Virtual Running Buddies - Dec 2

[SusanMac]

Anyone running today?? Seems like we maybe have a little holiday-season, early-winter tapering this month. Not quite as many posts as summertime, which is OK. We all need a break.

I'm hoping to run today, as it's really nice out. Schedule's crazy. And, getting my family's packages ready to ship this weekend is a priority. We'll see.

Meg's triathlon is this Sunday. www.runcim.org. Good luck, Meg !!

Les, you undoubtedly have runs & maybe even biking planned for this weekend.

What's everyone else up to?

Does anyone have running, yoga, or other fitness-related stuff on their Christmas list this year??

[ktg0930]

Good luck this weekend Meg!!

I actually have been running this week...three times since Tuesday! It's been chilly the past 2 mornings, but there's such a sense of accomplishment after running in the cold, dark morning!

I have an exam tomorrow and then am leaving on a trip tomorrow afternoon. I return Wednesday and then have to think about the supper club cookie exchange.

Hope everyone else is well!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Susan - Thanks for starting this week. I've run today - that makes three runs and a bike so far this week. Nothing dramatic on the run just 35 minutes but like you said I have a run of 10+ scheduled tomorrow as well as a bike ride. One of our runners is running 20 miles (run/walk 4 & 1 which equates to about 10-12 minute miles) and my coach is out of town so I'll be around the park from 8 am until ??? Maybe 12:30 again. I feel a steam room visit coming on. :D :cool:

Good luck MEG - we're pulling for you!

Of course there's running stuff on the list. I may get a fluid trainer for my bike so I can work at home instead of at the gym. I always have shorts, socks, and tanks on the list too. I think I'm starting to feel my age this year because I'm actually looking at Gore-Tex pants so I can be better prepared for riding in the cold and rain. :eek:

Good hearing from you Kathy - glad to hear that classes are going well.

Keep warm out there and don't let the stress get to you.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

I'm back from another good trip :) I've also run about 13 miles between Monday and today, which wasn't a huge amount, but all were fun and scenic runs, and I was otherwise busy, so it's all good :D Every day I didn't run, I went for a nice walk.

Good luck with the marathon, Meg!

Kathy, how was the exam? The cookie swap sounds fun.

Les, the Gore Tex pants will be really practical. I know I love my waterproof pants, and my Gore Tex socks and jacket ROCK!

Susan, thanks for starting us off, and I hope you had an enjoyable run today.

Hi to everyone else! My husband's out picking up a movie and rotisserie chicken, so I'm taking the opportunity to catch up with e-mail and you guys :D

'til later,
Natasha

[Mimeea]

Thank you all for the good wishes!

And as though I had nothing better to do tomorrow (Sat), I will be taking sats in the morning, then driving to Sacramento, cutting it close to the 5 pm closing time of the expo. Then I have the pre-race pasta dinner from 5-7, then after that I have an interview with an alumna rep from Bryn Mawr. Then, hopefully I will get some sleep before I wake up before 5am on Sunday morning. Sheesh!

Weather is supposed to be in the low 30's at the start, but I'm planning on wearing my tnt purple jersey and shorts. Hopefully I won't freeze!

I'll tell you all about it Sunday night!

[Elizabeth B]

Wow, Meg - a triathalon AND a college interview??!! Good luck with both!

We had our "Rudolph Run" through downtown Nashville last night. It's definitely not a PR race - tons of walkers, dogs, strollers, etc., but it was great fun and I had a blast! MY SIL came from out of town and ran with me. We ran together all the way until the last .1 mile when she sped past me and finished 5 seconds before me! I finished in 30.07, which I was happy with. I wasn't trying for a PR, but was chatting with SIL, taking in the sights, and enjoying the experience.

I want Santa to bring me running clothes, but hopefully in the form of a gift certificate. Last year, DH bought me a running outfit for Christmas, but I've never worn it. Picture a matching blue running bra and bicycle shorts outfit on a 43 year old body. It was sweet of him to think of me (and to think that outfit would be presentable for public viewing), but a gift certificate would really be appreciated!

I'm trying to run at least 3 times a week through December. Last year, I got sick in December and missed about 3 weeks of running and it was hard to catch up again. I don't want that to happen this year!

Take care, all!!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Meg - I hope you don't see this until after your race (because if you do then you really couldn't sleep ;) ). You'll do just fine in the race and I pray you do well with your interview - like Elizabeth said that's a hectic day (after a hectic Saturday too!).

Elizabeth - I laugh at your comment about DH's present last year - isn't it just like us men to do something "dumb" like that? I'm glad you recognize his good intentions and excuse his faux pas - not every hubbie learns the finer points of what LW likes for actual presents (sweaters, shirts, etc.) and what is better left to GC. Many "lumps" here but I've learned.

Ran this morning for a wonderful and chilly 12 miles then rode for about 11 miles. BRRRR! But the miles felt good on foot - not so good on the bike.

Happy Saturday to everyone else and I hope the weekend closes smoothly for you all.

Happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Well - Meg's Marathon site fibbed. :mad: There aren't any results yet tapping foot... and I want to see how our newest marathoner did. Maybe, nay hopefully, she'll check in and tell us how it was.

Lifted today and will run in the morning. I just hope that the weather folks are wrong - rain won't be any fun if you know what I mean.

Happy trails,
Les

[Mimeea]

I did it! I finished my very first marathon!!! :D My bib # was 1166, if the CIM site ever puts up results and pics!

Sorry if this is long, but it was quite an experience for me! Thank you for all of your encouraging words! I woke up this morning at 4:30 (we stayed at a hotel w/ the tnt group), and took the bus to Folsom (26.2 miles away ;) ) It was about 30 degrees, and luckily we were able to stay on the bus until the race started at 7:02. It's a fairly small race, only 4 or 5,000 people. I started running with my tnt mentor (Darla), my running buddy (Jessica) (this was both of their 7th marathon), and another newbie on team (Tracie). The first mile was downhill, making it easy to go out too fast, but we tried to keep pretty consistent 10:30-11:00 miles throughout. I had on a long sleeve cotton 'throw-away' shirt over my purple singlet and bright pink shorts (might as well try to stand out ;) ), but about mile four I took it off, since I seemed to be colder with the sweaty shirt on than without. After this, though, since my arms were still very cold, my hands went numb (even with my gloves) until mile 9 or 10. Around mile 5 I was started to feel that I didn't have very much energy.

Although overall the course, deemed 'the fastest course in the West,' has a slight decline, there were quite a few little hills, which, as the miles progressed, started to feel like much bigger challenges :rolleyes:. Around mile 9, Darla started to slow down, and I didn't see her again. I got quite depressed when my parents weren't at mile 10 like we had planned, or even at the half. I was pretty hard on myself, and started seriously doubting my ability to keep going. Luckily Jessica and Tracie were very supportive and encouraging. I finally saw my parents at mile 17 (I later found out they had gotten lost in the terrible spectator traffic). After that, and actually after about mile 20, I think I felt the best out of the whole race. There were lots of water stations and more spectators (I'm glad I had my name on my jersey!). At mile 20.2 there was a brick "wall" on either side of the course - it was kinda neat. Tracie's husband (who was spectating) decided to run with us for the last 6 miles, which was encouraging.

At about mile 24, Jessica started feeling pretty terrible, although I was feeling quite good. We took, really, our first walking break (other than sipping water at aid stations), because of not only her asthma, but her queasy stomach, and feet problems. We started running again, but by mile 25 she had almost had it. Jessica wanted us to keep going, Tracie did, but I stayed with her and walked, and got her to jog, if not painfully, to the end. If it hadn't been for her, I would never have gotten that far; it was the least I could do. We crossed the finish line together (right in front of the state capitol building!) at just around 4:45 chip time, our goal, and were given our finishers metals!

I still had adrenaline as we walked over to the Team in Training tent to check in and fuel up on snacks, but when I started to drink some water and eat orange slices my fatigue definitely set in. My legs had never been that sore in my life, and although I knew I really shouldn't sit down, I succumbed. My parents and I soon left the finishers area, and walked back to the car so I could take a shower at the hotel before we checked out. I couldn't even step up onto the curb to get onto the sidewalk, my legs were so week. I kept reminding myself that this was the most challenging and rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. And although I might not feel so great tomorrow when the soreness really sets in, or until the blood blister on my foot subsides, the experience, the struggle, and the success I felt were amazing. And as my coach told me this morning before the start, there's nothing like your first marathon. :)

[Natasha]

Congratulations, Meg!! There really is nothing like your first marathon :) Way to go!

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Congratulations Meg! You are a marathoner and you're absolutely right - there's nothing like yor first marathon. I got shivers up and down my spine just reading your report. Put a big old lump in my throat and made me remember my first marathon.

Relish the accomplishment and bask in the glory - you did a great thing with your running buddy and your mentors.

Congratulations!
Les

[Laura]

Congratulations Meg! I haven't been posting here much as I really haven't been running, but I know how thrilled you must be. I remember tearing up when going under the banner after finishing my marathon. It is an amazing accomplishment.

[KristaMB]

I came here from Les' post on the Other Stuff board to see Meg's recap of the CIM. I'm not a runner by any means, but I have been watching the CIM on and off for years, as the course goes within a half mile of my childhood and current homes. Meg, I wish I would have known you were running it this weekend, I would have gone down to cheer you on along Fair Oaks Blvd in the Village, around mile 10. (I could have at least gotten some enjoyment out of the road closures! :D ) At any rate, congratulations on completing your first marathon. What an amazing accomplishment!

[TLee4]

De-lurking from Preggo land to congratulate Meg. Awesome job! No one can ever take away that accomplishment.

And thanks for the reminder of those happy, emotional first-marathon memories! :)

Terri

[SusanMac]

Meg - that is so exciting!! Congratulations on becoming a marathoner! And even better that you met your target goal. Sounds like you had an awesome day, great experience, decent weather, and wonderful commradery (sp? LOL)

DH & I went for a really nice run yesterday. I'm acclimated to running in the cold, which is good, as we're in the single digits all week (with wind chill).

Elizabeth - your race sounds like a blast. And, I must say, that outfit sounds fine for 43 y.o.!! I hope to be wearing that in a few years when I'm 43! But, totally understand your point just the same. I'd love running pants for Xmas, but am also hoping that DH doesn't just buy some. I've tried on a few pair so far and am surprised at how different the cut can be from brand to brand.

I am, however, hoping that DH gets me new running gloves. I think I've complained about mine enough that he gets the hint :-)

No workout today, although I could use the str

[Kathy B]

De-lurking to say, Wow, Meg! Many conratulations on your accomplishment!
What an achievement! I hope you had a good rest and a great celebration afterwards! :)

[beckms]

Yay Meg!!!!!

Every time I read someone's marathon report, a teeny part of me gets inspired to do one.




And then the rest of me beats that teeny part into submission. :D

I'm very impressed, Meg! Hope you get a good night's sleep! :cool:

[Elizabeth B]

Go, Meg!

That's a great marathon report. For some strange reason, I got confused and thought it was a triathalon - sorry about that. After hearing so many people talk about "the wall" at mile 20, it was nice to hear that was not what happened to you. In fact, this distance doesn't sound like any problem for you at all! And the way you encouraged your fellow runners is very inspiring. Your story did bring a happy tear to my eye! How are you feeling now - and how did the college interview go?

No running to report today, just wanted to pop in to congratulate the newest marathoner.

Take care, all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

One more congratulations (I know I started the whole thing on the other thread) but I'm so thrilled that you had a good race and that folks have come out of the woodwork to congratulate you.

I hope DH gets the hint Susan but some of us male folk aren't the quickest on the uptake so... it may be worth a little more direct tack.

I too wish I could make a running report but horrendous cold rain this morning and a ton of folks in the gym precluded running at all today. Maybe tomorrow (not bloody likely - a meeting after work).

Happy trails,
Les

[Mimeea]

You guys are all so awesome! Thanks!

My quads are very tight, and my calfs still ache on stairs, luckily I didn't have school today! I pretty much stayed home all day working on applications and writing my 'most meaningful experience' essay, which my marathon more than qualified for! I have eaten so much food in the last two days. I need to start getting back to 'normal' eating!

Elizabeth- It was actually my first real interview (gosh I'm young!). My interviewer was very talkative. Her parents grew up near where I live, so we had a little common ground on that (many people don't realize how different (and rural) central CA is from LA or San Francisco). Anyways, she couldn't say enough about Bryn Mawr. I'm not sure how I came across- I was just a bit preoccupied with my impending marathon! But this will be the first of many more interviews. I was actually surprised to find that so far three of my other colleges have alumna/i reps in the Fresno area, all of whom are doctors at the same hospital.


btw, my official chip time was 4:44:24!! :D

[SusanMac]

OK - the confusion was all my fault. In my first post, I accidentally referred to Meg's race as a triathlon (sometimes the brain & the typing fingers don't connect well). I knew it was a marathon, & even had the URL right. Sorry for confusing the heck out of a few folks.

Meg - I'd think that doing an interview & being able to say "tomorrow I'm running my first marathon" would score huge points! Choosing a school is stressful & a tough decision. Good luck. And...go find a hot tub & a massuesse! :-)

[seathyme]

Returning from a BB hiatus to find Meg's fantastic race report. Congratulations!!! I especially admire what you did at the end by staying with your friend. I hope you will work that into your essay somehow. ;)

And I did read awhile back Susan's report from the Turkey Trot. Your time was awesome! All that work you've been doing is really paying off.

Elizabeth, your Rudolph Run sounds fun. :D

Les, don't you have a birthday right around now...?? Hope you have/had a great celebration.

Well I guess I can post legitimately today because I *did* run this morning, and loved it. I've been as likely to walk lately, for some reason, and although my body appreciates the kinder, gentler treatment, I also really miss those endorphins. One factor is that I've been trying to take the dog out every time, and it gets awkward to manage the leash and the animal and also focus on a run. But that's more of an excuse, since I've run hundreds of times avec chien without a big issue. At any rate, I'll put today's great feeling in the bank and see what happens next.

Great to see everyone's posts here. Meg, you'll have to run another race and write another report to bring out the lurkers again! :p

Hello to all the VRB's out there. :cool:

[badunnin]

Congrats Meg! Well done indeed!

I'm still plugging along here, getting in a few runs a week. Nothing spectacular, but I'm still on the wagon! Had a dinner party this evening (why, oh why do I do this to myself on a Tuesday of all days?) and am just kicking back a bit before bed. I have grading... but it will stay in my car. ;) The kids have been warned not to expect them. :)

Happy running all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Les, don't you have a birthday right around now...?? Hope you have/had a great celebration.... Well I guess I can post legitimately today because I *did* run this morning, and loved it.
You are correct, my birthday is coming up Thursday and if my memory serves me correectly your birthday is next week too. I hope that you have an enjoyable celebration on your big day. I think this year will be fairly quiet, which is ok considering I'm working way too much and don't really need the added stress right now. That and my command is throwing a farewell party for me on Sunday, a going away luncheon on Monday, and a division Christmas luncheon (not for me totally but still) on Friday next week so I will be "partied out" as they say. I'm glad you had a good run this morning - glad someone did. :cool:

Bethany - Good to hear from you. A party on a Tuesday - I don't even think I'm that far gone. ;) If I remember correctly, most kids don't really care if their grades are in before Christmas (something about the quality of presents being involved). I hope your dinner party went well - but I'm sure you had a good party in your "new" house. :D

Alas, no run today (pretty much as I expected). We've been working on a critical brief at work and I'm on the hook because I'm leaving (and have no real tasking any more since my relief is already in place) to generate the brief. I think we're up to about 60 slides (give or take) in the "front matter" and at least 15 in back-up. It's all going well but it really impacts on my extra-curricular running/exercise (darn it when work gets in the way of running ;) ). But it's supposed to be dry in the morning - COLD but dry so I'll be running (avec all my good cold weather gear).

But for now - I'll sign off before I start falling asleep at the keyboard like last night.

Ciao,
Les

[SusanMac]

Seathyme - Good to hear from you. Glad you got your endorphins back ;-) You are welcome to check in here w/a yoga report any time.

Les - Whoa! Where have I been? Farewell party? Is it that time already? I thought your retirement was still a ways off, like another year. You should enjoy your little break from daily running right now. It's probably good for you.

Well, DH & I ran yesterday for an hour. I've been feeling acclimated to the cold lately, and thought the temps were pretty close to my last few runs. No so! I have *never* felt this cold on a run before. My legs were cold (which never happens), our faces were so bittter cold they hurt (which led to lots of jokes, of course). The cap to my water bottle froze shut. And, about 1.5 miles from the end, my MP3 player froze up!

Figured out that if we breathed into our hands, the air would warm our faces, so we stopped to walk & do that about every mile or so. I think the problem is that we decided to run around the lake, so the wind was probably more chilly than our previous runs. The cold didn't get bad until we were about 1/2 way through, so by that point we couldn't just cut the run short. I ran way too fast, which made me more sore than usual, but figured that would get me home sooner. But, we made it and felt quite virtuous for the rest of the day!

Rest day today b/c of way too many meetings.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Susan - Not to worry the farewell party isn't for retirement just for changing commands. In the Navy, and I would assume in all the military there is a tradition to farewell people as they depart from a command (especially since I've been here longer than everyone in the building - the corporate knowledge so to speak). My actual retirement probably won't happen until September 2007 so I'm still a long way off. I've missed my runs if for no other reason than I need the stress relief. So this morning with the temperature at a roaring 31 degrees :eek: I ran like the wind (or at least a little faster than I have in the past couple weeks) and pulled off 6.7 miles (my measured out and back course) in 51:54 - and it felt good!

Back to my project and the grindstone.

HT,
Les

[seathyme]

Susan, I have gotten that cold on runs a few times in recent winters. It's not fun! My most common loop includes one segment of perhaps .5 mile that is often into the wind. Turning the corner into that bit can be a shock. Congratulations on a speedy hour!

Les, your 31 degrees doesn't sound so bad to some of us. ;) Glad you got a good run in with all you have going on.

Hi Bethany. :cool:

My general idea these days is to alternate runs (or walk/runs) and yoga sessions in the morning. My yoga class is Thursday late afternoon (tomorrow I will take the class, throw on my "work" clothes in the studio bathroom and swallow a sandwich on the way to a board meeting. Think I'll be able to preserve the effects of the class??) This morning was yoga. I started out really stiff and creaky but felt great by the end. It was a balanced kind of session with sun salutations, standing poses, headstand, feeble efforts toward forearm balance, some more arm strengthening stuff, then twists, backbends, and hamstring/hip stretchers. Tomorrow, I hope, will be a cold run!

Have a good evening, runnahs.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Susan - Isn't it odd how running around water makes it colder than it seems. (Well not really, there is just physics involved but... that's for some other place) I'm reminded of the spots in the swamp where we long run that are always cool and damp feeling - even in the steamy summer. As best I can figure the water is almost up against the trail in those places and give off some of it's cooler thermal energy and dampness. But then again, I'm not a physicist but a Navy Officer so I may be completely wrong. I've been in the same boat getting cold as far from home/my car as I can get and have to speed back so I don't "freeze". Luckily you're no worse the wear.

seathyme - I may have to work out some yoga just to relieve stress - especially these days. I bet you'll be fine with your board meeting after your yoga class, and it might even put you in the right frame of mind.

Strange occurance at the Ferguson household today - LW sprained her ankle when she was delivering a quilt earlier today. Boy what a doosey! :D Her ankle is swollen but hasn't turned fun colors yet. I hope she's okay tomorrow but it was weird to see her ankle huge like it is.

Happy hump day all and I'll try to do something tomorrow - but who knows the way things are going. So until then...

Happy trails,
Les

[ktg0930]

Hi everyone!

Congrats Meg on the marathon! It sounds like you had a great time.

Happy birthday Les!

Bethany, it sounds like you are all settled into your new home!

I was in Vegas through Tuesday and was planning to run while there. I also thought it would be a lot warmer than it was. The mornings were in the mid-thirties and I had only brought shorts to run in. So only one day was a running day.

They are predicting up to 10 inches of snow for us tonight/tomorrow. Maybe I can run in the falling snow tomorrow morning!