Virtual Running Buddies - week of Jan 27th [Archive]

aggie94

01-27-2006, 02:06 PM

Thanks for starting this week's thread, Scout! Hope you have two great runs this weekend. I hate running hills. :o :o

Les, hope you are feeling up to the 25k run tomorrow, whether it be a run or race. If not, enjoy your pool run. I'm sure you won't end up doing nothing either. ;)

Susan, way to go on passing the boys' x-country team! Unless you mean you passed them going the opposite direction. :p Either way, I admire you for going out in 28-degree temps. You'd have to drag me out if it were below 58! :eek:

I got in a good run last night, so I'm feeling proud about that. We ended up running 5 miles, on the fastish side. I ran with another woman who doesn't usually come, and we were keeping good pace together, a little ways behind the two faster regulars. As it started getting darker, though, there was this creepy-looking guy on the trail who made us both a little nervous. She kept looking over her shoulder, and everytime she did, she started running faster. She's generally a little slower than me, but I was having a hard time keeping up with her last night as she kept picking up the pace. She got tired, though, so we stopped to walk for a minute, then started hearing noises again and both decided to pick up the pace back to the Y. It wasn't even that dark yet, but we were both a little spooked. She even pulled out keys in hand in case she needed to jab him. Maybe we should start thinking about carrying some mace or something. :o Anyway, I pushed myself kinda hard for those 5 miles, which I need every now and then.

Tonight is a running club together hosted by one of our members, kind of a post-race gathering to exchange war stories from the race and talk about our upcoming half in March. Should be fun!

I am hoping to get out Sunday morning too. My group leader, who I can always count on to show up, isn't going to be there, which is always an excuse for me to bail. :o But I'm hoping to find out tonight that someone else is planning to be there, so I won't use his absence as an excuse to sleep in.

Have a great weekend!

seathyme

01-27-2006, 03:32 PM

Susan, way to go on passing the boys' x-country team! Unless you mean you passed them going the opposite direction. :p Either way, I admire you for going out in 28-degree temps.

:D :D I didn't pick that one up -- glad you did, Eva! And sorry about your creepy guy. Several years ago I abandoned a beautiful route near here for that reason. :mad:

Les, I hope you will quickly feel better. Have to say, though, my reaction to your post last evening was that you are probably the only person I know who would get the flu and decide only to run, rather than race, a 25K! ;)

So, how 'bout this? I who have been such a VRB slacker lately, am the first poster of the new thread who actually RAN today. Got out there this morning for 45 minutes and had a great time. Starting tomorrow the rest of you will go back to running circles around me.

Have a good weekend, runnahs.

MaryH

01-27-2006, 04:35 PM

So, how 'bout this? I who have been such a VRB slacker lately, am the first poster of the new thread who actually RAN today. Got out there this morning for 45 minutes and had a great time. Starting tomorrow the rest of you will go back to running circles around me.

Woo hoo. :) Because you see today is a planned rest day on the coolrunning schedule. (I kid you not. :p ) I thought I might make it to the gym but DH had a minor outpatient procedure this morning (had to be there at 6:45 a.m.) so no early morning dog runs for me today.

So the schedule this weekend says 3 miles Sat and 12 miles Sunday, except that I have a dinner event tomorrow night that will include (probably :D ) a fair amount of alcohol consumption. I figure it's better to get the 12 miler out of the way tomorrow morning and then I'll only have to worry about 3 come Sunday morning. I planned the route out, now I just need to psyche myself up for the 2+ hours it'll take to do it (although yesterday when I walked part of the 5 mile run I swear I finished faster than if I had run the whole thing.)

MaryH

01-27-2006, 06:03 PM

OK, running related question. I think I have narrowed down my calf issues. I find that when I stretch I really feel the pull in my right calf (before but much more after I run) when I rotate the side of my foot to the outside (i.e. supinate). Doing the alphabet, toe raises, calf raises and all that are the kinds of stretching I do but it is that rotation to the side where I really can feel it. I'm pretty sure it means I'm running on the outer side of my foot for some reason. The helpful people at the running store basically told me I need to be in a neutral shoe (which I am) and to stretch and ice. My question is: anyone have any experience with supination (as opposed to pronation which is much more common)? And do you have any biomechanical ideas (feedback) in terms of how to work on that when running?

Leslie Ferguson

01-27-2006, 09:00 PM

So, how 'bout this? I who have been such a VRB slacker lately, am the first poster of the new thread who actually RAN today. Got out there this morning for 45 minutes and had a great time. Starting tomorrow the rest of you will go back to running circles around me.

Les, I hope you will quickly feel better. Have to say, though, my reaction to your post last evening was that you are probably the only person I know who would get the flu and decide only to run, rather than race, a 25K! ;)

Have a good weekend, runnahs.
Great to have you back in the realm of the runnahs after your funk recently. LW cracked up when she read you comment - she's just nodding her head and saying "you know him so well." :D I pretty much have to go to the course because I'm picking my coach up just outside the Army Base where we're running (his car doesn't have a current state inspection and they won't let him on base without one). I guess I have a couple options tomorrow for running - racing all 25k (not likely), running 25k (kind of likely), or running 10k or 20k (the course is 2 times on a 10k loop and a single 5k loop). Still out on that one but I'm pretty sure that I'm not racing because I feel like I'm not going to have much breath control or wind capacity tomorrow. That's ok because the group is more fun back in the pack (no anal runners who HAVE to do well).

Mary - I'm a big time supinator (so much so that I supinate when I'm standing still and barefooted - or so my physical therapist tells me). The biggest thing I work on to help combat supination is to really focus on running in a straight line - i.e., my toes are pointed directly ahead. The way I learned to run like that was running down the line on a track with my foot right on the line and focusing on pushing off right down the line. Other than that I don't have many mechanical ideas to help your supination.

Eva - Kind of a scarry story and I'm glad you're ok. It sounds like you have a great weekend planned and that you'll find some "excuse" to run on Sunday and not sleep in. ;) I know you'll be running out there.

Turning in - it'll be an early morning even though I don't have to leave the house until about 7:30 - still takes a while to get everything put together.

Until tomorrow and after all the fun... Happy trails,
Les

MaryH

01-28-2006, 10:22 AM

Les, thanks for the tip. I tried it this morning. We'll see how I feel later. I did my 12 miles this morning. (I'm in awe of you longer distance people. For me, that is a LONG way. I still can't even get my head around 20 much less 26.2. :o )

Hello to everyone and may all your runs be easy. ;)

Leslie Ferguson

01-28-2006, 09:09 PM

And the answer boys and girls is... #4 (pool running without on the road running). but more later...

I'm glad you had the chance to give the tip a try Mary, I'll be interested to hear what you think after a couple days/weeks of trying it. Getting your feet to run in a straight line is difficult (and a little foreign) at first. Hey, a dozen miles is a great distance to run - more than most people could run on any given day so there's nothing to be ashamed of. It sounds like you are doing well on your preps for 20 miles of the Big Sur course. Just remember, it's only one step at a time.

For today's running (or lack thereof) events. I picked my coach up and drove him to the start. He mentioned that if I felt that bad that I could have bagged totally and not even shown up. But I countered that it would be better for me to show up a little under the weather and not run than to not show up at all. That way I could demonstrate that it's ok to still support the group and take care of yourself and not run when you shouldn't. At first I was a little bummed that I chose to not run but by the end of the day I was happy that I didn't run. But still, the conditions were nearly perfect for a 25k run/race (which makes two races in a row which for this series is unheard of) it was about 39 or 40 degrees and nearly no wind at the start (a little breeze was blowing at the 2:30 point but still nothing to speak of) - almost perfect conditions really. But I listened to my body and didn't run but I did go onto the course to cheer the team on. Which leads to my purturbed part of the day. I positioned myself on the course at about the 3/4 and 4 mile point (the course is kind of a funky shape) of a 10k loop - that way I could cheer folks on at a couple points of their race. I got there and there wasn't a volunteer to direct traffic at that corner (and as I found out later there weren't too many volunteers out on the course) so I ended up being the volunteer to direct traffic even though I hadn't volunteered. When the race director drove around and asked how the volunteers were I said there weren't any (with the exception of two guys sitting in their car smoking cigarettes) at that corner for over 2 hours and that I had stepped in to direct traffic so folks wouldn't be lost on the course (and a couple folks got lost at other places of the course). He was p.o.'d at the volunteers who didn't show and was very appologetic that I got forced to stand there. I think he actually was going to give me an entry into the next part of the series but I had to decline because I am going to be out of town. I'm not too mad about the event really, but it would have been nice to have not been put into the position to direct people without truly knowing the course (I hadn't looked at the 25 k course and it is an odd course believe me). I just normally go with the flow of runners and don't pay attention to the course (I've run the hills for nearly 5 years so I can run them in my sleep). In all, I had a fun time - thank goodness for lined GoreTex pants and sweatshirts and jackets or it would have been a nasty 2+ hours standing in the cold.

I did go to the pool and do 75 mintues of pool running. It felt good at the time and I'll even not get to worked up about no hot water in the Y showers. But I could feel it this evening. I ran out of energy about 6 pm this evening and think if I had run I would have set myself back a bunch. So I guess I was smart (darn it - I'm getting wiser in my old age ;) ).

I think that sums up my day -- kind of mixed but fun none-the-less. I'm off to get my beauty rest and recuperation so until tomorrow. Croaking all the way. :cool:

Happy trails,
Les

SusanMac

01-29-2006, 11:45 AM

Hasn't stopped raining here for the last 24 hours, it seems. Sat I was a slug. Unplanned rest day. Oh well. I did kind of feel like crud, but not bad enough to not workout. Trying to stave of catching DH's cold. Today I did 50 minutes on the bike trainer! Woo hoo -- my longest yet. Watching the 2nd half of Casablanca helped a bunch. DH thinks I'm crazy. He needs more action movied while he's spinning. Hey, I say whatever works.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Natasha

01-29-2006, 03:50 PM

Hi all!

I had a fun weekend with a special guest - Bethany :D It was nice to see her again. (Bethany, how was the drive home?)

Les, smart decision not to do the race, but I'm glad to hear you got out and had a good time, and yes, thank goodness for Gore-Tex gear!

Susan, I will also watch (and listen to) things when running that others will find odd. I can run to any kind of music from classical to hard rock, and just last week, I used the treadmill and bike trainer while re-watching Mona Lisa Smile (great movie, but not an action film ;)). Hope you manage to stave off the cold. Seems like there's some nasty colds out there this year. I caught one the other week, although I usually manage to fight them off, and I'm *still* coughing. Annoying.

Mary, that's awesome about the 12 miler!

Eva, how was the get-together?

Seathyme, good going on the run :)

Scout, thanks for starting us off.

So today I did an 8k race in the rain, with great moral support from my husband, Bethany, and Cabot. I was holding my heavy gloves the whole time, and wearing rain pants, which was a bit awkward, but worked out all right. I went out hard a bit hard on purpose, and reached the 1 mile marker at 7:34 (chip time 7:27), which surprised me as that's VERY fast for me. Decided to go a bit easier after that. It was one of my toughest races to date (maybe the toughest), but I was determined to get a good time, and was thrilled to reach the finish line in under 40 minutes (39:50, to be exact). It was a new PR for me and my first sub-40 minute 8k race. Interestingly, the field was extremely competitive - lots of club and hardcore runners. I saw hardly anyone who looked like a casual runner.

That's all the news from these here parts. Hi also to Elizabeth, Kathy, Rebecca, Meg, nightcourt, and everyone else.

Natasha

badunnin

01-29-2006, 06:46 PM

Lots of goings on with the VRBs! No running here - resting the knee, and it feels better today, even after a hike yesterday (which I'm sure Nat and DH will be glad to hear!). Nat - drive home was wet, but fast. Just not as fast as your race today! Woohoo! Not as wet, either. ;)

Hey - my ogranisational side is showing itself, and if anyone would like to PM me travel plans for the Flying Pig, I'll start compiling an itinerary. :)

Natasha

01-29-2006, 07:09 PM

Bethany, glad you had a good drive home, and that the knee is still behaving itself. Keep us posted.

Also on the note of Flying Pig, does anyone have any preferences so far for the Cincinnati Saturday night dinner (what kind of food you'd like, etc.) so we can come to a consensus and make a reservation in the next few weeks or so? My preference is for something not too exotic, but I'm fairly flexible as most restaurants would have something that works for me as a pre-race meal. I know that for some of us, it will be a celebratory post-race meal instead of a pre-race one :)

Natasha

Leslie Ferguson

01-29-2006, 08:42 PM

I'm with both of you about watching strange things when I spin. Typically I watch my weekly shows that are on too late for me (Law and Order: SVU; Law and Order; Num3ers; and CSI). It lets me catch up on my shows and catch up on my riding. And if those aren't any good or old I'll normally catch either Food TV (Rachel Ray) or ESPN.

Great job Susan for spinning for 50 minutes even with the downer weather up there. I hope you aren't like me and get whacked by the cold/flu - I'm still not right and coughing up a storm. But soon I hope.

I'm glad you stuck out the race Natasha and got a PR too. That's a great time too - sub 40 for an 8k -- now I'll have someone to race in Cincinnati. ;) Only joking. I can only imagine running in the cold with all that gear and trying to get around the course. At least when I've raced in the rain it has normally been in reasonable temperatures. And the hale and hardy one of the group not succumbing to the cold - my hero! :cool:

Glad you're taking care of your knee Bethany - we don't need any more walking wounded around here. I think I'll be plenty for the group. ;) FWIW, I'm not flying to Cincinnati. At least right now LW and I are planning on driving - if for no other reason than she's never seen that part of the US by car so it will be a fun trip and we'll get the chance to swing through DC to see my sister and brother.

Howdy to the rest of the gang Rebecca, Betsy, Meg (still there?), nightcourt (still there too?), and Trish (another "lost soul"), Mary...

Laid a little low today but had a good lifting session. My coach was impressed with the weights that I'm lifting now (I guess it has been a couple weeks since he's lifted with me). I hope I can run a little tomorrow - if for no other reason than I need to test my ankle a little before Saturday.

Happy trails all,
Les

SusanMac

01-30-2006, 09:20 AM

Happy Monday, runners!

Natasha - Congrats on the PR!

Mary - Your dedication to the marathon training plan is inspiring!

Badunnin - thx for being organized! I'm not positive when I can drive down. Was originally planning on Sat morning, but I'd like to be there for the 10k-ers, so it might come down Fri night. Haven't decided yet. For Sat dinner, I'm thinking either pasta or a continental-style place (for just some good ol' protein, rice & veggies). As long as it's new & different for all of us, I'm sure it will be fun.

Les - Take it easy on your cold & injury!

Was hoping to run today, but we've got some wet snow here today. I like running in the snow, but I'm afraid it's too wet. So, it looks like another day on the trainer for me.

scout1222

01-30-2006, 12:18 PM

Good morning!

Saturday I had my first run with my new training group. Well, not "new" because I've run with this group before, but it's been a year or two, so there are some new faces. We ran 7 down at the harbor. Nice day, good run.

Sunday I was supposed to do my hill run, right? Well, I show up, and our ringleader had pulled a muscle the day before. He was hobbling. Since we run through a hilly neighborhood, and the other people who show up aren't familiar with the geography, we decided not to risk getting lost. So we ran on the path at the lake we meet at (it's an 8 mile course, and we usually warm up a mile on the lake path and then go into the hilly neighborhood - the lake path is flat). So no hills, but probably a few miles longer than we would have done. 8 flat instead of 6 hilly.

Today I got up and ran my neighborhood route before work, so I'm off to a good start this week.

sarasilver

01-30-2006, 05:21 PM

Wow, you guys are totally inspiring!
I'm new here, and a runner as well. :)

I ran 10 miles yesterday and will do a short 30 min. recovery run today. I was super slow yesterday and not in the shape I'd like to be in, esp. considering I'm doing a half marathon next sunday!
Oh well, I've decided to just do it as though it were a training run and not worry about my time.

Keep up the great work, everyone!

Natasha

01-30-2006, 07:03 PM

Hi everyone!

Les, sorry to hear you're still not feeling 100%. Did you get to run a bit today? That's cool that your coach was impressed with your weights - definitely a good sign.

Susan, how was the trainer workout?

Welcome Sara!!! :) Good job on the 10 miler. Will this half marathon be your first?

Hi to everyone else. I'm taking it a bit easy today workout wise. I walked a fair bit and will do abs, but that's probably going to be it.

Natasha

Leslie Ferguson

01-30-2006, 09:18 PM

Welcome sarasilver!!! I hope you enjoy our merry band and continue to visit. FWIW we've been "at this thread" for I can't remember how long - somehow I think at least 2 years but it may be closer to three. Great job on 10 miles yesterday and like Natasha asked, which 1/2 and is it your first or one of many?

scout - It's great that you got your week off on a good foot this morning and I'm sorry you didn't get your hill workout in yesterday - I would have been bummed. Still, 8 miles of flat is good (even though 6 miles of hills would be more fun and better).
Susan - How was your spin? A little snow (I hope) may give you a great run tomorrow as long as it doesn't melt. :rolleyes:
Natasha - A day of relative rest - always a good thing. I'm a little better tonight, still coughing but not nearly as deeply as yesterday. I really was proud of my lifting yesterday too (but I seem to remember that pride comes before the fall...). I think the thing that shocked my coach was I pressed over twice my weight on the leg press - a weight he hasn't seen me attempt in the 5 years we've been lifting together.

As for running - it will either cure me or kill me, at least that's my story and I'm sticking with it. I ran in the 60+ degree temps (not bragging I'm completely in shock) this evening. Loped off for about 8 miles. If it weren't for my dead legs from lifting yesterday it would have been great but still it felt good but I could feel the crud in my lungs by the end of the run. It was kind of like breathing in a bag when I finished. But still a good run (any run these days is a good run considering).

Flying Pig - I'm up for just about anything but like Susan something simple for dinner on Saturday evening is probably in order considering the race in the morning. Sorry I can't be more decisive but I'm not too picky when it comes down to pre-race (except that I do enjoy sushi but I'm not bent on that either) eating -- just as long as it's food. :D And for planning purposes we're still planning on arriving Friday afternoon/evening - we have to since LW is doing the 10 k and I'm probably doing one of the Saturday races too. Actual time will depend on how early we push out of DC Friday morning.

I hope the rain isn't too bad here tomorrow, another good run before tapering for the Norfolk Half-marathon on Saturday would be good. I guess that's enough for tonight and I'll try to check in tomorrow while at work. So until later... Happy trails and welcome to sara.

Les

MaryH

01-31-2006, 07:49 AM

Godd morning all. Lots of miles going on out there. :D

I took Sunday off and did the 3 miles yesterday (which was the scheduled rest day). I put in my 6 this morning. Got to go to work. Happy trails.

SusanMac

01-31-2006, 08:10 AM

Mary - Isn't it an awesome feeling when a 3 or 6-miler seems short??

Sarasilver - Welcome to the BB. You caught us right before a big race. Good luck! Which training plan did you use? What is your goal for the race? A few of us around here are doing a 1/2 in early May.

My spin session went well yesterday. Only 30 minutes, but I feel fine w/that. I can tell I'm getting stronger, esp with my one-leg spins. I know this will make me more comfortable when it's time to get out on the roads.

Today, I'm hoping for a run. But, my work schedule is a bit crazy. Also, tonight I'm starting a new core-strengthening class! Very excited. It will be 2 x/week for 4 weeks. I have to cut out of work early for it (darn). Have no idea how tough it will be or how sore it will make me.

scout1222

01-31-2006, 09:28 AM

I hope you all will take pictures at Flying Pig. You know, for those of us who can't make it and must live vicariously! :D

Ran again this morning, yay! Tomorrow is my rest day, so I won't be reporting any runs again until Thursday (hopefully!).

Welcome to Sara. Hop on in and talk about anything you'd like.

Elizabeth B

01-31-2006, 05:32 PM

Hello runners and Welcome Sara!

I haven't been running and actually feel a lot better but I've been keeping up with all of you, which has been very exciting.

Great time on the 8K, Natasha, especially under such gross conditions. I've been so spoiled with the mild winter here.

Scout - Your training group run sounds fun and I agree with you that I want to see pictures of everyone from the Flying Pig. It would be great if CL could run a story about the group meeting for the race.

Les - I am so proud that you didn't run the race. I'm volunteering at a race Saturday. I'm doing chip collection and look forward to congratulating runners on their finishes. Our local running club has a program where you get one token for every race that you volunteer at and if you get 3 tokens, you can run a free race.

I've been out looking at bikes this week and it's WAY more confusing than it was when I bought my last bike. I'd like a bike that I could use in a triathalon, should I ever decide to do one - which is a stretch. I think I need a road bike for that, but they keep steering me towards hybrids or "fitness" bikes (probably because of my budget, which I'm starting to think needs to be increased).

Anyhow, I get to start back to non-running exercise next week and I can't wait. I must have gotten addicted to endorphins, because I've felt a little "lost" the last week. I've enjoyed hanging with DH and working on some projects around the house, but I really miss running. So I'm living vicariously through all of you for the next 5 weeks.

Take care all and have great runs!

SusanMac

01-31-2006, 07:32 PM

Elizabeth - That program to promote volunteers sounds really cool! Love that idea. Yes, shopping for bikes can be overwhelming (and expensive). If you want to casually tool around and bike now & then just for fun, then absolutely go for a hybrid. But, if you think you might ever ride 3 x/week for fitness/training, and reach mileage of over 30 miles per ride, then a road bike is worth the $$. It really will last you forevever, will make riding easier & more enjoyable over the long-run. The trick is predicting what you think you want to do....before you even start. It's hard! I do see people doing sprint triathlons on hybrids, but their bums might be sore :-) It's not a big deal, though, and they can ride just as hard.

Well, I just got back from my new strength class. Oh ---- my ---- god! That was the most fun I've had in a really long time! The place is called the Monkey Bar Gym, and it lives up to its name. Their approach to fitness is to use your own weight (and minor props) to build strength. And, unlike pilates which is slow and static,this was highly aerobic. So, we spent an hour doing billions of lunges, med ball exercises, crawling on the floor, twisting, turning & jumping. They somehow make calesthenics (sp?) really fun. The only problem.....I might not be able to walk for the next 3 days!

Leslie Ferguson

01-31-2006, 09:03 PM

I know that I'll be bringing my camera to FP so we can have pictures to share (hopefully this time they don't get eaten by the camera :rolleyes: ). Plus you're right Elizabeth it would be neat if Cooking Light did a little article on us (maybe they're watching...).

Elizabeth - I like the running club and the token thing for a free race. In Norfolk, if you want to be considered for the end of the year awards you have to volunteer at least once in a season for some event (a race, stuffing envelopes/mailers, etc.). It can be frustrating to shop for bikes and I found that a few of the stores here tried to steer me in a specific direction. One of the stores here actually told a friend of mine that there "weren't" any bikes in the style and price range she wanted (that's odd because she was shopping for a bike like the Trek 1000) so she went elsewhere. Like Susan said, a hybrid is a good all around bike for tooling around but if you think you're going to want to do more (either faster or quantity) riding then a mid-price road bike is probably the thing you're looking for. One of the places you can look for bikes is at the local triathlon club (if there is one) because a lot of those folks who are moving up with their bikes may be willing to part with theirs for a reasonable price, but beware sometimes triathletes crash their bikes (naw...) :rolleyes: so there may be issues. But those bikes should be fairly easy to spot (abrasions etc.).

The Monkey Bar Gym - that's a riot. It sounds like a lot of fun and I hope that you don't pay too much for the fun.

I didn't get a run today but did spin for ~53 minutes. I tried another interval workout: 2 on 1 off. I was good and tired by the end of the fun. I'm looking forward to a run tomorrow since the weather is supposed to settle out (gale force/small craft advisory tonight) and I may need the run to settle myself out after my next visit to the gastroenterologist tomorrow - playing stump the doctor again and following up on my conoloscopy. I hope he has some definitive news for tomorrow but I'm not holding my breath.

Peace to all and happy trails - here comes hump day. :cool:

Les

sarasilver

01-31-2006, 11:04 PM

SusanMac

02-01-2006, 07:10 AM

Sara - I don't know why I had it in my head that this was your first. Sounds like you have some good goals. I ran for about 8 years before I worked on speed (and I'm still not fast). As a group, a bunch of us are training for the Flying Pig race in Cincinnati. I'm considering the Mad City Half mary in late May; and my first half Ironman in Iowa in Aug.

scout1222

02-01-2006, 09:23 AM

I'm signed up for the San Dieguito Half Marathon on February 12th and the La Jolla Half Marathon in April. I've basically signed up for all the local half marathons this year.

No designs on my next marathon...yet.

SusanMac

02-01-2006, 10:06 AM

OMG - was that a freudian slip?? I wrote "Mad City Half" when I'm actually considering the "Mad City FULL Marathon." Hmmm....wonder what this means?? (I am honestly wondering if it's too much/too many goals in 1 year. Dunno when I'll decide)

Anyway, just got back from a good swim. 30 minutes. It was nice to loosen up after last night's lunge-fest. But, I know feel even more exhausted & famished. So, no more workouts today. Planning an easy run on Thurs before my next Monkey Bar class.

Scout - you decided not to do the Disney race, didn't you? Or are you still considering it? Just gotta decide how badly you want that mouse-ear finisher's medal!

aggie94

02-01-2006, 12:41 PM

Natasha, the running club get together was a lot of fun! Great food, good company, and we got to share our war stories from the race. And get geared up for the Valley of the Sun 1/2 in March. I have abandoned my goal of 2:30 for that race, though, after learning that it's not a flat run. I suck at hills. :o

Sunday morning, I met up with two gals from the running club for an easy, really slow 4-miler. Slow even for me. :p For one of the gals, it was her first time back after doing the full marathon a few weeks ago, so we just took it easy and had fun. Last night, to make up for it, our regular evening group did a tough 4-mile hill run. It kicked my butt. I've decided, though, that it would be good training/conditioning for me to do that run at least once a week. I need to mix it up from our usual flat canal runs.

That's about all I've had time for lately. I am gearing up for a trial tomorrow, so things are a little hectic this week. One or two of the other running club members have mentioned meeting up at the Y to swim laps, so maybe that will finally be the push I've been needing to get me back in the pool. I really want to do a triathlon this year (probably just an Olympic), so I need to start cross training!

scout1222

02-01-2006, 02:08 PM

I don't think I can justify spending $85 on a half marathon, especially when by that point I will have already run at least 4 other half marathons just this year. I'm a little too cheap.

If the entry fee got you into Disneyland (or at least a discount) I might feel otherwise.

Leslie Ferguson

02-01-2006, 02:12 PM

Thanks for all the great welcomes!!!!!
They were terrific! :)

It's not my first 1/2 - I've done about 2 fulls and 5 or 6 halfs (as well as a couple of those mammoth relays :D ).

I'm not a fast runner at all (my fastest pace in a 10k was 10:30 thus far) but I'm working on improving my speed this year. This upcoming half is really just a kick-my-*** into gear for 2006, so I'm not doing this one for speed.

What race(s) are y'all training for?
(and really, thanks again for the welcome - it put a big smile on my face)

ETA: oh yeah, I've been using the galloway method.
Thanks for the info Sara. You sound like an experienced marathoner. Ah that I could be able to run another marathon but alas my old and tired body just won't support the miles anymore. I note you're using Galloway - if you don't mind me asking, which group are you with. I've been helping the Galloway group here in Norfolk/Hampton Roads for about 3 years (my coach of almost 6 years is the director for Norfolk/Hampton Roads). Regarding which events I'm training for... good question. The races I know I'm running (at least until June) are:
East Beach Norfolk Half marathon (this Saturday)
Shamrock Half marathon and/or 8k - March 18/19
Virginia Duathlon (tentative) - April 2
Flying Pig half marathon and 10k or 5k (not sure which of the shorter races I'll do but I'll do one of them) - May 6-7 along with the rest of the group
Elizabeth River Run 10k - 27 May
Breezy Point Triathlon - 4 June

Now for my afternoon - I'm heading home from work and hope to run about 8 miles, easy pace. It's not quite as warm today as Monday but still it's sunny and about 50 with little breeze so... need to get a good run in while the getting is good.

Aggie - It sounds like you are having fun with your running and to coin a phrase I've heard here before - doen't it suck when work gets in the way of important things like running? ;) The Valley of the Sun race sounds like fun - I just wish there were some hills around here to race on because I love running them (and I'm good at using hills to my advantage).

TTFN - time to jet.

Les

sarasilver

02-01-2006, 07:37 PM

Leslie - that's a nice line-up you have there!

As for my training group, I'm doing it on my own now, using the Galloway Marathon! book, but back in 2001, I trained with a San Francisco-based Galloway group.

All of my races this year are either in San Francisco or in Portland, Oregon. Unless something unexpected comes up :)

Leslie Ferguson

02-01-2006, 09:29 PM

Sara - Which race(s) are you doing in Portland? I only ask because I'm a displaced Oregonian (in the Navy for almost 21 years) and my in-laws live in Portland. I'd always wanted to run the Rose City Marathon and the Hood to Coast relay but probably won't be able to run either one now. :( I think I've got a mad man's schedule for racing this spring/summer. And my list doesn't include a couple other races I think I may run, especially in the fall.

I had a good run this evening. I went a little faster than the other day (about 2 minutes in 8 miles). I probably should have run a little slower so I would have a little more pop on Saturday but the conditions were great for running - about 45 with about 5 mph of wind. And I was cruising. Of course it could have been a little stress relief too after my doctor's appointment this morning. I stumped the doctor again and he "got back at me" by ordering a couple more procedures and one blood test. The blood test was easy (but then they love my veins) in fact the tech asked if she could close her eyes when she took my blood (my veins are that prominent) and I promised her that she could close her eyes if I could close mine too. :D But the remainder of the "fun" will come on the 15th. I've got an easy procedure - a liver ultrasound but the time is terrible - 6:00 A.M.! :eek: No that test isn't associated with my recent gastrointestinal issues but rather for my long-standing liver enzyme issues (hopefully I don't get results like Rebecca wherever she is). The "fun" test is an Endoscopy at - get this - 1:00 P.M.. Luckily I can probably figure out how to combine the prep for both tests and be ready to go by 1 but still just what I'm looking for -- more I.V. sedation (but then that means more sleep at the doctor's expense :D ).

Had computer problems so I'm a little behind and need to push to bed so I'll check back tomorrow sometime during the day hopefully. I hope the down side of the week is good for everyone and I'll see you.

Happy trails,
Les

sarasilver

02-01-2006, 09:56 PM

Leslie, I've done hood to coast twice now and am on a team for next year as well. I do love that race!
I've also done the Helvetia Half marathon & the Hippie Chick Half Marathon, as well as the Portland marathon. This year I'll do the Race for the Roses Half, and one of the other two again, and then probably that marathon again. We'll see.

My veins are the exact opposite of yours!!! They can never find them :(
Good luck with the procedure!

I went for a 45 min. run, at my faster pace and plan to do a half hour of hill training tomorrow before my pilates class...
On on :)

MaryH

02-01-2006, 10:23 PM

So Sara, are you doing B2B this year? Or Wharf to Wharf? Or for a bit longer run, Big Sur in April? ;)

sarasilver

02-01-2006, 10:28 PM

Hey Mary,
I will do B2B - but probaby not Big Sur ;)
You?

MaryH

02-02-2006, 08:16 AM

Sara, I'm signed up for Big Sur's "power walk" which is 20 miles. That is the last weekend of April. I've done B2B a couple of times (only walked it though)but I'll have to see what my legs are like this year after Big Sur. If you haven't ever done Wharf to Wharf I'd recommend it. It's only 6-7 miles but it's very scenic and it's limited to 5000 (I think) runners. Registration opens 4/1 and it's always held the last weekend in July. Goes from Santa Cruz to Capitola and ends on the beach area. It ALWAYS sells out ahead of time.

As far as running, yestderay the plan was to do 5 miles. Apparently my first mistake was to put on my old running shoes. I got about 1 mile and my legs rebelled. I ended up walking most of it (and taking shortcuts) because I just needed to get back. Must be my legs way of telling me it's time to take a rest day. :D Today was 6 miles on the schedule but I may just use it as a gym day.

Happy birthday Natasha!!!!!

scout1222

02-02-2006, 09:35 AM

I did Hood to Coast probably 5 years ago or so. It was a blast.

I had an interesting morning, folks. First, I woke up 20 minutes before my alarm, which is crazy. So anyway, I got up to get ready for a run. Filled up my water bottle and noticed that the water pressure was HORRIBLE. Hmm. I almost considered not running, fearing that by the time I got back home, the water might be completely shut off.

I ended up running, because I figured if I didn't run and had no water, I'd be more upset than if I had run and had no water...even if I'd be stinky.

It was the right choice, because by the time I got in the shower, the pressure was back to normal. I didn't see or hear anything around the complex that would explain what happened, but I managed to run and get clean, so all is good.

seathyme

02-02-2006, 06:15 PM

Dropping in to say Happy Birthday Natasha!! And congratulations on your very speedy race last weekend!

Everyone is reporting such great runs and workouts. I'm impressed!

I ran this morning, which was lovely. In keeping with my 2006 goal, I also had a private session with my yoga teacher yesterday, to set up a plan for a home practice. It was such a luxury to have that personal attention. So all is well here.

Run on, runnahs.

Leslie Ferguson

02-02-2006, 09:04 PM

First and foremost - Happy Birthday Natasha!

A good call on two parts today - scout going out to run even if there was no water and Mary not succumbing to running in dead shoes. If your knees were sore after a mile I can only imagine what they would have felt like otherwise.

Now I'm doubly jealous - both scout and Sara have run Hood to Coast and I'll probably never get the chance.

seathyme - Your solo yoga class/lesson sounds divine. I'm glad you're able to put your resolution to work and to get a relaxing and rejeuvenating exercise for your home. How was the snow up there? Did all the junk you got yesterday melt? Or is it still on the ground?

I got home today and felt a little wrung out - for some reason I didn't want to head out and run even though it was nice and reasonably warm (about 53 or 54). So I buckled down and did a 65 minute spin . A nice tempo ride but no real intervals. Today I caught up on some old Home Imporvement shows that I'd never seen. I guess riding was good for me though since I am racing or at least running the half fairly fast on Saturday (early-ish start). Which probably means that tomorrow will be a rest day. We're supposed to go to a wine tasting event tomorrow evening but if I'm not any more rested then I may either beg out or go for a short time. I bet LW would want me to go for a little while so she can go too (she won't go wine taste if she would have to drive herself home). We'll see how I feel tomorrow evening.

That's it for tonight so I'm off... who'll start anew tomorrow?

Happy trails,
Les