Virtual Running Buddies Week of 12/16

[beckms]

Hi all! Wow, I haven't started a thread in a long time!

I hope everyone outside of New England is having better weather...we're in the midst of one of our infamous "wintry mix" storms: freezing rain and snow. Ick. We're having mostly rain, which is making the 2 feet of snow from last week turn into a thick layer of freezing slush. Lovely. Can't wait to get to Texas for Christmas!

I'm planning to get to the gym later today, although I haven't decided yet if I'll run or do weights. Maybe both. I did leg weights on Tuesday and ran 4 miles Wednesday, so yesterday was a nice day off.

The main reason I wanted to post today was to ask a question. My mom has chronic back problems. When she moves "a certain way" she gets spasms and immediately goes to bed for a week (or several days, anyway). I heard recently that it's actually NOT good to lie down when you're having back pain, since it causes the muscles to atrophy and thus be more prone to weakness in juries and spasms in the future. I hesitate to mention this to her, since lately any suggestion I make regarding exercise tends to meet the cold shoulder (I don't know,. maybe because I'm the only one who actually pushes her instead of saying, "Oh, it's Ok, it's more fun to sit on the couch anyway!" :rolleyes: )

Any words of wisdom from the VRBs? FWIW, I have suggested a chiropracter, but a)my dad thinks it's bunk and b)my mom just hasn't done anything except lie in bed as the solution to the problem.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

[seathyme]

Rebecca, is your mother a reader? A quick Amazon search on "back pain" generates a bunch of books -- maybe you could find one that she'd respond to...

Ditto on the weather whine. I'm glad I ran yesterday because it would be lethal today. Today is for yoga. :D

[Laura]

Haven't posted here in a long time because I haven't been running, but I wanted to pop in and answer a question about Rebecca's mom. I have had low back problems for about 16 years now. I have had the type of spasms where you do something as minor as picking up something from the ground and you immediately drop to your knees hoping you can some how crawl to bed. Honestly, the only thing that I have found that keeps the back pain at bay is exercise. I know that will be very difficult for your mom given her disposition (my mom was the same way -- she had high blood pressure and diabetes and refused to go on a simple 20 minute walk a day). I don't mean to discourage you, but yes, laying in bed is the worst thing you can do. My back pain has gotten better by consistent stretching of my back and hamstrings, strengthening my hamstrings (because my quads were much stronger than the hamstrings), and walking. Is there a group that does mall walking or an workout program at a Y or something for seniors. I suggest this knowing that it didn't work for my mom, and may not work for yours either. The muscle relaxants are good for about a day; after that it really is important to start moving again. The other thing is to use ice when the spasm first occurs (which is contrary to what our parents always told us), and then use heat after the first 48 hours.

[beckms]

Honestly, the only thing that I have found that keeps the back pain at bay is exercise.

a HA! Vindication!!!

Ok, had to get that out of my system. Thanks for your input. It's so frustrating...but I think my mom has started to tune me out when it comes to advice about exercise, because it seems like that's all I ever talk about. I really try not to harp on her, but she's constantly complaining about being overweight and needing to exercise more!

Grumble grumble. Sometimes I feel like I should just mind my own business.

Of course I can't tell her the real reason I am motivated to exercise and eat right...because I see what I have potential to become. How mean is that? :eek:

[Laura]

Of course I can't tell her the real reason I am motivated to exercise and eat right...because I see what I have potential to become. How mean is that? :eek:

My mom was plagued with poor health as long as I can remember; most of it could have been alleviated with good, consistent exercise. My dad is going strong at 93 and exercises every single day unless he is very ill. Guess who I am trying to emulate. So no, I totally understand your motivation.

FWIW, I have not had a debilitating spasm in 5 years. I think the stretching has been the biggest part; maybe you could just get her to do that. I still have low back pain on a frequent basis, but I just deal with that. If you saw the x-rays of my back you would know why.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting us Rebecca. Sorry about the slush in Boston.

Having experienced lower back problems in the past I'm of the same school as Laura - when my back hurt I found it was helped most when I did something besides laying around. Nothing too strenuous but sitting up correctly and walking (at a minimum) were the best things. And when I laid down it was for short periods of time on a hard surface with my feel slightly elevated.

Have a good and hopefully dry weekend (or at least not slushy).

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Back from the Bay Area, but still not working out. I caught a cold while I was there! Argh. I've had worse, but it's still enough to make me feel like crud and sleep a lot, which is a bummer b/c it's beautiful out.

And, yes, I always have an achy back after I travel w/my million-pound laptop PC slung over my shoulder.

Good luck, beckms! I know you're in a tough spot. All of us good daughters are stuck between a rock & hard place -- be a nudge & get in trouble; don't say anything & get accused of not caring; feel guilty either way; feel guilty if you do nothing. <sigh> Sounds like you need a run!

[seathyme]

Fine bunch we are -- I didn't run today either. In between work and domestic and holiday tasks I've been trying to do pushups or crunches or a few poses... not exactly boot camp, but better than nothing!

Mainly I wanted to say welcome home to Susan, and hope you feel better quickly!

And Les, this must be a somewhat emotional time, cleaning out a cubicle and changing jobs after several years, plus your ministry preparation events. Best to you with all that going on.

Greetings to ye olde VRB's... :cool:

[Elizabeth B]

Hello Runners!

I DID run today! I'm not sure how far, though. Maybe 9 miles? It was great weather - started out around 40 and then climbed up to around 48 at the end. Very nice! One interesting anecdote from today's run was that I passed a man standing on the side of the trail who said "I want to see 8 minute miles, lady." Ha, ha. He might want to see 8 minute miles, but he's not going to see them from me. I know people are just trying to be friendly, but the people making the "funny" running comments are never runners, I've noticed.

Now I'm off to try to finish my shopping, with only a couple of gifts left to buy. The internet has really helped this year, especially with our families spread all over the eastern half of the U.S.! Gotta love the internet - if it weren't for it, I'd never have (virtually) met all you nice folks!

Take care!

[seathyme]

Congrats on the 9 miles, Elizabeth. 40s is great running weather, I agree. And gotta love those sideline critics. :rolleyes: Let's see *him* run a bunch of 8 minute miles...

I got out for a short but good run early this morning, around 5K. Knew I didn't have much time, so I went for some (very modest) speed. It was a great way to start the day.

How's everyone else?

[Leslie Ferguson]

<<waving>> I'm here too - even if my computer doesn't behave. (like yesterday :mad: ) I was one of the running bunch yesterday after I got back to town from a meeting in Williamsburg and some Christmas shopping. Still working off a little pent up energy and great running weather - 41 degrees with no wind - and I nailed something in the vicinity of 8.5 - 8.75 in ~ 67 minutes. Not my speediest but pretty good for a 5 pm start and on the sidewalks around the area (I'm always a little leery to run on sidewalks in the dark - just don't know what is going to be out there). But it felt good - amazing what new scooters will do for your runs. :cool:

seathyme - You aren't kidding about the stress and emotional roller coaster that I've been flying around on these days. I had a decent post composed last night that I decided was (1) too OT and (2) not the right thing to post on a public thread explaining a little of my feelings. I think I'll post a PM to the group (I think I can do that) with my thoughts so you can see where I am and what is going on in my head these days (a scary place none the less).

I had promised to share the picture of the Christmas Party with you - I personally love my hat in this picture (http://www.snapfish.com/viewsharedphoto/p=799161134793848600/l=71490032/cobrandOid=1000111/otsc=SYE/otsi=****) don't you.

This should be a good running week - track work of some sort tomorrow. Pool running on Tuesday, running at least twice in Appomattox this weekend while there for Christmas and decompressing. Other than that - who knows what I'll do since I'm officially not required at work until Jan 17th. :D

Until tomorrow - run gently out there and happy trails,
Les

[ktg0930]

HI everyone,

I haven't been running either...well, I did run Thursday morning when it was 10 degrees and I was pretty proud of myself, but nothing since then.

We just get back from Gainesville where I graduated on Saturday with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. We got hooded and everything and had a great time. My parents also came from Wisconsin.

We got a digital camera about a week ago and can you guys tell me which on-line photo album services you like? Or don't like? And that's the only way I can post a picture on this thread right?

Kathy

[seathyme]

Congratulations Kathy!! What a great accomplishment. And a Doctor of Pharmacy degree too. ;)

Les, glad you got in your speedy run on Saturday.

Meg, thanks for your upbeat TNT letter. Have you got your "legs" back yet?

I ran for 45 minutes or so this morning, I am happy to say. Went without le chien, who is still recovering from a foot injury, so I chose a sidewalk route I haven't taken in awhile. It involved some picking along icy stretches that wasn't too much fun, but all in all I had a great time. And I too have new shoes which feel GREAT.

Hope everyone is doing well as the holiday rapidly approaches...

[beckms]

Oy. Went to the gym today to make up for two days of not running, and I got through one mile and called it quits. I did walk another mile, but it was just one of those days...

We'll see what tomorrow holds...but I have to pack and clean the apartment before our trip to Texas. YeeHaw! Hopefully I'll get some good runs in in the warmer clime!

Les--So sorry to hear about your frustrations with the committee. It does seem like they weren't really thinking about every aspect of your situation, and I hope good things are on the horizon for you. best wishes. :)

[scout1222]

Hey runners,

I haven't been here to post in forever! I started a new job, and between wrapping up things at the old place, some time off between, and getting started here, I haven't had as much time online.

Rest assured I've been running. I'm doing the Carlsbad Half Marathon on...Jan 15th or 16th, whatever the Sunday is. Training has been going well.

I did, however, trip and fall on my run this morning. Just a little over a mile into it, I tripped and fell flat on my stomach. Both hands, my right elbow, left knee, and right thigh and hip are all scraped up. I turned around and walked back home. It had been a long time since my last spill, so I guess I was due. Skin is still a little tender, but I'll be fine for a run tomorrow morning. :(

[SusanMac]

Hi, guys! I'm here, but not running or swimming. Using my headcold as my excuse (which is legit for the pool, no need to paint a picture there), but as for running I'm really just wimping out on the cold temps. My goal for next week is to get my training & race schedule together for 06. Then I will start worrying about whether or not I work out. Basically, I want to focus this week on enjoying Christmas, with a run or 2 here & there!

Les - Love the picture! Good job on the run. A bit scared to "get inside" your head -- LOL. That's awesome you get a work break til the 17th.

Elizabeth - So jealous of your 40-degree weather. Your sideline fan made me laugh! As long as the tone of voice is friendly, I like it when strangers chat along the way.

KTG - Congrats on your degree!! I had no idea you were this close! Your question is timely, as the latest Money mag just had a piece comparing different sites & services. Shutterfly got the best marks across the board. I keep hearing good things about them from lots of places. I've historically used Ofoto/Kodak, which got the worst marks.

Hi to Seathyme, Natasha, Beckms & any other VRBers out there.

[Leslie Ferguson]

First off thank you all who have responded to my ranting (off thread). Lots of good comments and comforting words and they're all appreciated.

Back to the thread...
Hi, guys! I'm here, but not running or swimming. Using my headcold as my excuse (which is legit for the pool, no need to paint a picture there), but as for running I'm really just wimping out on the cold temps. My goal for next week is to get my training & race schedule together for 06. Then I will start worrying about whether or not I work out. Basically, I want to focus this week on enjoying Christmas, with a run or 2 here & there!
Sorry to hear that you're under the weather and I understand about not wanting to run in the cold (being the warm weather runner that I am). I bet you'll get a couple runs in this week in celebration of Christmas.
Les - Love the picture! Good job on the run. A bit scared to "get inside" your head -- LOL. That's awesome you get a work break til the 17th.
Thanks - isn't my head a wild place to be? :rolleyes: ;) Just imagine being there all the time. (OY VAY!) I'm really looking forward to my break - especially considering the past three months I think I've earned it.
KTG - Congrats on your degree!! I had no idea you were this close! Your question is timely, as the latest Money mag just had a piece comparing different sites & services. Shutterfly got the best marks across the board. I keep hearing good things about them from lots of places. I've historically used Ofoto/Kodak, which got the worst marks.
Congrats Kathy! That's fantastic to earn your degree. Enjoy the glory!

Scout - Sorry about your tumble but it sounds like you're going to bounce right back (no pun intended). Congratulations on your new job too! Hope you enjoy the half in January.

Today's "non-speed" workout ended up being a pretty brisk run. I ended up doing 7 x ~1400 m repeats (the slowest being 6:57 and the fastest being 6:30). I didn't set out to go quite that fast but got into a groove around the 3rd and just felt good pushing it. Plus that helps exorcise some of my demons.

Tomorrow will be a fun day of belated birthday sushi with my running coach followed by some deep-water pool running. Gotta love that when it's as cool as it is here.

But for now that sums up my day - the first day of "freedom" for the next month. So until tomorrow - happy trails and thanks again,
Les

[scout1222]

I went for a run this morning - back to the scene of yesterday's crime. (:D) I managed to find the piece of my running watch that popped off (it's done it before, and I krazy glued it back on, but didn't notice during my fall that it came off) and more importantly managed NOT TO TRIP.

I do have some soreness in my right leg where I slid on the ground, so that's a little disheartening, but I made it through 5 miles okay. Which is good, because our work holiday party is this afternoon, and I suspect I will be eating more than I usually do. :rolleyes:

[Leslie Ferguson]

I went for a run this morning - back to the scene of yesterday's crime... and more importantly managed NOT TO TRIP.
BRAVO! Always good to show that nasty piece of running surface who's boss. :D
I do have some soreness in my right leg where I slid on the ground, so that's a little disheartening, but I made it through 5 miles okay. Which is good, because our work holiday party is this afternoon, and I suspect I will be eating more than I usually do. :rolleyes:
Sorry about your soreness - hopefully it will heal quickly and you won't have any lingering issues with the spill. Nothing like a nagging injury from something you'd prefer to forget.

I had a great do "nothing" day today, and I really needed the time to decompress. Not that I didn't do anything today - it was just fantastic to get up late, do some odd jobs, have a birthday lunch (belated) with my running coach (Sushi! :cool: ), do about 65 minutes of pool running, Christmas shopping, and a church meeting. And it really was great! But oh boy - my ankle wasn't very happy about the miles yesterday after the pace run on Saturday evening. Silly boy!

As Porky Pig says - "that's all folks" (I don't know how to spell the "words" he says so I'll leave them out). Until tomorrow --

Happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Ok -- I know there are folks out there besides me running these days... aren't there? ;)

Ok - I guess back to backs are in for now. I ran for about 65 minutes (a little longer than expected but not as fast as I have been running so I think I'm ok) and life is good. I also got my final evaluation from my last job (not bad since I'm supposed to get the evaluation before I leave). Now I'm a "free man" for real. Maybe sleep will come easier tonight. I was a good boy and did my Christmas shopping (good plan since I want to leave town at or about noon tomorrow for points West). Just a couple little things left to pick up and I'm done!

That ices it for here -- may your Thursday be a good one and one day closer to your chosen holiday celebration. Until tomorrow... happy trails,
Les

[scout1222]

Yep, I ran yesterday! My leg was still a little sore from the fall, but I don't think it was as bad. In fact, I hate to use "sore". It feels weird, but not uncomfortable enough to not do anything. So I think it's getting better.

I think I'm going to run after work. Today is my birthday (wow, that was blatant! :rolleyes: ) and we're going out for a fancy dinner tomorrow - so I'd better burn off a few before that.

I probably won't be back online for several days because of the holidays, so happy running and happy holidays everyone!

[seathyme]

Happy Birthday Scout!! I think we should make a rule that if your name is Stephanie and you're a VRB that your birthday has to be in December. ;) Hope you have a good one, including the day-after-dinner.

Les, congratulations on your true freedom from the last job and hiatus before the next. That's gotta feel good.

I ran this morning, about 4 miles with Rocheux. His foot is better and he loved it out there. His enthusiasm was fun but also required "management." We got through it without tripping or choking on leash...

Have a good day, all. :cool:

[Leslie Ferguson]

Happy Birthday! scout. From one December baby to another... got to be fun. :cool: Congrats on running yesterday and today. Better than some of us. :o

seathyme - Glad to hear the Rocheux was feeling "his oats" today. Sorry he was unruly but there's nothing like a leash to keep things in check. Good for you to have a decent run too.

Me on the other hand... I couldn't seem to do anything and had no "pop" - maybe because I'm not having to generate or expend energy... maybe :confused:

I tried to ride today but could only get about 25 minutes on the stationary bike before I was beat. I hope I'm not coming down with something.

May everyone have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Yea! My endorphins are back! Went for a run yesterday. 45 minutes. Steady. No HRM, just went by feel. It felt soooo good. It had been 2 weeks since I'd done any workouts at all. Part of me was feeling guilty. The other part thought the freedom was kinda nice. But, I finally shook my cold & was feeling myself again. And, was itching to burn some energy (which is always a good sign). Going for a swim today. Possibly another run (since weather tomorrow is expected to be gross)

Scout - Happy birthday!

Les - stay healthy!

Seathyme - Good job going out with Rocky. Dogs can never pace themselves, even when they're hurt. What would they do w/out us??

Oops - I just realized it's Friday & I'm posting to the old thread. Oh well. I'm sure postings will be light this weekend anyway.