suggested a quick visual test she could do to determine whether I had a sprain in a particular tendon, and sure enough, that was the problem. The other physical therapist had unwittingly been working on the wrong part of my ankle all along! So now I'm seeing the PT who helped the doctor with the new diagnosis, starting on Thursday.

I'd like to take a moment to praise myself. :D I've done a fabulous job of staying hydrated so far this week. I've been drinking water or green tea every hour or so. I really think I feel more energetic just because I haven't been too thirsty. And I've eaten less than I normally do, because water keeps you feeling satisfied.

[Minky]

Nealy - Great news that you now know what the ankle issue is - and that means proper treatment! And congrats on the fluid intake :)

Michelle - I'll join you in the "graceful wannabee" group:o I swam competitively (sp?) for 7 years when I was younger - thankfully grace was not necessary to succeed!

Leah - So sad about the pony;) Hopefully, mean BF will make it up to you!

I lifted weights today as planned, but changed things up a bit. I did each move for just one set of 15-18 (instead of two sets of 12) but with heavier weight. I have read that this is a good way to "mix things up" on an occasional basis. For my cardio, I usually ride the bike or elliptical, but today I ran:eek: DS's soccer coach asked if I'd be interested in playing indoor soccer this winter in a women's league, so I figured I'd better start some running, or else get my butt kicked:p

Hope everyone is having a good week so far....

[Leslie Ferguson]

I third the motion and the notion -- it's been unnervingly quiet for a Tuesday (me included) but oh yeah - folks are away on travel, preparing for weddings, at meetings (that'd be me too), and/or very stressed out about work (calming thoughts to Jasmine).

nealy - It certainly helps to strengthen the right tendon. Hopefully the set back is only temporary. Good for you to be well hydrated too. One of those things that can help you meet your weight loss goal too. Here's to a speedy recovery and no lingering effects from the injury (sprains really suck :mad: - especially after 17 of them.).
Leah - Sorry to hear that the pony dehydrated and blew away. Like Minky said - hopefully bf will make it up to you (and the pony). Hope the dinner menu(s) don't bog you down too much. I still think you should get bf to do some of the planning (under your watchful eye to begin with) - I mean really, he should be trainable. :D
Michelle - You bet - LW was thrilled!! She thought the soup and bread were yummy. Ok - I did too. But you can't beat black bean soup with tomatoes and veggies (imnsho). Dance your heart out. I think I got a note from someone years ago that basically said - dance like there's no tomorrow if it makes you happy (and don't worry about how you look) - most people will be jealous of your joy anyway. Thinking back - Dad had a spinal block put in to help him with lower back/hip issues. It took the doc two attempts to get the block to hold. And now that he's gotten the second one (about 4 months now) he's nearly as good as new - can even golf without pain (and he's 64 too). Hope that DH's takes this time but because his condition is much worse than dad's it may take a third. But it certainly sounds like less pain is in the future.
[bMinky -[/b] Indoor soccer? You stud! I'm really impressed. Soccer is one sport that I'm not that good at - but I enjoy rooting for folks who play.
Today's easy run was pretty relaxing. It would have been much better if it weren't windy and raining but I'll have to take it. And today's run really was easy (for me). Running recovery is a good thing. :D Hope that I hold out physically for another 5 weeks - then I can "fall apart".

Peaceful dreams and healing prayers for all,
Les

[Michelle Achuff]

Well, I have a note from the doctor to excuse my absence from the board yesterday...lol ;) Actually, I was trying my hand at being a bit spontaneous and mixing things up. I was canning up the last of the apple jelly, finishing a loaf of bread and *then* planning to do Pilates. Let me just say that I have only started canning in the last year and never had a mishap...until yesterday. I set the water to boil and mistakenly locked the lid on top of the canner. When I went to pull it off, of course it was VERY difficult. Why my brain didn't kick in and think that there was a ton of steam trapped in there (more than could come out through the valve to relieve pressure), I just don't know. I pushed the lid to unlock it and steam and boiling water shot out from the small space that opened and sprayed over my arm and my chest. It burned me through my shirt, but perhaps the worst was on the inside of my forearm, from my wrist to my elbow. It still burns a bit this morning. I spent the better part of the afternoon with burn spray and ice, in just agonizing pain. It was pretty horrible, on top of the fact that I felt so *dumb* :rolleyes: for doing what I did! Anyway, that's why I was not around. I think my husband nearly had a heart attack, he heard me yell and he shot into the kitchen so fast it startled me. He was so concerned and helpful though, he truly is a gem. Even so, I'm getting razzed a bit about not burning myself in the kitchen...guess I have to suck it up and laugh along with him, after all, no lasting damage done. I think some of it is going to blister, but I'm taking very good care of it. I don't want it to scar or anything, especially on my chest :( That would not make me happy!

Leah~ Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday! So so, sorry about the pony though ~sending my condolences~. ;) You're right...lol, controlling and bossy ARE two different things ;) Some of the most controlling people I have known in my life don't appear to be bossy, they are calm and even tempered, if a bit heavy handed at times. Always watch out for the quiet ones...lol.

nealy~ Awesome that you're going to get some PT that will actually make a difference! Hope you start seeing the results *soon*. And thanks for the thoughts about my husband, I appreciate it.

Minky~ I had to really bust out laughing about the graceful comment, *especially* after my little fiasco yesterday...definitely NOT graceful...lol. Good for you on changing up your routine. I think that's something I seriously need to do. Next week I'm shooting for my full six days and I think I'm going to change myself up for at least 6 weeks into a new program or new mix or *something*. I'm thinking my body and mind are just ready for a change, definitely!

Les~ Thank you for sharing about your Dad...it REALLY helps to hear things like that. I am getting more hopeful (as husband is taking fewer and fewer meds...should have asked for more 'things' when he was less lucid...haha!). After you do your race, do you give yourself some 'time off'? I saw that JeAnne (?) trains for 12 weeks and then gives herself some time off (don't remember how much). I'm thinking of changing up some of my routines and even recording the kind of exercise I do, etc. Would be nice to be able to look back and see my own progression on things, and maybe taking a mini 'vacation' after 12 weeks (or whatever) of hard work would be a good thing for the mind and body. Anyway, just curious about what you do/think!

Here's to a MUCH better Wednesday :D

Smiles~

Michelle

[ellery]

Good news about the pony! He wasn't dead, he was hiding, and he's quite small, so he's good at it. We've named him Tony and coaxed him out with bologna, and now Tony the pony who likes bologna is a full-fledged member of the household. He was asking about the baby turtle I was supposed to get for my birthday and was saddened to hear that he will only have my cats for playmates. Maybe one day. In the meantime, I feel that he will be up to all kinds of mischief and I will surely need to watch where I step from now on (as will the mean bf who almost let him starve to death).

Quiet on this end (aside from the pony). Did manage to make myself lift last night, skipping cardio (oh well). I'll teach tonight, which will provide cardio, and lift afterwards as well since there will be no one at home (besides the pony and cats) to hurry home and cook dinner for. Tomorrow night after work I'll be at cooking class (one of my birthday presents), which leaves Friday to get in a run and a little lifting. Hopefully Friday I'll be able to run almost all of the 3.1. I'm still having a hard time making myself run the whole thing - it's a whole mental battle of not feeling like it vs. convincing myself that I'm tired vs. goading myself into continuing. There's a whole lot going on in my head when I run!

As for dinner, I solved that dilemna by picking up a ready-made rotisserie chicken at the supermarket. Hooray! Still working on training the bf, who is growing sort of more helpful. In most other ways he really is wonderful, so I don't have much to complain about, but I will keep trying to encourage him to help out in the kitchen. Now that I have a trained attack pony, I can always enlist Tony the pony to nip at bf's heels...

Hope all is well with everyone. The flying monkeys are on their way to soothe the backs, apply a gentle touch to ankles and burns, whisk away stress and petty annoyances. Keep an eye out...

[Leslie Ferguson]

Michelle - I'm sorry to hear about the steam burn. Those things can be a lot worse than you imagine. Although I wasn't burned by steam I was involved in an incident involving steam earlier in my career. Needless to say every time that I was exposed to steam or hot humid environments I got very anxious (heart rate skyrocketed). Plus, steam burns are more involved and deeper than one imagines. But it sounds like you've done good things to take care of the burn.
As for taking a break after my marathon - I'll probably take a little time off and cut back on miles per week. I'll take it easy dor a few weeks (between 4-6 weeks hopefully). Typically I'll increase my weight lifting and do more fun and shorter runs. But if things work out and I qualify for Boston I'll start training for that race in mid to late December for a mid-April race.
I hope that your canning (with the exception of the burn) went well.
It sounds like DH is getting better all the time too. Good to hear - but prayers still continue.
Leah - Congrats on the pony. Sounds like you had a truly fabulous b'day. It also sounds like you're getting bf to "come in line" and do some things around the house.

Today's workout may be derailed - at least temporarily - because I'm in the process of participating in a phone conference (as I'm writing) but I'm fairly certain that I'll get out some time today.

Best wishes to all and happy Wednesday.
Les

[tmsl]

Oh Michelle!!! When it rains it pours, but we'll take it as a good sign that DH came running when he heard you scream. Maybe your pain helped him forget his for awhile. Prayers for both of you to continue to heal.

My dentist appointment Monday consisted of repairing a portion of a "dead" tooth. It had too much pressure when I had braces and caused the nerve to die. It is brittle as it gets no nutrients and I have to baby it with dentist visits every so often. It is better than having a crown and much more affordable.

I had a 3 mile run Monday night and as I had to go out of town yesterday for work, I did not workout last night. I hope to run again tonight and not do anything after that until my race Saturday. I miss my weightlifting but don't want to take any chances of stressing my muscles at this point.

Leah-congrats on the pony! Our busy b-day month will come to a close next week with DH bday. Then I have to start thinking about Christmas. :eek: Don't forget the martini/margarita Saturday in honor of the race. I'll drink one for you after yours in a couple weeks.

Nealy-good luck with the correct treatment. Hopefully you will be back to normal in short course. Your goal of hydration should spur me on to that as well. Sometimes I remember and other times I get to busy to think about water.

Les-what a multitasker you are:D participating in a phone conference and our virtual one at the same time!

I hope everyone is having a good week and it is downhill from here.

Laura K.

[615bride]

Well, I'm still cruising along on my week's plan. Got my cross training in yesterday and will do some more tonight. My IT Band strap is not in yet but it should be before Sat's long run of 15 miles. I officially signed up and committed to the marathon on Dec 13th and my thinking is if I end up only doing the half due to injury, so be it. Even more probable, if I get through more than half and then have to walk due to pain at least I finished. Does that sound right? Even if I walk some, I still did 26.2 miles right? It's all about respecting the distance. I am definitely taking a break from distance running after this is all over. Considering taking up Tae Kwon Do. Anyone out there familiar???

Good luck to all those dealing with life's challenges....

[jazzyjas]

Do M&M's at 9:00 am count as healthy living?

Michelle, I am glad to hear that Dh is coming along and reducing his meds -- now you be careful with that canner -- those things are dangerous. I hope you heal up OK. Careful with those blisters.

Bride -- I hope that the IT band does the trick -- gosh 13 miles sounds respectable to me so the whole marathon at any pace is an accomplishment.

Laura K. -- glad the dentist appt went well

Les -- I have no doubt that the slight derailment of your workout plan won't hold you back much, your dedication to running is admirable (and the thought that there are "shorter fun runs")

Leah - I think those flying monkeys did something to the car because the warning engine light has gone off on its own valition -- the woman at the shop said "it must have fixed itself kind of like when you are sick and then get better" I tried to explain the bad analagy not being a living organism and all but I guess I will wait to take it in and hopefully I won't experience any problems.

nealy -- glad they finally figured out their folly and will be focusing the PT where it needs to be

JeAnne -- i hope the wedding is going well, I think I missed the thread that discussed the taping -- you are getting married on TV?

Jackie -- we can only do what our schedules allow -- it is about healthy living within the parameters of our lives -- sounds like you have the right attitude

Minky -- soccer -- cool, that should be a good motivator

Karen -- there is an apple cake from last year that is really yummy -- I think that Valchemist may have posted it -- I highly recommend it (although anything with cream cheese frosting has got to be yummy

Well I better get some work done (my kindergarteners are on a field trip to the pumpkin patch so I have a little bit of extra time)

Hope everyone is having a great week. I am concentrating on taking deep breaths and feeling the tension release from my shoulders -- if it didn't keep coming back I would be doing well

Jas

[Leslie Ferguson]

Laura K - {{rotfl}} I guess you can call me a true multi-tasker but I'd rather say that the telephone conference was more of a distraction than anything else. I'm on line there mostly to prevent us (the command I work for) from being "volunteered" to do things we aren't staffed to do (that still happens once in a while in government service Say it isn't so!). At this point "missing" a weight workout isn't a big deal - I'm going to start ramping down even more on mine especially as I start my taper (next Saturday). I take my hat off to you too about your teeth. Personally, I'd take the temporary pain of the crown rather than deal with continual discomfort of a bad tooth. But then I figure I've got enough other pain in my life :rolleyes: to go around and ones that I can do something about generally get fixed.
bride - Finishing the race - however you get across the line is the important thing. Walking part or all of the race is truly acceptable and in my book those who walk all or most of a marathon have my utmost respect. As it stands right now I'm not sure that I'd be able to spend 5 or 6 hours on the course (or more) to complete a marathon. I find it harder to walk very long distances than it is to run long distances. Something about the duration of the event. But I have also done walk-a-thons in the past walking 20 miles in about 8 hours so I guess I can do it. Sorry I can't help with Tae Kwon Do - never tried any of the martial arts but I'd guess that is good exercise.
Jasmine - M&Ms at 9 am -- good question. Like you said later in the post, healthy living is all about doing the best you can with the life that you're living. A little splurge won't hurt anyone really. And as a dear friend said once - and this too shall pass. Thank you for the complement about not being derailed - luckily the phone conference was the shortest we've had so far, scheduled for 2 hours and took just over 1. :eek:

Today's workout went smoothly - but my legs are definitely showing the full impact of the long training schedule. 5 miles at race pace down. One more easy run and a long run to complete 5 weeks before the marathon. I think I'm about as ready as I'll ever be. The telling week will be next week - the last long week of training.

Peace to all,
Les

[ellery]

Maybe the flying monkeys will give all of us with upcoming races, a lift. After all, they've already fixed jas's car...

Leah

[Michelle Achuff]

Originally posted by ellery
Maybe the flying monkeys will give all of us with upcoming races, a lift. After all, they've already fixed jas's car...

Leah

LOL....Ms. Mischief (I saw that!)too funny. Let me tell you the flying monkeys (or maybe it was the prayers and thoughts? ;) ) helped me out in a big way today. Would you believe only one *teensy* tiny blister and some redness but *no* pain :) YAY!!!! Did my workout this morning and gosh did it feel great. I keep peeking over at the cool running site. Read some posts from people that did the Couch to 5K program and saw that a lot of them have *never* run before or thought they couldn't do it and are reporting successes and great attitudes. I must confess, as I did my strength training this morning I stared out the windows (where I can see about half of our 20 acres here, beautiful with all of the leaves changing!) and was tempted to just go out and run until I couldn't anymore (that might have been only two minutes..HAHA!). Seriously, I'm getting braver, maybe I'll take the plunge after all ;)

Jas~ M&M's at 9am...hmmm...well sometimes you have to splurge and whether it's 9am or 9pm I don't think it really matters. Besides...doesn't chocolate have *some* kind of dairy content? lol...I saw a show once where the kids tried to convince dear old dad that cake was good for breakfast because it was made with milk, eggs, etc. Too funny.

Thanks everyone for all of the good thoughts...it's been a great day here and just beautiful outside. Split pea soup simmering on the stove, got some yummy bread to go with, now that's a fall dinner! :)

Hope everyone else is having a great day as well. Sending lots of positive energy out to all of my friends here!

Smiles~

Michelle

[Michelle Achuff]

I know I'm posting *again* ;) But, I'm just so excited! Inspired by all of you runners and thanks to mst for even mentioning the coolrunning.com site, I decided to be brave tonight. My husband went out with a friend for a little bit, the kids were snuggled up in front of a movie and I thought...if I want to be spontaneous and do something 'different' this is the perfect opportunity. Soooo...I put on some workout clothes, laced up my shoes and went outside. It's pretty dark here, but we've got a really big yard light, and that piece of land I was staring at this morning as I was working out...became my own little running track tonight. I did the first workout in the Couch to 5K, fully expecting that I would be wheezing and out of breath within minutes.

You all know what a hard time I have with cardio. I *LOVED* this. God, did it just feel freeing to run again like that. I probably haven't done that since I was a kid. And for one minute every ninety seconds, I didn't think of anything but the clear cool sky above me, the leaves crunching under my feet and I thought, god, I could get used to this in a hurry! What a wonderful, incredible experience. I did something I didn't think I could do. Compared to others that do it with much more ease than I, it might not seem like such a big deal, but I am *exhilirated!*. It's now become POSSIBLE for me. When I finished, I wasn't gasping for air, I actually jumped up and down, so excited.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my excitement and happiness with everyone else. If it weren't for the people on this thread I know I wouldn't have had the motivation or courage to try something new. WOW!

Ok...I'll let someone else have a turn now...lol.

Just wanted to say...from the bottom of my heart...

THANKS! :D :D :D :D


Smiles~

Michelle

[karen w]

Michele,
Never was a runner, and I never will be(bad knees-OCD in both of them:mad: ), but WOW , your elation just bubbled from your post. I'm so happy for you. I can relate on my own level. That's how I feel when I swim. Have a great evening.

Karen

[JackieO]

Cool, Michelle.

Wonderful at achieving the break-through and good thoughts for you and DH!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Michelle - First - thanks for pushing us to page two - that's two weeks in a row off of one page. :D Didn't the run feel grand - even if it was "only" 60 seconds out of every 90 seconds? Now you see what drives me to run - that elation of doing something well and being at one with nature, just me and my shoes (ok and my running clothes too). Glad to hear that the steam burn didn't amount to too much - they can be so nasty. Dinner sounded yummy. Had a little left over soup from yesterday - better on day three! And lastly - you're welcome.
Leah - I'll let the flying monkeys that helped with my car head your direction so they can help you with your race.
Jasmine - I think Bill Cosby had a routine about Chocolate Cake for breakfast. Why not M&M's? They are made of the same stuff - milk and sugar and good things like that. ;)

Hope everyone has/had pleasant dreams. Trying to turn in a little earlier tonight - I think I need the sleep to recuperate.
Peace,
Les

[Michelle Achuff]

Slept like a rock last night, must have been all that physical activity a few hours before bedtime ;) I also noticed that I woke up pretty energetic, what a nice feeling after being in an energy 'slump' for weeks now. I changed up my routine, the one I think I'll do for a six week stretch (and then go from there, I refuse to 'plan' myself out for more than that). Did some heavy lifting, low reps on a six-day program that targets specific muscles (so the workouts don't take as long in the morning, either). I think this combined with the cardio is the change up that my body needs. Worth a shot anyway and it can't hurt me.

karen & Jackie~ Thanks so much :) Like I said...just had to share!

Les~ I *do* understand what compels you to run. All of this physical activity (even a small amount of it) is a huge breakthrough for me. I was the nerdy girl in school with *very* athletic parents who tried to push me into all kinds of sports. I hated gym class, I tried my heart out at basketball, volleyball, etc, but I was just 'no good' at it. It really took the fun out of physical activity for me and as a result, I just decided, I wasn't built for it or something. That attitude about myself is slowly changing, and I am really amazed at how differently I feel. Now I feel almost like I could play any sport (for fun) that I wanted and just get joy out of the exertion and physical activity. I never would have felt like that before. Of course, it never helped that my younger brother and sister were total athletes... ;)

Smiles~

Michelle

[ellery]

Wow those flying monkeys have been busy! I don't think that's at all what the Wicked Witch had in mind - we seem to have converted them. Maybe if they helped Michelle run (hooray!) they'll help me next weekend. The race is at 8 am - hope they're up at that hour.

Me, with my moratorium on numbers on the board, woke up this morning feeling the aftereffects of too many days of too much birthday cake. It's everywhere I turn around these days, and I've obliged by eating it. Cake remorse. If only foods that made you gain weight weighed as much as they make you gain, it sure would help. I have the same theory about vending machines - the foods should be priced according to how bad they are for you. Interesting how the most unhealthy foods are usually the cheapest. Fascist vending machine people. I need to sic my pony on them... or the flying monkeys...

I had yet another empty class last night (weird, weird place I've moved to), so I lifted weights and boycotted cardio again. I am queen of excuses (if you ever need one let me know), so I decided it was more important to my mental health to go home before it was pitch dark for a change, just to spend some quality time with my cats that I never see anymore. They've lately become wary around me - not in the mood to snuggle or hang out because they know that I'll just be leaving soon anyway. I am definitely running tomorrow after work, come hook or crook (where did that phrase originate?), so if you're done with the monkeys Michelle, feel free to send them my way.

Hope everyone is having a good day. Wish me luck at my cooking class tonight. I too have a tendency towards disaster in the kitchen - who knows what kind of chaos I can cause in a professional kitchen with lots of flammeable things around...

Leah

[Michelle Achuff]

Leah...

LOL...sending the monkeys your way (I only need them tommorow morning anyway!) ;) And btw, I think you're *totally right* about the vending machines. Food in general is like that...it is *cheaper* to eat bad things than it is good things. I find that when I'm grocery shopping all of the time. I try to cook from scratch almost all of the time (still, I use canned goods, etc), but even to have enough fresh produce a week for a four person household (according to what is recommended and what I believe is healthy) will *break* you. It's unfortunate and sad. My husband and I are talking about setting up our hydro system soon. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes and basil to start...it's something and would be a heck of a lot cheaper (especially getting a yield of a pound of tomatoes per plant PER week for many, many weeks!)


Good luck with your run, you can do it, Leah!!!

Smiles~

Michelle

Edited to say: I read the original Wizard of Oz with my ten year old this past summer, interesting about the flying monkeys. They weren't actually 'wicked'. Just a bit of trivia~ there was a golden cap (which the witch..haha) came into at some point in the story, and after Dorothy killed the witch, SHE became the owner of the golden cap. The rule is, you can have three requests/wishes of the monkeys each time you have the cap, and when you're done you pass it on. I think the witch abused that in the movie, but there's just no stopping some people! ;)

[ellery]

Good Oz trivia - thanks Michelle. I once had a job with an evil supervisor (I seem to keep finding those - wonder if it's me? nah, couldn't be). So I was at the bookstore one day and, inspired by her, picked up a book called "Wicked." Turns out it was a humorous biography of the Wicked Witch of the West, who was sadly misunderstood as a child - picked on because she was green, turned her bitter, etc. I never finished it but now I have the urge to pick it back up again.

What is a hydro system?

[Michelle Achuff]

Wicked (Maguire) is a *truly* excellent book...the subtext in it regarding evil and perceptions of others is very thought provoking, too. He has another book out called "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister", supposed to be about one of Cinderella's step sisters, and the subtext of that one is about beauty (inner and outer) it's one I definitely want to read!

Hydro= hydroponics :) Growing vegetables/herbs using water instead of soil. Hydro is great because it's highly movable, can be very compact and you control the conditions (no losing your garden because of the bad weather outside). It yields some really high quality produce, my husband used to even make small hydro systems and sell them as a hobby. A small one (that could grow 3 or four huge heads of lettuce) is about the size of a big rubbermaid tote. You just change the water regularly, give them light/fan/heat (when necessary) and feed them some nutrients. They grow quicker than in the ground too! It takes 58 days from the time you plant tomatoes (from seed) to get it to 'fruit' stage where it's ready to harvest. And once you get to fruit stage you get approximately one pound of tomatoes per week for about 38 weeks.

Anyway, might be more than you wanted to know, but that's what it is! :)

Smiles~

Michelle

[ellery]

Michelle, I just pm'd you. Haven't done it before, so not sure if it will work if I'm not on my home computer.

I wanted to know more about hydro gardening but didn't want to bore other thread readers who may not want to have to read our dialogues back and forth on the subject.

:)

Leah

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by ellery
Interesting how the most unhealthy foods are usually the cheapest. Fascist vending machine people.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels this way. Healthy eggs and veggie chicken-strips are tasty and hugely expensive. Burns my tush! :mad:


come hook or crook (where did that phrase originate?), so if you're done with the monkeys Michelle, feel free to send them my way.

Best I can find is "by hook or by crook" being used by Milton. Still not sure where it came from though.


Hope everyone is having a good day. Wish me luck at my cooking class tonight. I too have a tendency towards disaster in the kitchen - who knows what kind of chaos I can cause in a professional kitchen with lots of flammeable things around...

Leah

Here's to a good cooking class and not setting the place on fire. :) I think you'll do fine.

Michelle - Neat how you grow a lot of what you eat. Being a city person right now (that lives in a swamp none-the-less) I don't grow much except herbs. Maybe some day.

Off for my 6 easy to round out the week's runs. Wish me luck - the miles are starting to take their toll.

Peace,
Les

[ellery]

Les, the monkeys are on their way. Their aim isn't too great, so duck if they get too close to your head.

You can keep them until tomorrow night when I do my run. If I bring them to cooking class tonight I might set THEM on fire. Egads!

Have a good run!

p.s. I have to actually do work next week so I won't be as chatty anymore and will be restricted to evening posts only when I'm tired and cranky. Oh well. It was fun while it lasted!

Leah

[jazzyjas]

Here is what I found although the internet source might not be all that reliable and someone said they thought he was guessing but as they say "Good enough for government work..."

By hook or by crook is a phrase which suggests that something is done by any means possible; by some means or other one way or another. This goes back to medieval Britain when there was a custom for tenants of the Lord of the Manor to be allowed to collect firewood from the trees, but only as much as could be cut off with a bill-hook or pulled down with a shepherd's crook.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Leah - Thanks for sending the monkeys. They must have helped but boy did I feel like I was plodding along. I'm definitely ready for tomorrow's rest day and think that I'll be ready for the race to be over in just under a month. I'll try to keep them (the monkeys) here until after your cooking class :D but I'm not sure I have that kind of control.

Jas - That's what my sources say too. Either we have the same (bad) INTERNET sources or they are consistent across the board.

As I alluded - the run was a good diversion from the office. It is beautiful outside these days. Middle 60s with a light breeze, couldn't ask for better running weather. But like I said, tomorrow is REST! and I'm ready.

Positive vibes to all who are healing these days and peace,
Les

[mst]

Michelle- I am so glad that the program inspired you! I think that it makes a lot of sense, and I am hoping that I can stick with it. I have not been great this week, but today is a new day! I did do Day 1 of the Couch-5k Program. I think I feel pretty good...

I laughed about all the talk about the Great Pumpkin. In college, one of the fraterities used to watch the Great Pumpkin and drink beer everytime they said "pumpkin".

I feel good today because I worked out. I really need to get back into it because I feel better mentally and physically.

Question about water- when you are counting towards the eight glasses per day, does seltzer water count? What about herbal tea (with no caffine?)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by mst
Question about water- when you are counting towards the eight glasses per day, does seltzer water count? What about herbal tea (with no caffine?)

Depends on who you talk to - there are some that say water is water (even with caffeine) no matter what the source. Of course those without caffeine are certainly more hydrating than those with (doctor told me that caffeine is hard on your system too). And there are those who say that water - which would include naturally carbonated (no artificial stuff) in my book - is the only stuff that counts. Not to be too blunt or tacky but the way that our doctor and a couple sports coaches answer the correct hydration question is:
"if you go and it's nearly clear then you are sufficiently hydrated".

But the "correct" answer is it depends on who you talk to.

Sorry but not much more help.
Les

[ellery]

Les, I second that opinion. Although recently (and this is what made me start taking a multivitamin again) I was told that it's not good for it (we know what "it" is, right?) to be too clear all the time, because that means there aren't enough nutrients in your system. There are as many opinions out there as one can count, and I don't know if this one was entirely based on scientific fact. Either way, since taking the vitamin I feel better, so that works for me.

Glad the monkeys helped. We really should pass them along more. Who needs them next?

I'm not sure if I'd rather have a monkey or a magic wand (or an invisible pony). Wouldn't life be nice with a wand?

I'm jealous of people working out today, even though I'm due a day off. I have even more cake remorse (ate some at lunch - aaarrrgh!). I know that it doesn't work to eat and then work out in hopes of erasing the food, but it would be nice. Oh well. Me and the monkeys will have a good run tomorrow, I'll feel confident and strong and ignore that voice in my head that whines and tries to encourage me to slow down and walk.

Leah

[tmsl]

I need them on two fronts, first I have been working on a file this afternoon in excel and then went to review some stuff my assistant was working on. Instead of closing her document, I closed all of excel, of course before I saved my own document. UGH!!! I know think religous thoughts(s/a Jesus Saves, so why didn't I)and quit cursing where coworkers can hear me.

I am a little tired and cranky today so I am glad I am not working out tonight. I just want to go curl up with a cat on the couch and have quiet time to myself. I register for my race tomorrow afternoon and then run it Saturday around 3. I'll need the monkeys then as well. Maybe they can carry me if I get tired? Or maybe I can borrow the pony and ride a little??

Thanks for all the laughs on the thread this week. I have needed them. By the way, when my cat had kittens we named them Lucy, Sally, Linus and Schroeder. Any thoughts as to where the names came from??

Laura K.

edit to say, we can tell Leah has had WAY TOO MUCH SUGAR this week, but what a lively imagination.:D

[Michelle Achuff]

I say those monkeys belong with Laura K right now..sheesh, talk about when it rains it pours. I *hate* it when something like that happens and I'm working on a project. My first attempt at a book many, many moons ago was *formatted* on a floppy disk. Needless to say, I learned, it is good to have many, many copies, more than you think you'll ever need...lol. Sounds like curling up on the couch is just what Dr. Lucy would tell you to do Laura, hope you have a nice *relaxing* weekend, and although I don't have a pony to spare (a little monkey told me that someone else here does, though), I'll sure be sending you lots of good thoughts for your race on Saturday! :D

Too funny about the cats. I have a blanket, an old patchwork quilt that belonged to my husband and he 'lets' me use (haha...I have comandeered it, but shhh don't tell!) Anyway, he says sometimes I look like Linus carrying around the blankie...I can't help it, it's cold here!!!!

jas~ Cool info about the 'by hook or by crook'! Even if it's not right, it sounds interesting to me and will go in my file of strange trivia to pull out and make me sound brilliant at any given moment ;) Thanks...lol

Les~ Here's wishing you an awesome *REST* day :) You, along with many others have taught me the value in such days...I'm sure when mine comes around on Sunday I will be *ready*.

mst~ WTG on doing Day 1. Were you surprised at how you feel? I sure was! I truly figured I would be passed out at the end of twenty minutes, but my body surprised me! I think it IS hard to have the rest days...I know for me, it's my nature to want to go to the extreme and do it all *right now*. This is forcing me to take it slow and steady and I think in the end, I'll create a better habit that I actually LIKE and want to continue. So...yay for us for doing Day 1 :D

As far as water goes, I'm pretty much with Les...on the clear stuff. That being said, I drink iced tea (not a lot lately) or herbal tea or even some tea with <gasp> caffeine. I think if you don't have a *lot* it's ok. I probably have two cups of tea a day with caffeine in it. Caffeine though, WILL dehydrate you, so you just have to be careful. Also, what Leah said about not being 'too' clear is true too. I know that I can always tell if I've forgotten to take my B Complex vitamin :eek: Maybe that was too much information....you get the idea...lol.

Leah~ I know how you feel about the cake. Gosh, it always seems like such a good idea at the TIME :rolleyes: But, I bet tomorrow you will feel MUCH better after your run, no matter how much you do. I continually have told myself, quit beating yourself up for what's already gone in your mouth and look forward with a new attitude. Sometimes it works...sometimes I'm just human and it doesn't, but it never hurts. I'm having some of my 'Miss Fat Pants' days right now, but I KNOW that's hormonal and I refuse to bow down and worship her with chocolate o' plenty. I'm keeping hydrated, keeping my body moving and that's gonna be good enough darn it.

Whew...been a flurry of activity on the board today. Soup tonight again! Some mix I got from the Amish store, looks like it has some lentils in it, brown rice, some split peas, some alphabet noodles...how cute! It says to simmer it for an hour in water and salt and add some cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes and carrots. Well...anyway, it sure *sounds* good...will see how it comes out!


Smiles~

Michelle

[ellery]

Laura you can certainly have the monkeys next. Actually I think they monitor this thread and automatically go where they are needed. They're smart like that. As for Tony the pony who eats bologna (I just love saying that - the bf loves going to Macon because I inevitably start asking him if he ate any bacon with the Jamaican while he was there - you can imagine how entertaining I am to live with!)... Tony has thus far remained inside our house. He's been in hiding for the past few days, but maybe I can coax him out one day soon. He's still pouting about the turtle...

I'm off to start my really long commute back to the island and to cooking school. Hopefully I won't set anything on fire, cut off any appendages, or get kept after school. Wish me luck!

Leah

[ellery]

too much sugar? (is there such a thing?)

Nah, this is just my personality. Keep in mind that I work with troubled teenagers. It helps to be a bit goofy.

Plus I'm getting comfortable with you guys, so this is what happens. Like I said, I'll be actually doing work next week, so the entries will be much shorter and less fun as I'll be tired. Playing solitaire all day has allowed my imagination to run wild...

[615bride]

Yikes I can't keep up with this thread. I'm impressed with those of you who respond to all the others who've posted. I try my best but never make it that far. I do think of everyone though, and wish you luck with your goals - both athletic and not...

Michelle - glad you enjoyed the running. I've heard good things about that "coolrunning" program. The hydroponics interested me because I can't keep ANY plants alive. I have killed ivy, spider plants and other "hearty" varieties. People give me plants and say, "You can't kill this" but I manage somehow.

tmsl - I have two cats (brothers) named Linus and Schroeder. Love the Peanuts!

As for me. I'm still on track with short runs. Did 3.3 today with no problem. It's the 15 on Sat that concern me. I have the IT Band strap to try and several people have actually suggested acupuncture! I know a few people who swear by it. We'll see. Take care everyone....

[Leslie Ferguson]

bride - 15 miles Saturday - I'll be thinking of you. BTW - when do you do your miles (start time that is)? Hope the band works for your IT issues. We start bright (not) and early (certainly) these days at 7 am. It was important in the summer when it was so hot here and now that the weather is nicer it is still important because the length of the runs.
Leah - Glad you are getting comfortable with us - hate to think that we can chase anyone away with our humor and good thoughts. :D I hope your cooking class went well - I didn't hear about any terrible fires in South Carolina this evening so I would guess you came through without inflicting major damage.
Michelle - Catching your drift on the "visit"... LW always offers for us to change places just once or twice. I kindly tell her that I'll trade her issue for my daily shoulder and back pain for a month. She quickly decides that she wants nothing of that (her tolerance for pain isn't that high and mine is very high). Hope I don't "need a token" for that comment either (I can explain if necessary). BTW - how is DH these days? I hope the block is taking effect. Regardless, prayers continue.
Laura K - I can sympathise with your frustration about the file going away. I too (like Michelle) had a significant part of my graduate thesis disappear one evening - the only copy. After that happened I started saving multiple copies about every 5 minutes - I think I still have a couple copies on disk around here to show for it. And I think the monkeys know where they need to go - and can get there through the trons of the computers.

I hope that Jackie made it back home from her business trip ok. Likewise, I hope that everyone else is having a great week and is looking forward to the last weekend before the time change.

Until tomorrow -- peace,
Les

[ellery]

I've gone from a perpetual sugar buzz and cake remorse to protein remorse. Apparently last night was meat night in cooking class. We learned (and ate) steaks, roasts, London broil, pork tenderloin, veal and flank steak. Moo! They wisely only allowed the instructor to cook - we just watched, took notes and ate (and ate and ate). Some people brought wine bottles (notice the plural) and watched, ate and drank and drank. Ugh. I tried not to obsess about how they were getting home. Meanwhile the monkeys were apparently miffed at not being invited to the class, so they tampered with my car. No lie, it now makes a noise that sounds like quacking. I bet no one else has a car who quacks. Must be something with the electrical system, but we'll take a look at that this weekend. Because unfortunately, the sound not only resembles quacking, but also the sound that a whoopi cushion makes. Only me... :rolleyes:

Brought my running shoes with me today. Here's hoping for an easy 5K run tonight.

I'm still half awake so I'll be quiet for now. Have a good day everyone!

Leah

[Michelle Achuff]

Sending out magic fairies to fix the cars, seems like there's been a load of trouble with vehicles this week! Thankfully, ours is OK <knock on wood!>. Leah, I hope that sound is nothing *serious*. And btw, I don't blame you for wondering how those people were getting home, it really bothers me when people drink and drive. Another soap box of mine. :mad:

Les~ My husband seems to be doing better each successive day, although this morning his leg feels 'weak' and it did go out on him twice yesterday. Very scary, but it does seem like he is progressing, even through all of that. The pain is definitely lessening and he is taking fewer narcotics, thankfully, as he was worried about getting addicted to them.

Did strength training and my run/walk this morning, felt good! It's a bit nippy out at 5:30 am though..whew, need to break out the sweat pants :) Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! TGIF ;)

Smiles~

Michelle

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey gang! What is it with cars these past couple weeks??? <<Knock on wood>> Mine's finally back to proper working condition. Leah hope yours is something relatively easy to correct.
Michelle - I echo your concern about the people who drink/drank too much and drove home (probably). Norfolk/Virginia Beach has had a rash of DUI deaths this year - brings the point home all too often. Senseless deaths from idiots :mad: that can't keep off the road! By the GOG I never had an issue when I used to drink (and drive) but there were times when I probably shouldn't have. We do so many things to kill ourselves that driving drunk is among the biggest preventable causes. Frosts my ***! Off my soap box.
Thanks for the update on DH too. Bet the leg issues are scary but it sounds like his pain is becoming managable - a big step to being able to deal with the back (IMO).

A day to rest - and I must need it. Overslept by 40 minutes this morning and thanks to LW I still got to work on time. My body doth protest burning the candle like I am. Today's plan is to go home at a reasonable hour and sleep. Take it easy tomorrow and rest some more. Yes - it's that time of training.

Peaceful thoughts and pleasant weather for the weekend for everyone (it's supposed to rain here tomorrow).
Les

[Michelle Achuff]

Les~ I'm SO glad that you're taking the time to rest. You said 'it's that time in the training' what does that mean? Do you taper back as you get closer to the race? My legs...they are sore...ahh what a lightweight, huh? lol Anyway, sounds like you are getting some much needed rest (or will tonight!). Btw...I meant to ask about LW's headaches...are they getting any better??

General question to anyone who runs: What kind of shoes do you wear and how on earth did you choose them? DH is talking about taking me to get a pair of *real* running shoes and I have no idea where to start. If you go to a store like a Foot Locker or something do the people there know how to direct you to a shoe that works for you? I'm new enough doing this to not really know if I have any trouble spots...but I don't think that I pronate or anything like that (I've never had issues with that in regular tennis shoes before). I don't have flat feet or anything *wrong* with them (yet!), anyway, just looking for any and all advice about how to get started choosing these. It seems overwhelming with so many out there, to say the least!


Smiles~

Michelle
(who is happily baking some Almond Orange Bread for OTHER people coming over tomorrow night <g> all the fun of baking and none of the carbs...lol)

[ellery]

Michelle, you should be busy posting replies to my questions about baking bread. Now I know where you've been! Feel free to pop over to the food section and help me out, though...

For my shoes I went to a local triathalon store, but I think a specialty running store could do the same thing. He made me stand in chalk and run in different types of shoes to determine my gait and some other stuff that seemed important. Therefore I think I got the right shoes for my weird feet, although the shoes sadly will not do the running for me. Oh well.

:)

Leah

p.s. yes I am working hard today. The real work, like I said, starts Monday. I'm working in a high school, so I fully expect to be lost and/or flattened by a student no later than by lunch time.

[Michelle Achuff]

Leah, lol, I just replied over there!!! Thanks for the information on how you got your shoes...I really appreciate it ;)


Michelle (who really would come over and show you how to bake the bread if only you lived closer!)

[615bride]

Michelle - I would not go to a Foot Locker-type store for your first fitting. I would try to find a specialty running store or something like that. They will look at your feet and/or watch you run to best determine what kind of shoes you should wear. It really can make a difference and your whole body will thank you for being in the right shoes!

[tmsl]

Bride,

Where in NC are you? Anywhere near Charlotte? If so, what store do you recommend for running shoes? Mine are New Balance and I have done very well with the brand, but want a professional opinion the next time I buy my running shoes.

Thanks,

Laura K.

[Michelle Achuff]

Ok <snickers> so I'm feeling goofy, but since there's been so much monkey business going on this week, I found this recipe and thought I would share it with the group ;) Perhaps the high gluten here has gone to my head. My Almond Orange Bread came out just lovely! (DH is threatening to cut it before tomorrow night, I may have to sleep with it...lol)

Happy running to all of those competing this weekend! Bride, I'll be thinking of you.

Smiles~

Michelle

* Exported from MasterCook *

Monkey Bread

Recipe By :Cooking Light Magazine. July 2002. Page: 150.
Serving Size : 24 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories :

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
2 loaves (1 pound, each) frozen white bread
dough, thawed
Cooking spray

Directions.
Sent to us by Rita M. Newton of Waukon, Iowa, this addictive recipe calls for frozen bread dough, so making it is easy. Place a baking sheet on the bottom rack of your oven to catch any drips while the bread bakes. --January/February 1995

1. Combine 1 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, butter, and 1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute. Remove sugar syrup from heat; cool 10 minutes.

2. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow dish; stir well. Cut each loaf of dough into 24 equal portions. Roll each portion in sugar mixture; layer dough balls in a 12-cup Bundt pan coated with cooking spray. Pour sugar syrup over dough; cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 35 minutes or until dough has doubled in size.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

4. Uncover dough, and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately loosen edges of bread with a knife. Place a plate upside down on top of pan; invert bread onto plate. Drizzle any remaining syrup over bread. Yield: 24 servings (serving size: 2 rolls).

[ellery]

Very funny, Michelle. I've seen the recipe before, and even gone so far as to buy the ingredients, but have never made it. I had a hunch that if I did, I would eat it all. I just love bread.

Well, now, after all that stressing about my run tonight, it wasn't so bad after all. I actually ran 99% of it, only stopping twice to stretch out my calves, and then I continued plodding along at a steady pace. It took me 35 minutes, which will probably be 15 minutes behind the true runners next week, but who cares. I just can't believe how easy it was. Maybe it was plugging into the treadmill so that I could watch the VH-1 special on Southpark, which was infinitely more entertaining than my CD's and the pessimistic voices in my head. Maybe it was the monkeys. Maybe it was eating crap all week and not doing any cardio since Monday.

Hmmm... maybe if I continue my diet of birthday cake once (or sometimes twice) a day and limited cardio next week, I'll do even better for the race next Saturday. Maybe I'll even win. Maybe I'll even set a new world record. Maybe pigs will fly. Maybe my car will start quacking.

Hope everyone else's day turned out with a surprise ending like mine! :D I'm off to eat dinner and try to make bread. Les, if you see a bright red light in the horizon, it's my kitchen on fire. Send the monkeys..

Night all,

Leah

[karen w]

Michele,
I've made the Monkey Bread recipe before, and it is sinfully rich and gooey. DH loves it, but it's not my cup-o-tea. Oh well. It is fun to make with the kids, though.

As far as my day goes, had a great swim today(and even got to do a little diving in the pool when a fellow-actually a gal-swimmer dropped her snorkel on the bottom in the deep end.) She was afraid to try to get it, and the other person that tried, could not make it to the bottom. So it was SUPERDIVER to the rescue!!!! Able to swim great depths in a single breadth, more ferocious than a barracuda, LOOK, down in the reef...it's a jellyfish, it's a moray...NO it's "SUPERDIVER!!!" O.K. reality check time:D !! Seriously, DH and I really wnat to take another diving trip soon. It's been awhile. Our major challenge has been who will stay with the kids. Well, we just got a brochure in the mail yesterday from Carribean Dive Adventures(we've used them for a past trip). They have Kids Sea Camps at several Carribean Island sites next summer where the kids are kept busy 9a.m. to 3 p.m. And now DD is old enough to participate in these "camps" so we are going to look into this for next summer:) .

Did not get my full cycling interval in today since DD decided her grumbling tummy took precedence, but that's O.K. Tomorrow's another day. So the PB & J won out!

A good weekend to everyone!

P.S. The monkey's have left my car alone this week, but the cable person is coming tomorrow to get them out of our computer. Those darn critters keep leaving their banana peels all over the place, and it's been wreaking major havoc on our internet connection. Let's hope the cable people can lure them away:D .

Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

3 pages - 2 weeks in a row!!!


Originally posted by Michelle Achuff
Les~ I'm SO glad that you're taking the time to rest. You said 'it's that time in the training' what does that mean? Do you taper back as you get closer to the race?... Anyway, sounds like you are getting some much needed rest (or will tonight!). Btw...I meant to ask about LW's headaches...are they getting any better??

When I reach 5 weeks or so before my race, having run at least 25 miles a week for 15 weeks (probably averaging over about 30) and following my first 50 total mile week my legs start to get tired and my immune system starts to slow down and my body starts protesting quietly at first and then in about 2 weeks - as I start my real taper - my body is good and ready. This is the 5th time that I've felt tired like this, this being my 5th marathon. The first couple I didn't really connect the condition and the training but now I know. I'll be okay, I've built up to the distance in a relatively sane manner :rolleyes: (right) and will survive it again. Next week is the capper - the longest week of training. Yes, I taper before the race with my longest run (24 miles) 3 weeks before the race. After that I gradually reduce the weekly mileage until the week of the race I run 2 or 3 times taking 3 full days off before the race. Resting tonight. I didn't do much today except work and I'm really headed to bed early to catch up on some needed sleep.
LW's headaches are better. I think it was a combination of changes in pollen and the late blooming season, topped off by all the junk that was blown out of hard to reach places when Isabel came through.


General question to anyone who runs: What kind of shoes do you wear and how on earth did you choose them? DH is talking about taking me to get a pair of *real* running shoes and I have no idea where to start. If you go to a store like a Foot Locker or something do the people there know how to direct you to a shoe that works for you?

Leah really answered the question for you and me. Look in the phone book for running shoe stores. Typical places that I've seen advertised across the country are places like "Fleet Feet". I think you can probably find a listing of shoe stores at Runner's World (http://www.runnersworld.com) . I'm in New Balance right now but ran in Asics Gel Cumulus for almost 2 years. A good running shoe store will allow/make you run with the shoes on and the clerk should ask you lots of questions (how many miles you run, what surfaces you run on, etc.) about your habits. I would expect it to take between 30-60 minutes to get good shoes. It still takes me about 30-40 minutes to get the right shoe - even after having run for almost 10 years straight.

Karen W - That's funny, the monkeys are good things - at least around here. I wonder if you've gotten the "evil twins" there. We'll try to send the good ones your way - but not until after Laura K's run tomorow.

Resting in progress - need to hit the hay. See you all in the afternoon and have a great weekend.

Les

[ellery]

I'm just checking in before I head out to the grocery to buy the ingredients for my cooking binge this weekend. I keep secretly praying for cooler or rainy weather on the weekends, so that I can stay inside and bake all day. For whatever reason, this is vastly entertaining to me lately. Meanwhile the bf has gone to pick up the jetski from the jetski doctor in hopes of luring me outside the house. He's so silly... :rolleyes:

I wonder how Karen is doing/ has done on the race? Hopefully at this time next week I'll be typing that I broke a new world record for 5K's, although I don't know if my good run last night on the treadmill will translate to the ground. Plus, I won't be able to laugh at Southpark as I run next week. Oh well.

We have funny people on our thread. Karen was evidently aided by the monkeys last night in her diving. Maybe they were too tired after the exercise and that's why her computer is acting up. And why my car keeps quacking. Does no one else think that's bizarre? I woulda thought I would've gotten some sort of comment on that. The bf is the only one who's been amused so far, and that's only because he has his own quacking problems at times. Maybe this is normal.

Oh well. I'm off to the grocery! Have a nice day everyone!

:)

Leah

[Leslie Ferguson]

I'm thrilled because I can now say that I've logged another long run. Nothing to get worked up about but still I got through it. Alas, my running partner wasn't there so I did the whole 12 by myself. It's not the first time and probably won't be the last. Legs are still a little heavy but I think that's okay. I treated myself to 15 minutes in the steam room and 10 minutes in the dry sauna after the run - and I feel better for it. My big issue for the remaining 4 weeks is staying healthy - my system is starting to get suppressed right now and I will become succeptible to illness for the next couple weeks.

Here's one more positive thought for Karen - I feel that she's going to do an outstanding job today.

Resting a little more today and off to look for new running shoes - these NB 752s won't make the next 4 weeks and the marathon.

Hope everyone is enjoying this great fall weekend. Peace friends,
Les

[615bride]

tmsl - I'm in Winston-Salem and we have a great running store here. I'm not sure about Charlotte (I know there are several but am not sure which is best). My sis in law lives there and has done four marathons so I could ask her if you want. I have a good friend who lives in Hickory - do you like it out there?