Virtual Running Buddies--Week of 7/30

[beckms]

Wow, my first thread initiation! :D

Folks must be busy today...it's already 6:45 and I'm the first to post!

This week I've been crawling my way back to where I was a couple weeks ago, before I "fell off the wagon", so to speak. The exercise just got away from me, and the food just came right to me...:rolleyes: So it's been rough, and I've been a very sore plodder for the past few days as I try to get back into the groove.

It's hot and steamy today, so I chickened out and ran my 4 on the treadmill at the gym. My discman pooped out halfway through "Dancing Queen" on my ABBA Gold CD, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from yelling obscenities, as I am wont to do when I'm outside. So I had to run four miles with nothing but the line about the tambourine running through my head. :p

But now I feel so good. I think I'm back. :cool:

Terri...um, Clydesdale? I hardly think 135 qualifies as draft horse potential, but if it help at all, I think actual Clydesdales are just beautiful. They are SOOO strong. I like the Athena designation much better.

ktg0930--I hear you on the cardiology stuff. That was the hardest section of my Physiology class this past year. Have you memorized your Wigger's diagram? Ugh. Good luck.

Happy running, everyone!:D

[seathyme]

Hi All!

This Athena/Clydesdale is checking in from the UP once again. Not to make you H&H sufferers feel even worse, but we've had just gorgeous weather here. I'm getting psyched up tonight to run 2.5 hours tomorrow for the first time. It should be 60ish in the earlier morning tomorrow -- no complaints! I *thought* maybe Terri would be keeping me company on this kind of schedule, but come to find out she's running a real live half. Hope it goes well, and have fun!

Glad to hear various injuries seem to be improving. Greetings to all who are running or reuning or finishing courses or long weekending. Disappear for a few days and this crew does all kinds of things! Oh, the rather exciting news from here is that we're considering building a cabin on our lakeside property... that would be quite the adventure.

Good weekends to all -- :cool:

[Leslie Ferguson]

Rebecca - Thanks for starting us. Yes, it has been a busy day. Work was a nightmare, not the least of which was the carpeting installer who showed up and said "I don't want to work late (it's before noon) and I can't work because I don't have all my supplies...". Even after we convince him that the piece he's missing isn't critical and he makes it sound like he'll cut the old out and install the new the guy JUST LEAVES NEVER TO RETURN. Our duty comptroller calls him and he says he's not coming back to work today. :mad: What a great lunch hour. But in reality it didn't matter because it's only a contractor who won't get paid and in the long run it's better that he didn't try to start today (didn't have a good feeling about him any way).
seathyme - Don't want to hear about runs in the 60s unless you want to come down here in my living sauna (heat index at 10 pm was 86). ;) Enjoy your time on the UP and I hope you and DH have a great remainder of your vacation.

Rested today... feel much better for taking the time off and I think that I'm really ready to get back in the saddle as it were. It looks like no good mud tomorrow - just 14 miles in the swamp and humidity. :rolleyes:

Looking forward to seeing the check ins from the rest of the gang after my ruyn tomorrow. Now... off to bed.

Happy trails,
Les

[TLee4]

Originally posted by seathyme
I *thought* maybe Terri would be keeping me company on this kind of schedule, but come to find out she's running a real live half. Hope it goes well, and have fun!


Yes, I can't copy you for once! This long run was scheduled for 14, but 13.1 will have to do. Next weekend is supposed to be 16, and then I will drop down to a 12 miler when I am on vacation in CA.

Thanks for starting the thread, Rebecca. I HATE when the music dies! Good for you for finishing your run anyway. (Speaking of that, no headphones are allowed at this half-marathon tomorrow. But I don't think I can run 13 miles with no music! I may have to be a rule-breaker.)

Les, nice work ethic in that guy, huh?! :rolleyes:

I am RESTING today. YAY!!

Terri

[Leslie Ferguson]

Terri - No kidding about that guy at work. Believe me he doesn't know the half of it - being that he stiffed the Military/Government (and the person who had contracted him had already charged our account before the work was done...) and the hiring agent did a no-no, the contracting company may be out a few contracts (the government around here is a bad group to cross - we have lots of $$ to spend relative to the rest of society in Norfolk). One can only hope. I wouldn't worry about the 1/2 not letting you run with headphones, a lot of races say that and most of them aren't the "headphone police" as long as you aren't too obnoxious about your music or don't pay attention at the start or the finish. I bet you'll do fine and I hope that the weather there is better than it was here today.

We had a good run today - 14 miles in the nearly opressive humidity. Because I'm helping/pacing a guy who has never run a marathon before I've been very conscious of running at a steady and (relatively) slow pace which is probably a good thing for me. But all wasn't great today - one thing that is more an annoyance than anything, one of the windows on my car is stuck about 1 inch down (a bad thing in Norfolk in the summer especially considering we've had over 12 or 13 inches of rain in July and a tropical depression predicted to hit the area on Monday :rolleyes: ). The other is I still have to behave myself on my runs - there is an upper limit to my mileage based on the tumble I took a couple weeks ago. Hip and knee are a little tight this evening and I imagine that I'll be icing my hip for a while to come but it still felt good to do the 14 miles. :)

Hope everyone has a good weekend and that Terri runs swiftly tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Hi all! Rebecca, thank you for starting us off, and LOL about the Dancing Queen line going through your head :D Sorry toh ear about the discman conking out on you, though.

Terri, how was the race?? Even if you ended up running without headphones, I'm sure the race excitement and crowd spurred you on :) It sounds fun! I wish I could find a half around here this time of year but I've yet to hear of one *sigh*

Les, that's awesome that you were able to do 14 miles. How are the hip and knee today?

Kathy, how was your exam??

Seathyme, that is exciting news about possibly building a cabin! Glad to hear you're having so much fun up north :)

Hello to everyone else!

I went out today and did about 7 miles. I didn't know how much I'd do when I set out, and that distance suited me fine. :) It was hot as I'd meant to go earlier but then my husband surprised me with Tim Horton's coffee and Timbits, so I decided to relax over coffee for a while, and then the puppy wanted to play, and by the time I got out it was already getting pretty hot (though not as hot as it will be later in the day!).

Have a good day, everyone.
Natasha

[beckms]

Hey runners!

I've been checking out the 5K training program on the coolrunning website (not the Couch to 5K, I've finally graduated from that! :D ) and they talk about fartleks and intervals. These seem kind of the same to me...could someone please tell me what the difference is so I know I'm doing them right?

Thanks!

Haven't gotten out today yet, but Wrigley and I just got back from DOGGIE HEAVEN (the good kind)...thanks to Seathyme's suggestion, we finally made it to the nearby state park that has a wonderful off-leash area with a pond and a field...Wrigley spent a good half-hour in a nonstop sprint from pond to field to pond to field to pond to field...oh, she had SO much fun. I only wish Sparkle weren't so antisocial and dog-aggressive, because I don't think she'll ever get to go. So sad. :(

I'm just waiting for my laundry to finish so I don't have to run naked.

:p

[TLee4]

Hi all. Thanks for the good wishes today! I'm really glad I did the half-marathon. I think it was great practice for the big day. (Thank God the big day is in Oct...I definitely did not have 13 more miles left in me today! Not even one or two miles, I don't think...) There were many people with headphones on, including me. I did not have it loud though..I could totally hear the cheering, and even people's conversations next to me. I will post my results below. Not so fast, but I am totally happy with it.

Les and Natahsa, glad you got your runs in! Rebecca, hope you didn't have to run naked. :) Hope everyone else is having a good weekend.

Terri


bib number: 4328
age: 32
gender: F
overall place: 2418 out of 4162
division place: 157 out of 375
gender place: 831 out of 1985
time: 2:09:39
pace: 9:54

[TLee4]

Oh, I forgot to say that the race course was awesome..very scenic. Here is a link to it:

http://www.waddleon.com/Images/cdcmap04.pdf

[beckms]

Terri, that course looks beautiful! It sounds like you had fun, and I'm so impressed that anyone could ever run that far, much less at a sub-10:00 pace! Great job!

I just got back from my piddly 4 miles, but MAN, was it hot and humid out there! I wanted to stop so many times, but I didn't. I drank about a gallon of water when I got back, though.:p

[Natasha]

CONGRATULATIONS, TERRI! Great result in the half :) It does sound like a fun course, too. I hadn't realized it was a "Penguin-sanctioned" ;) race. Did you see John Bingham? I think it would be so cool to meet him. I almost did a race he was at but didn't end up doing it. Then I did it the same race the following year but he wasn't there that time :(

Rebecca, yay on the 4 miler in the heat! Did you take Wrigley with you, or no, since he had the fun romp in the park and since it's hot today?

Hello to everyone else!
Natasha

[TLee4]

Originally posted by beckms
Terri, that course looks beautiful! It sounds like you had fun, and I'm so impressed that anyone could ever run that far, much less at a sub-10:00 pace!

Thanks ladies! :) Rebecca, you know what I was thinking as I ran this race? That I have had more trouble (mentally) with a couple of 5K's when I started running (1997? Not sure...) Like today I never thought "I'm going to have to stop". (I did walk through all of the water stations, which is what I had planned, but I have stopped and walked in 5K's before, and I didn't even consider it today). So I guess I have progressed mentally and physically!

Natasha, I don't know if I'd know him if I saw him! But when we lined up by pace, I put myself in the 10-minute milers, then behind us were 11's and maybe 12's, and then "Penguins"! :)

[Natasha]

Originally posted by TLee4

Natasha, I don't know if I'd know him if I saw him! But when we lined up by pace, I put myself in the 10-minute milers, then behind us were 11's and maybe 12's, and then "Penguins"! :)

:D cute! And it certainly sounds like you've made great progress. Congrats. Bring on your marathon! :D

[badunnin]

Hi all - it's been an eh few days for me. I've been just lazy, and when I finally felt like running tonight, my right foot hurts like crazy. I got bit by something, right at the base of my big toe, and it's swollen and warm. So, we'll lay off of it for a day and see what it looks like tomorrow. I've already had to drain it twice. :rolleyes: Not pretty.

Susan - great job on the race! The route looks, umm, long to me. ;) I personally think they should just re-name the Clydesdale classification to the "Fatty fatty two-by-four" division. :D

Seathyme - how exciting about building a cabin! If you ever decide to rent it out, let me know. I'm always looking for nice places to stay up there!

Hello to Les and Nat and Rebecca and Terri and Kathy!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Terri - GREAT JOB! That's a fabulous time for you half - especially if it was as hot and humid there as I imagine it was. Way to go! Bring on that old Chicago Marathon too.
Bethany - YEWWWW! The toe sounds painful (but kind of intriguing in the 3-year old in me kind of way). Take care of that toe and I hope you figure out what got you.
Rebecca - I don't have the time to pen the difference between fartlek and intervals now but in the morning I'll give it a go. Congrats on "doggie heaven" and getting out with the dog to the fun place. :)
Natasha - Feeling the knee and hip a little, still not fully over the tumble but nothing that can't be carefully run around. I'll probably try to keep as little stress on the hip/knee this week - it is a step back on the long run so maybe a little more rest.

WIth all that I can say that I had a good lifting session today. Feeling stronger all the time (i.e., less pain in my knee and hip and less swelling in my ankle) and should be really set to go in about another week. Still a little lingering action in my hip (go figure).

Hope to hear from some of the folks as the work week starts tomorrow and until then...

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Hi gang!

Bethany, yikes, that sounds weird about the toe. Do let us know if you find out what bit you; I'm interested (for some perverse reason) ;)

Les, that's great about the good lifting session.

Today is a day off, which is nice. It's going to be another hot one. I plan to go to the gym or ride my bike and do weights and abs, and hopefully make something with some of the blueberries and zucchini we have (not in the same recipe). ;) Yesterday I made a sour cream peach pie - soooo good. I love peaches and blueberries! Of course, I'll probably also spend some of it doing work. I ended up doing a few hours' work yesterday too. Oh, well...

Take care, everyone, and I hope your day is a mighty fine one.
Natasha

[TLee4]

Hi all! Thanks again for the kind words. Bethany, I see that there is a whole "Clydesdale Club" that I can join in Chicago. No thanks!!!

Natasha, I saw your review for the peach pie. It looks SO GOOD. I really have to motivate myself to do some baking. I think I need a day off of work. ;)

Talk to you all soon.
Terri

[badunnin]

Les and Nat - I'm not sure I want to know what bit me! :) The good news is: after sleeping with it elevated last night, the swelling has gone down, and it looks like it is healing nicely, won't need to be drained again. Yay!

Hopefully I'll be in form to get out this evening. ;)

[Elizabeth B]

Hi all!

Terri - Congratulations! Your race results sure sound good to me!

Bethany - I hope your foot feels better soon - I wonder what it was that bit you?

Les - It sounds as though you're recovering nicely!

Natasha - Sour cream peach pie sounds yummy - is it a CL recipe?

I had a little set back over the week-end and I'm a little bummed about it. The weather here was similar to Les's - hot and humid. I went out for a run and was almost ready to cut it short but talked my way through the whole 3 miles. When I got home, DH (who is usually very supportive) commented that I "run strangely". When he saw that his comment bothered me, he backpeddled to "it's just strange to see you run".

I try to follow good running form, but should I have someone evaluate my gait? Like I said before, the weather was very hot and humid and I felt like I was really slogging my way throught it. But now I'm wondering if I run like Phoebe on "Friends"?

[ktg0930]

Terri - congratulations on completing the 1/2 marathon!

Bethany - glad the toe is improving.

Natasha - I made the blueberry gingerbread cake from July over the weekend. It is good.

Les - 14 miles in humidity? You are a trouper.

Rebecca - good for you to not stop on that run.

Seathyme - I am so envious of your nice weather!

Susan - how was the reunion?

My exam is over. I think it went well, but it's hard to tell. There were too many multiple choice questions that can kill you if you get too many wrong. Usually our exams are more short answer where you can get partial credit for at least having a logical train of thought. But I'm happy to be done for a while.

The heat, humidity, and rain got the best of me yesterday. I was supposed to run 9 miles but only could make it through 8 and that was a struggle. Last week my 8 miles were easy and I starting to believe I could actually run this half marathon. After yesterday, I'm not so sure. The race is August 29 and it's bound to be humid. It starts at 7 am which should help a little.

Kathy

[SusanMac]

Terri - congrats on the 1/2!! Was this your first? Even better. I think the Penguin is awesome. But, it's also kind of nice to know that you're not designated as the "Penguin" pace, eh? I was hoping to go down to watch another friend do the Chicago Marathon, but now have company that weekend :-( Oh well, it would have been nearly impossible to find you (or her) in the crowds anyway.

Les - Sounds like you still need to take it easy on the mileage w/your hip & knee injury. Don't want to revert back to couch & ice status.

The reunion was really great. Many women who don't workout but are tinier or just as thin as me. Oh well. They're not having as much fun as me and don't get to race with their hubbies. Great to spend time with old friends. I went for a run through Memorial Park for the first time (*THE* running spot in Houston). Even though I lived there for 18 years, I didn't run then, and it seemed so far away as a kid. Very fun. Dang hot. I was sweating bullets like a mad woman, and my HR was very, very high even though I was just going a nice easy pace. I was also the only one carrying water. What's up with that? These people are insane! I took my niece & nephew to the pool one day (9 & 6), hoping to do some laps. I'm obviously not experienced in the Mom category, as there was no chance of doing laps. They jumped off my shoulders and rode on back for an hour. That was more fun anyway :-)

Greeting to the rest of yall! I love everyone's posts, but just don't always have responses.

[TLee4]

Elizabeth, I'm sure you don't run like Phoebe! One thing I noticed in the race yesterday is that runners are all shapes and sizes, and all run a bit differently from each other. If your body feels good, you are probably fine!

Kathy, it has been totally hot/humid here. I've been doing (too much) of my training on the treadmill. But the 7am start time was great...it really wasn't that hot during the race, even though it was SCORCHING by later in the day.

Susan, yes it was my first time! : ) Don't you hate those skinny minnie's who don't work out?! ugh.

Terri

[ktg0930]

Elizabeth, you made me laugh with reference to that episode of Friends. I love when Phoebe runs with her arms flailing and then Rachel does the same and runs into the horse. Thanks for a much-needed chuckle. I am sure you look nothing like Phoebe when you run.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kathy - A glutton for punishment may be a better description for me running in the heat and humidity. But hey - if you don't run in the stuff here you don't run period. Congrats on your exam being over - sometimes that's the best thing to say - the test is over and there's nothing you can do now except wait. I'm sure you did well though.
Elizabeth - Just remember that running in heat and humidity will either (1) slow you down because you run out of gas or (2) slow you down (on purpose) so you don't run out of gas. There are some that say you can expect a 30 second slowing (over your normal pace for a run of the length you are doing) for every 5 degrees over 60 when you run (either expect it or force yourself to slow down that much). I can't really buy that because that would mean that I should expect to run about 11 minute miles if it's 85 and there's no way that I go that slow (nor do I think I could go that slow either). But you should expect to run slower and if you aren't accustomed to running in heat and humidity you may end up running "funny" in the stuff. I know that the first couple runs in the summer I really have to concentrate to run correctly or my form is terrible. You'll be fine - believe me.
Terri - Congrats again on your run, it sounds like your on tap for a good Chicago Marathon.
Susan - Yes - I'll be careful and rest in appropriate manners. Sitting most of the day today has wreaked havoc on my ankle. Funny that sitting is harder on my ankle than standing or walking.

As such... and because there were tons of rain today so I'm in an operational pause regarding my workout. Still feeling the 14 miles from Saturday so discretion may be either to not workout or do elliptical (no pounding). Can't do either sitting here though so...

Happy Monday afternoon and happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Stealing the thunder and horning in on the thread - not really. Just thought I'd give the good report from tonights workout. I had a sweaty and tiring elliptical session which really filled the bill in a couple ways. The longish part of the story... Considering my inability to listen to things while on the machine I spent a good portion of the time reading a U.S. News and had a brilliant flash for the project that I've been struggling with for the past month or so. The thoughts were so good I had to take a little extra time during my cool down to write my thoughts down so I didn't lose them (ideas are perishable these days). I was so THRILLED! So not only did I get a great workout in I also helped relieve stress in a totally unexpected way. The second thing I came up with was the reason that my knee is bugging me - I really looked at my shoes and suffice to say, if they were tires they wouldn't be safe to drive on (it seems like I just got new scooters :rolleyes: - oh well that was probably lots of miles ago). So tomorrow, I'm off to get new scooters which should help both knee and hip.

Hope everyone is having a great evening and runs like the wind.

Until tomorrow - happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

How awesome, Les (about the flash). Those revelations are great! :)

Gotta run (well, not literally quite yet). Have a good day, everyone.

Natasha

[SusanMac]

Elizabeth - Forgot to address your running gait/form question. While I wouldn't say to rush out and get an analysis, your form & gait is really, really important. It will prevent injuries, prevent you from bonking too early, and improve your speed. Get DH to give you more specifics. Are you a heel striker? Do your feet swing out to the sides? Do your knees hit each other? Are your feet too far out in front? Do your hips move too much? The Chi Running book that Seathyme has talked about spends a lot of time describing good form & why it's important.

Beckms - Did any of us ever discuss your fartlek/interval question? There are several different types of intervals, and I honestly get them mixed up. But, here's the net-net...intervals are workouts where you push hard at a certain pace or HR for a designated period of time, followed by a specified rest period. It teaches your body to perform at a faster pace, while giving you a chance to flush out the lactic acid you build up by working hard. Intervals apply to a lot of sports (biking, swimming, rowing). Fartleks do the same thing, but aren't measured. These are good if you're running in a place that isn't measured. For example, run hard til you get to the next light pole, then slow back down for 1 minute. I'm not an expert, but hopefully that makes sense.

Well, you can add me to the injured list among VRB. I slipped on the dock during rowing practice this morning, and now have a big, black knot on my inside right ankle. Kinda hurts, but I'm hoping it's temporary. I can't walk fine, but am really wondering what it would be like to run. Sitting here with ice right now. What a klutz! It's not even a real sports injury!

[monkee831]

Just checking in to say hi all!

I haven't had time to read all the interesting posts yet, been busy at work.

I have a quick question for Natasha I was thinking of making a peach/blueberry cobbler but now I want to try your sour cream peach pie instead. Would it throw off the taste of the pie if I tossed in a few blueberries and left everything else the same? I was also thinking of making some kind of crust that I could just pat in the pan - no rolling required. I have issues with rolling a decent pie crust.:rolleyes: Would that work or is the pie too juicy for that?

Same old same old in the running news. Last week got a little crazy - car repairs and all so I missed a few days but I'm trying to get back into the groove now.

Still trying to find a marathon I can afford to run.:( Hawaii is definitely out of the question financially. It's been a rough summer! Every month another $200-300 unexpected and unplanned for expense and now I'm facing getting the roof replaced thanks to all the hail this summer. Oh well that's the way it goes sometimes. Can anyone suggest a race closer to home - Colorado - that is worth checking out?

[Natasha]

Originally posted by monkee831

I have a quick question for Natasha I was thinking of making a peach/blueberry cobbler but now I want to try your sour cream peach pie instead. Would it throw off the taste of the pie if I tossed in a few blueberries and left everything else the same? I was also thinking of making some kind of crust that I could just pat in the pan - no rolling required. I have issues with rolling a decent pie crust.:rolleyes: Would that work or is the pie too juicy for that?

Hi!

Yes, I think a few blueberries would work fine; in fact that's funny because my husband wanted to do that but we didn't end up doing so. The crust I made was also one I could just pat in the pan and it didn't get soggy :)

Good luck and I'm sorry that Hawaii is out of your budget for now :(

Talk with you all soon,
Natasha

[monkee831]

Thanks Natasha ! Do you happen to have your crust recipe handy? I guess I should have just posted on the great food forum...:o

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by SusanMac
Beckms - Did any of us ever discuss your fartlek/interval question? There are several different types of intervals, and I honestly get them mixed up. But, here's the net-net...intervals are workouts where you push hard at a certain pace or HR for a designated period of time, followed by a specified rest period. It teaches your body to perform at a faster pace, while giving you a chance to flush out the lactic acid you build up by working hard. Intervals apply to a lot of sports (biking, swimming, rowing). Fartleks do the same thing, but aren't measured. These are good if you're running in a place that isn't measured. For example, run hard til you get to the next light pole, then slow back down for 1 minute. I'm not an expert, but hopefully that makes sense.
That's a good summary. If there's one other thing to add from my experience is the difference between an interval and a repeat. As best I can understand an interval is one where you don't recover as much as a repeat. Meaning - if you are doing 1/2 mile repeats you want to be close to your starting heart rate for the faster portion before you start your next repeat. While doing intervals you won't recover nearly as much as the repeat. Kind of confusing but there is a little bit of difference. I personally like Fartleks because they aren't structured too. I already do too much in the structured department.
Well, you can add me to the injured list among VRB. I slipped on the dock during rowing practice this morning, and now have a big, black knot on my inside right ankle. Kinda hurts, but I'm hoping it's temporary. I can't walk fine, but am really wondering what it would be like to run. Sitting here with ice right now. What a klutz! It's not even a real sports injury!
:( Sorry to hear about the ankle - especially since I'm coming off my ankle issue.

monkee - There are a few good Colorado races especially in Colorado Springs. Let me see if I can find the link to the races that are there and I'll post it for you.

Busy day here and we're still feeling the residual of Tropical Storm Alex. LOTS of rain this morning and a bit of wind at lunch. I was a good boy and got my workout in - be it in the gym on the elliptical again. But with the dead shoes I wasn't going to risk hurting something. Feels good to be done with my workout for the day before heading home - that way I can go to the running store and get the scooters that I so desperately need.

Hi Natasha!

Happy trails to all and I'll be back this evening,
Les

[Natasha]

I finally went out for a run at close to 9 PM and didn't go for too long but made up for it by being speedy (for me); I did about 6.5 km in about 32-33 minutes, and it was still hot and somewhat humid out, so I was very pleased with that and with how I felt :) Now to finish stretching well before bed!

Monkee, I just combined the 1/2 cup butter with the flour and sugar specified in the recipe and left out the egg yolks and lemon rind. It was pretty much like the shortbread squares I make, as it happened, though I put salt in those. I was careful not to overbake the crust so it wouldn't take on that burned taste that overdone shortbread can have. Hope this helps and that you enjoy the pie if you try it!

Well, it's pretty late in my world (the world of the occasional 4:45 wake-ups :p) so I'll sign off and wish you all a pleasant rest of evening and night.

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Natasha - Glad you had a late but good run. Amazing how a little time crunch puts the speed on ;) isn't it?

Shoe report - Is it me or wasn't it less that 10 weeks ago that I got scooters? It may have been a little more than that but probably not too much. I've found the NB 752s aren't as long lasting as I'd like. I've only been getting between 300-350 miles out of a pair (vs. 400-450 out of my Asics). Considering I do about 30 miles a week (give or take) and I've done a lot more on pavement rather than treadmill the shoes are showing wear a little faster. So tonight's foray into the shoe store (after ~25 minutes of shopping) netted me a pair of Asics Gel-Nimbus VI (http://www.asicsamerica.com/product.asp?PRODUCT_ID=240003176&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001175&BACK_CATEGORY_ID=250001173) in White/New Navy/Liquid Silver and they look and feel slick. :)

Tomorrow brings my first opportunity to test the new scoots. They should be good even if they are a little more beefy than the NB. Hey - I've got a while until Richmond so I may end up getting new scoots before then anyway.

Until morning - happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Good morning, all! Time to respond to some of the older posts on the thread, at last :)

Elizabeth, I agree with Susan that gait is important, and would have an experienced runner (or someone knowledgeable at a good running store) check it out whenever you get a chance. Good people at running stores can also tell you a lot about the way you run by looking at your shoes, so bring 'em in if you go. Good luck and I'm sure your gait is just fine! :)

Kathy, congrats on being done with the exam! The blueberry gingerbread cake sounds fantastic. Wish I had a piece right here to go with my coffee. Mmm...

Bethany, are you back out there running?

Les, hope the new scooters work fantastically well. I'm willing to bet you'll get not only one other pair of scoots before Richmond but at least two ;) You should get a volume discount! :D

Susan, sorry to hear about the injury :( How are you today?

Terri, how are you feeling post-race?

Hi Rebecca, Mary, Seathyme, Monkee, and anyone I've missed.

[TLee4]

Originally posted by Natasha
Terri, how are you feeling post-race?


Hi all! Good to hear you squeezed your run in Natasha! I am feeling fine post-race except that my foot issue is cropping up again. Last week the chiro said maybe we should x-ray it to rule out a stress fracture, so I might have him do that tonight. It was ok during the half-marathon, and during my 5 miles on Mon. But today I had planned to do 9, and it started hurting a lot so I ended at 7. I have NO TIME for an injury! (Like that matters, right Susan, Seathyme, Les, etc?!)

Terri

[Elizabeth B]

Thanks to everyone for your responses on my gait. I've thought about it and honestly don't think my gait is bad. On my recent trip to the cool running store to buy shoes, they looked at the wear on my old shoes and said it looked good and watched me run in both pairs of shoes that I tried on. I think that it was hot and humid and I was literally pushing my way through the run and that's when DH happened to look out the window. Next time I'll be SPRINTING past our house!

Les - congrats on the new scooters - they sound very cool! I don't know what it is about new running shoes, but they bring out the little kid in me and make me think I can "run faster and jump higher"!! Hearing about Tropical Storm Alex makes me glad I no longer live in your neck of the woods!

Terri - Good luck with your foot. I hope that they can rule out the stress fracture.

Take care, all!

[SusanMac]

Les - Have you tried buying 2 new pairs at once? Then alternating them for your workouts? Don't know if that would actually extend their life or not. But, it is supposed to be good if you run in wet conditions (which you do) or have a lot of humidity (which you do).

Natasha - Cannot believe that you can just whip up a crust without a recipe. Now we are in awe of you not only for your masterful hill running, but your crust-making, as well!

Monkee - How about Leadville?! :-) Just kidding. I lived in Colorado for 3 years, and was surprised there weren't more races there. It's supposedly a running mecca, but I never found that to be the case. Of course, I wasn't willing to drive very far at the time, which is funny because I now love little road trips for races. Have you checked out marathonguide.com? One of my favorite websites, not just for races but other fun resources.

Ankle feels better today, although last night was really bad. It was swollen & puffy, I had to limp, and it ached regardless of what position I tried to sleep in. I took some aspirin (duh!) and feel much better.

[badunnin]

Originally posted by Natasha

Bethany, are you back out there running?


I think about it! I'm under a bit of stress lately, and I want to cry. The university is giving me one flaming hoop after another to jump through, and I'm just so tired of it. Today it's the fact that they mis-registered me for a class 2 semesters ago, and now I need a letter from my instructor on university letterhead that says that I did enough for the 3 credits I'm appealing for. This weekend looks good for running, though. I'll be up north, and there will be no hoop-jumping on the weekend.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by badunnin


I think about it! I'm under a bit of stress lately, and I want to cry. The university is giving me one flaming hoop after another to jump through, and I'm just so tired of it. Today it's the fact that they mis-registered me for a class 2 semesters ago, and now I need a letter from my instructor on university letterhead that says that I did enough for the 3 credits I'm appealing for. This weekend looks good for running, though. I'll be up north, and there will be no hoop-jumping on the weekend.
:( :( Sorry to hear about all the flailing around with school. I hope those folks see their way clear to do the right thing for you. Jumping throuhg hoops can be almost as much exercise as running :rolleyes: or at least that's what I tell myself. Hope this weekend provides you with the needed respite and chance to run.

Susan - I haven't purchased 2 pairs of new shoes in a long time and especially since I don't know if I'm going to like these shoes (they really do cost ~$100 a pair :rolleyes: ). If they are the things that I want to run in I may purchase another pair so I can rotate them a little and if I'm not thrilled with them then I may purchase another brand in their stead.
Terri - I too hope that your foot issue isn't a stress fracture. Good that you stopped when you did - never good to do more damage than necessary.
Natasha - A volume discount would be fabulous.
Elizabeth - I love getting new shoes too. LW got to see the little kid in me last night when I brought them into the house (BIG BIG GRIN).

Success!! I put the new scooters to the test and they felt good. Of course, the first 7 miles in scooters better feel fantastic :rolleyes: or there's something wrong with them. But I ran without any extra pain and put up with the heat and humidity (which was excessive). Now I'm finishing up on a course of ice before heading home for the evening.

Hope to hear some good hump day reports this evening.

Happy trails,
Les

[TLee4]

Hi all! Les, glad you like those new shoes. Susan, sorry your ankle still hurts!! :(

Well, no stress fracture...yeah! I don't know what the problem is. I think I am going to shoe shop soon also.

Terri

[seathyme]

Hi everyone!

So much to catch up on, and I'm still (happily) out in the boondocks. Quickly, though, big congrats to Terri on the successful half marathon!! Your time was great, and I'm sure it's good to get the racing experience.

Sorry about the foot/ankle pains that seem to be contagious this week. Hope they resolve ASAP.

Rebecca, I'm glad you enjoyed Callahan! It's a great dog place. :D

Badunnin, sorry about the hoops. Yuck. I actually do have a rental option for you up here, if you're interested. DH's uncle and aunt rent rustic log cabins by the week for a very reasonable rate. It's on Otter Lake in Tapiola, if you want to check out the location. And I'll send you more info if you'd like. It's looking more and more like we're going to build next summer! Very exciting.:)

My regards to all who are slogging through H&H. I'm continuing to have just beautiful morning runs here. Completed the 2.5 hours the other day, which was a new time milestone for me. The legs felt it, too -- I'm having trouble picturing the four hours or more it would take me to complete a marathon... but have reached the point where I know it's possible (though probably a tad insane :p ).

Tonight it's supposed to be in the 40's :eek: . Truly, this is heaven for an avowed H&H hater like me. So I'll get out there in the chilly morning tomorrow and probably run 7 or so. Yeah.

Friday we leave here, and Sunday night get back home. (Natasha, I pm'd you.) Until then, happy trails everyone!:cool:

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by seathyme
My regards to all who are slogging through H&H. I'm continuing to have just beautiful morning runs here. Completed the 2.5 hours the other day, which was a new time milestone for me. The legs felt it, too -- I'm having trouble picturing the four hours or more it would take me to complete a marathon... but have reached the point where I know it's possible (though probably a tad insane :p ).

Friday we leave here, and Sunday night get back home. (Natasha, I pm'd you.) Until then, happy trails everyone!:cool:
That's the ticket! A big part of doing well in a Marathon (be that completing or running faster than you have in the past) is believing you can do it. 2 1/2 hours of running the other day - that's a big step. How long will you run before your race (what is the time/mileage for the literalist like me)? It sounds like you've got the perfect place to vacation away from it all. In the 40s tonight, :o I'm not sure my body could cope with that right now. Of course it got down to the upper 70s last night (heat index today was something like 105 and the heat index is just 85 degrees right now :rolleyes: ). Have a safe trip home on Friday and Saturday.

Terri - That's good news about no stress fracture. Remind me, where is the foot pain. On the top of the foot above the arch? Is the pain near a shoe lace or the edge of the shoe upper? Those are notorious for causing foot pain.

It looks like I've had a change in schedule for the week - I'm racing a 5k (just a 5k???) this weekend. We're going to use it as a race pace predictor. Let's just hope that the weather behaves and isn't too hot. Of course maybe I'll beam myself to Pluto too. :rolleyes:

Happy Wednesday to all and sweet dreams,
Les

[TLee4]

Hi all. Nice to hear from you, Seathyme! Glad you're having a wonderful time. I'll be copying you again this weekend. I'm supposed to run 16, so that will be definitely over 2.5 hours. (And 3 miles further than I've ever run!!)

Hi Les. Enjoy the 5K! You won't know what to do with yourself for the rest of the day! :) Les, the pain is in the middle of the top of my foot. Doesn't seem to really touch the laces or shoe upper. At the chiro yesterday, I got a massage, and then I iced it last night. I was able to do 9 this morning (yeah!) without much pain. So I'll just keep icing and hoping!

Have a great day, all.

Terri

[Natasha]

Terri, yay on no stress fracture and the 9 pain free miles :) What's your weekly mileage these days? Sounds like a lot!

Les, the 5k should be fun. I predict you'll keep right on running past the finish line, since 5k is just a warmup for you ;)

Hello to everyone else, and have a good day.

Natasha

[TLee4]

Hi Natasha. I just counted! It looks like this week will be 40 miles if I am on plan. That is the most so far. The past few weeks have been more like 31-35. Do you remember what you were doing at this point(Week 7) in your marathon training?

Terri

[Natasha]

Originally posted by TLee4
Hi Natasha. I just counted! It looks like this week will be 40 miles if I am on plan. That is the most so far. The past few weeks have been more like 31-35. Do you remember what you were doing at this point(Week 7) in your marathon training?

Terri

40 miles, wow! At week 7 I was only supposed to do about 23-24 miles :o but then I'm the low mileage girl and wrote my training plan accordingly. ;) Most plans that I've seen have higher mileage than 24 at week 7. Actually, I don't believe I even ran that much in week 7 since I was coming off that little calf injury and was being careful after having done the half marathon the week before.

Anyway, more power to ya if you can keep up that mileage AND do spin classes. :) You rock! Take care of the foot and have a good day,

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by TLee4
Hi Les. Enjoy the 5K! You won't know what to do with yourself for the rest of the day! :) Les, the pain is in the middle of the top of my foot. Doesn't seem to really touch the laces or shoe upper. At the chiro yesterday, I got a massage, and then I iced it last night. I was able to do 9 this morning (yeah!) without much pain. So I'll just keep icing and hoping!

Have a great day, all.

Terri
That's the truth. Of course since the run is early that gives me the chance to do a little something else with my day. And hey, the race starts about 2 miles from my house (and in the middle of a 8 mile loop) so who knows. I'm glad that your foot seems to be responding to the chiro and ice and honestly if it were the laces or the upper there isn't a good fix for that pain except either ice or rest.
Natasha - Who knows...

Now for the "funny story of the day... It seems that I had a middle of the night excursion (and incursion) with a blanket chest at the foot of the bed (believe me I knew I ran into it when it happened) - kind of what I get for making a mid-night potty run without waking up or turning on the light. Anyway, I didn't realize how badly I damaged my toe - I peeled back the nail and removed the skin from about half the tip of my toe :rolleyes: not a pretty sight. Rather than risk running funny because of the toe I may relegate myself to the bike tonight just to get the miles in and rest (kind of) before the race.

Hope everyone else has a better day than that. Happy (hobbling) trails,
Les

[TLee4]

Boy, we are just falling apart in this group, aren't we?! (LES?)

Well, Natasha, low milage or not, you definitely ran the marathon faster than I will hope to! Only two Spins this week (one at noon today) although I do have a 30 minute "audition" at a new club on Friday evening.

Terri

[badunnin]

Job's on hold folks. I'm so depressed right now. Long story. I'm not out of the running, but they are going to "look" for the next week or so.

[SusanMac]

OK, I have a random idea for the group.....I just ran across a grant program sponsored by Balance Bar. Twice each year, they give grant money (often a LOT) to either individuals or teams that have passion, spirit and a cool goal to reach. Grant money can cover equipment (shoes), travel, race registration or other stuff.

Do you guys think Balance Bar would give us a grant to travel and accomplish a half-marathon as a team?? Or attend a running camp as a team? We might need to be the the Virtual Running Buddies Team (w/o CL affiliation).

http://www.balance.com/grants/rules.asp

Whaddya think?

[Natasha]

Susan,

Yes, yes, yes! I think it's a great idea and that you guys should go for it! I can't because I'm not a U.S. citizen but it sounds awesome. :) If you guys do a race or something as a result of the grant I'll try to make it there!!

Bethany,

Sorry to hear your news :(

Les, ouch!! Good decision to bike today and not jeopardize yourself before the 5k. Hope the toe recovers soon.

Terri, good luck with the audition tomorrow night!

I ran about 9 km today, enjoying the cool weather, and now am having an early dinner in front of the computer because my husband is on the road. After this I have to do more work. Oh, well!

Have a good evening, all!
Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by SusanMac
OK, I have a random idea for the group.....I just ran across a grant program sponsored by Balance Bar. Twice each year, they give grant money (often a LOT) to either individuals or teams that have passion, spirit and a cool goal to reach. Grant money can cover equipment (shoes), travel, race registration or other stuff.

Do you guys think Balance Bar would give us a grant to travel and accomplish a half-marathon as a team?? Or attend a running camp as a team? We might need to be the the Virtual Running Buddies Team (w/o CL affiliation).

http://www.balance.com/grants/rules.asp

Whaddya think?
I think that would be great and they may even buy it. I'm game. Let me look at the whole rules and see what is needed for the team.

Natasha - We'll figure out how to chip in from the money if we get it. We couldn't run as a team without you. :)
Terri - No kidding. How stupid do I feel... Really stupid. And I can't even blame my injury on the thing being new in the house. :rolleyes:

Busy and unproductive afternoon. Spent 3 hours in two separate meetings that should have taken about an hour total :mad: I HATE MEETINGS!

Oh well, almost 6 and I've done almost nothing except a weekly report. But then, that's the only thing that I HAVE to do today. Now, if the rain will behave and we don't get the 2" hail (like predicted) I'll be on the bike. If not... then I'm resting.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

is a very human thing...

As you can see, I'm procrastinating because I don't feel like working any more today :( Break time!

Les, I've long wanted a blanket chest. Your story may have saved us a few hundred dollars as now I'm reconsidering ;) Seriously, good luck getting in your ride (i.e,. I hope it doesn't hail). I had to laugh about your big "I hate meetings" :D I think most of us can relate. Tomorrow is Friday - take heart!

How's everyone else doing? Elizabeth, Kathy, Mary, Rebecca, et al - what's new?

Okay, now I am really going back to work.

Natasha

P.S. Les, they changed that race in VA to November so as it happens we may be going down to Charlottesville after all! Who knows...