Virtual Running Buddies - 9/15

[SusanMac]

I shouldn't start 2 weeks in a row, I guess, but figured I'd take advantage to finally share my news of the week/month/year.

I finally feel ready, and took the plunge this week. I am now officially an Ironman-in-training !! I'm signed up to compete in Ironman Wisconsin 2007 next Sept. Registration opened up Monday morning, and I was in line early, which is good b/c it sold out in an hour. It's kind of surreal at the moment. It's so far away, I'm currently focused on a marathon, and anxious to cut back on training for the winter. But, know that the coming year will be the toughest, both phyically & mentally, that I've ever had to endure. I can't quite put my finger on how I knew I was ready, but it was definitely in my gut. And I knew if I didn't sign up, I'd spend the next year kicking myself & always wondering if I could do it.

On to training...yesterday was my LSD day at 18 miles. Tried a new gel. YUCK !!!! Clif shots (DH's new fav). Very hard to get down they are so thick. And had minor stomach cramps the entire time.

Nat - Question for you. Did you say that you wore your Fuel Belt during your marathon? I was thinking of not wearing mine b/c they hand out fluids. But since I'm used to it anyway, it might be just fine. Wearing yours during the race didn't bug you? How many bottles/holsters does yours have?

Connor's Mom - Good luck in your race this weekend !!! Be sure to check in Mon & let us know how it went.

Any fun weekend plans, anyone? Seathyme & Aggie, where are you??

[TLee4]

Hi Runners. I am definitely not running lately but hopefully will be again someday! (I have a jogger stroller that we can try out next summer). Anyway, I just wanted to butt in and tell Susan that I did wear my fuel belt during my marathon. I didn't mind it since I was used to it, like you said. I think it holds 6 bottles (??can't remember...) but I might have only used 4 of them.

And here's a picture of Joey. :)



http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid214/p93d8c205048fb8705d800de23d4e3891/ed1cfc14.jpg

[Laura]

Susan, that is awesome! I have a friend of mine who did one in CA and said it was the most incredible experience. We VRBs will support you all the way. I also wanted to say that I wore my fuel belt during the R&R marathon and it didn't bother me at all. Plus, sometimes it seemed like those aid stations were further away then 2 miles.

Terri Joey is so cute!

[MNGirlTX]

Susan - That's awesome!!

TLee - What an adorable baby!!!

Connor's Mom - Good luck in your race. Looking forward to hearing a report from you.

It's a rest day for me...only 7 miles tomorrow, so it shouldn't be too bad. Hopefully, the weather will continue to cooperate and it will be a cool-ish morning.

Les - It sounds like you are really enjoying your trip. Very cool.

Hi to everyone else - TGIF!

Lori

[2HUNGRY!]

Susan! That is awesome! I can't wait to hear all about your training. What a really, really cool thing.

Lori, enjoy your DOR

Terri, Joey is cute and I like his sweater. Looks comfy.

I had my first pilates class last night. I got there only to find out they had changed the time. It was a big mess. I stayed for the class but got my money back for the rest and am switching to a more convienient yoga class instead. I hope to run 2x this weekend and swimming starts again on Monday. Yay!

[Natasha]

Hi all!

Susan, thanks for starting us off and for sharing your news. Good stuff!! We'll be rooting for you throughout your training :) DH must be thrilled too, no? Yes, I wore my Fuel Belt in my last marathon. It didn't bother me at all. It's a quattro and I had 2 7 oz and 2 11 oz flasks. I had water in the big flasks and one of the smaller flasks, and gel in the other smaller flask. I also ended up grabbing a cup or two of water towards the end of the race.

Terri, Joey is SO CUTE!!! Thanks for dropping by and sharing the photo with us.

Jill, what a pain about the Pilates class but glad you found a yoga class.

Lori, enjoy the rest of your rest day.

Les, you probably don't want to know this but the sun is finally coming out here :rolleyes: How was the flight home?

Edited to add: Betsy and Denise, hope the races go well! Also edited to add that I finally got in my run today. It was not the best, as I was tired (short on protein, which I fixed after the run by enjoying the meal my husband had prepared for me as I ran). Anyway, the run got done and gave me some energy, so no complaints.

Oh, and speaking of eating - Les, I think you're one of the only other people I've ever met who gets "peckish" and grazes as much as I do ;) Not an insult - just an observation!

Take care, all!
Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting Susan - you rate 2 weeks in a row with that news. I'm looking forwarding to cheering you on during training and the race. I agree that Cliff Shots are really hard to eat - even though they used to be my favorites. I'm partial to thinner ones like Gu and Accel gels. SOme of my friends cary belts when they run and I've taken to carrying a bottle (~1/2 liter) when I race just so I don't have to foll around with the crush at the first couple tables.

Nat - Peckish - that describes the other night doesn't it? :eek: And I take that comment about grazing as a compliment - that really is the way that I survive any more. Sorry your run didn't go well but it sounds like you know what caused it and how to fix it in the future. Got any more good runs for this week? I experienced some of the sun but it seemed like we were chasing the clouds all the way from Toronto to Buffalo - overcast and even a little misty in Niagara Falls yesterday and last night. When we left this morning it wasn't bad but still overcast all the way to Buffalo. Luckily we flew home the way we did (Buffalo to Detroit to Norfolk) because that skipped all the delays in the DC-Philly-NYC-Boston corridor today (60-90 minutes flying through the East Coast).
Terri - Great picture of Joey. Good call to not push him around these days in your area either.

Howdy to Jill, Lori, and Lori (and anyone else out there lurking).

Nothing really to add - finished our holiday without issue (not like lots of folks flying on the East Coast today). Only a little late getting home but nothing that was too out of the ordinary. Rested today (more or less) and I'm getting ready for a potentially long day at the trail tomorrow (one person is going 22 miles and coach wants my bike to be there just in case it's needed).

Looks like no rest for the weary so I'll sign off and head to bed. Until tomorrow... Happy trails,
Les

[MNGirlTX]

Happy Saturday VRBs. The best thing about today's run is that it's over. Only 7 miles, but I've got one word for you - HUMID. Slap ya in the face when you walk out the door kind of humid. So gross and horrible.

I've got to get some ribs started for supper club tonight. I'm making them in the oven and finishing them on the grill. It's my first time, so I hope they work out!

I joined a bowling league. I have a feeling it's a group of mostly sr. citizens, but my boss and another co-worker are on the league, so I'll know a couple people. It'll be fun the days I bowl against their teams. Anyway, that's on Sundays at 6 p.m. That means I have to kind of re-work my weekend...and won't be able to put off things like laundry until Sunday night anymore!

I hope y'all enjoy your weekends....I'll check back later.

Lori

[Natasha]

Hi guys,

Lori, good job on the HUMID run today, and have fun at supper club and bowling!

Les, I forgot to mention earlier that I'm sorry to hear about Ma Ellis :( Hpe the bike ride was fun today and that the runners fared well, including the person/people doing the 22 miler.

I did a workout on the bike trainer today, and lots of abs, and we went to the farmers' market and such. Tomorrow I might do a short run with the group, or maybe just join them later for social coffee. Now to visit my mom and have tea and brownies with her (I'm testing out my brownie recipe before the fall fair - I know I can improve on this batch and have some ideas on how to do so, so might make more tomorrow. Still, today's batch isn't bad.)

Have a fun Saturday, all!
Natasha

[Kathy B]

Natasha, sorry to hear you have to spend your weekend testing brownies....what a bummer! :D

Cute picture of Joey, Terri! Hope you did something fun today for your birthday!

Glad to hear you got signed up in time for the Ironman, Susan. Wow! Training for a year for a race sounds overwhelming to me. Good luck to you, and keep us posted.

Jill, have you done yoga before? I hope you like your new class. I've done it with TV/tapes for about 3 years, but don't have much experience with an actual class/instructor.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Happy Saturday VRBs. The best thing about today's run is that it's over. Only 7 miles, but I've got one word for you - HUMID. Slap ya in the face when you walk out the door kind of humid. So gross and horrible.
Sorry you had such an ugly run this morning - I figured we were the only ones who were having the fun of humidity. :( Still 7 miles is a good job in yucky conditions. I hope your ribs turn out ok too. I'm not that good finishing on the BBQ but I'm told the technique for success is a hot grill and not saucing them until you're almost ready to remove them. I hope you enjoy the bowling extravaganza too.
Natasha - Thanks for the wishes about Ma Ellis - funny thing, if I had had my phone on at your house I could have gotten the message in person (so to speak) on Thursday about 11:30. A lovely lady who'll be sorely missed. Testing brownies - DARN the bad luck - sounds like an ugly dirty job and I'm glad you're willing to protect society from those brownies. ;) :D Have a good time with Mom and I hope you enjoy the group run tomorrow and the social coffee.

Today - YUCK! It was only 68 degrees -- but there was about 99.999999% humidity. Don't let anyone fool you, humidity at that temperature is still oppressive. Got 13+ miles in on foot and about 8 miles of slogging around on a fairly damp (there was rain last night) trail. Mud!!!! The 22 mile runner had a decent run, especially considering the conditions.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend and good races tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[Connor's mom]

[QUOTE=Natasha]Welcome Denise!! So tell us a bit more about Connor - enquiring minds want to know! :)
[QUOTE=Natasha]

You guys are such a welcoming (and helpful) bunch.

Natasha, Connor is 13, still SO sweet despite now being a teen. He's really come into his own with his great sense of humor, insight into things (amazes us sometimes), and being an only child, we are blessed that he has a highly sophisticated palate (loves to cook with us; I just bought him the Williams Sonoma Krups panini maker for a Christmas gift) and very personable, one of those people who can talk to anyone - adults and kids (which HAS been a tiny problem @ school; teachers don't necessarily appreciate a social kid. Football and tennis player, wrestler ( :confused: ). Still trying to get him into running with us, and I think he is starting to consider to help with the conditioning for his other sports. He's an awesome kid, and we realize how blessed we are with him.Any way, more than you probably wanted to hear :D .

For the 1/2 tomorrow, I've decided to have an English muffin with honey, 1/2 cup of coffee, and water pre-race, and picked up a packet of Clif Shot Blocks Chews that my running store recommended since I don't like the texture of GU (Sp?) for an hour into the race. And I will be VERY cautious post-race - banana, bagel, gatorade.

Wish me luck!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Denise - Thanks for the information about Connor, sounds like a great kid. I hope you have a good race tomorrow and that the eating regimen works for you. Fleet feet and a steady pace for you tomorrow.

Happy trails runnahs,
Les

[Laura]

No run today, but I did make it into the pool. I only swam 1650 but I felt pretty good.

Connor's mom good luck tomorrow

Since Terri got to show her baby boy, I wanted to share pictures of my "baby" girl. Okay she is 17, but since I just got her senior pictures, I wanted to show her off. Terri, I remember when DD was Joey's age; it goes way too fast.

http://images.photobiz.com/photographers/486/23079/thumbnails/DSC_2188%20cr.jpg.jpg

and

http://images.photobiz.com/photographers/486/23079/thumbnails/DSC_2184.jpg.jpg

[badunnin]

Hi guys - I've been lurking lately, and have been reading all your news, good and bad. :) I'm in a bit of a... I won't say rough spot (that was the last month), but I'm feeling very overwhelmed by work right now, and while I'm running, all training has been put off for a bit. I get out when I can, and if I get out once a week it's a success.

Just got home from a rough/emotional day at an estate sale, so I'll sign off for now.

[SusanMac]

Connor's Mom - Thx for the info on Connor. That's so cute....w/your screen name I was assuming Connor was a baby :-) Very cool that your family is so active. Hope your race went well today. I like the Bloks, although they leave a real sugary film on my teeth. Very yummy tho.

Badunnin - Sorry you're in a funk. Hope you get settled into the new school year soon. Keep on runnin'! (or doing something endorphin related :-)

Laura - Your daughter is beautiful! Is this the one who is a swimmer?

Went on a bike ride yesterday & was totally spent the entire time. It was super windy, but I know it was more than that making me feel tired. I'm not riding as regularly these days, and underestimating how much of a difference it makes. Was still fun, though, with good comany, some new roads and nice x-training. Tempo run is in the cards for today if I can get motivated. DH has caught my cold from earlier in the week - doh!

[Natasha]

Denise, Connor sounds like such a cool kid! Thanks for the info. :) How was the run today?

Betsy, how was your race?

Les, good job on the long and humid run yesterday.

Laura, nice picture of your daughter - thanks for sharing it. I can't believe she's a senior already!

Not too much to report here. I skipped the run today but went for coffee and had a grand old time. My husband got to meet a lot of the "regulars", and that was cool. We also went for a hike and did some errands. I still do need to do a run, but it will have to wait a little longer.

Take care, all, and happy trails,
Natasha

[Elizabeth B]

Susan - If I was going to guess what your surprise was, it would have been that you had decided to go for a full IM! That's fantastic that you made the commitment and it will be fun to follow your training.

Terri - Thanks for sharing your picture of cute little Joey - how sweet!

Natasha and Les - It's great that y'all were able to get together. Does "peckish" mean that Les gets irritable when he's hungry? If so, I"m right there with him. I'm normally very even-keeled, except when I'm hungry or tired.

I had a great time working chip distribution at yesterday's 5K even though it meant getting up at 5 am for a 7:30 race! There were several first-time racers and it was fun explaining the chip to them and sometimes even helping to put it on their shoe. Unfortunately, the race didn't go so well. I had forgotten how hard the course was 2 years ago and they've changed it since then so that it's even harder (in my opinion). It was all uphill and downhill - with more uphills then downhills (again, in my opinion). Anyhow, my time was 31:46. I made a couple of logistical errors that cost me some time (started too far back and wasted time at an under-manned water stop), but that was as fast as I could run yesterday.

Afterwards, I got home early and made the silly decision to go to class at the Y - 20 minutes of step after running a 5K was not such a good idea. I was worn out and ended up lazing around the house reading for the rest of the day. I read My Life In France by Julia Child which was fascinating.

The great thing about running is that there's always another race so even though it didn't go so well yesterday, I'm looking forward to doing better the next time!

Take care, all - have a great week!

[Natasha]

Hi Betsy! Thanks for the race report. It's too bad that all didn't go as well as you'd hoped, but it still sounds like a fun time. I've made that mistake too of starting too far back. It's frustrating, isn't it?


Natasha and Les - It's great that y'all were able to get together. Does "peckish" mean that Les gets irritable when he's hungry? If so, I"m right there with him.

No, Les doesn't get irritable (at least not that I saw :)) - he just needs to eat frequent meals/snacks, the way I do. Speaking of people who do get irritable when hungry or tired, though, I'm way up there. :eek: I'm also irritable in extreme sticky weather.

Okay, now I really am going to go run. :rolleyes:

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

No, Les doesn't get irritable (at least not that I saw :)) - he just needs to eat frequent meals/snacks, the way I do. Speaking of people who do get irritable when hungry or tired, though, I'm way up there. :eek: I'm also irritable in extreme sticky weather.

Okay, now I really am going to go run. :rolleyes:

Natasha
Then there was the night at C'est what?... but I guess it wasn't that I was irritable when my blood sugar dropped off the scope - I just went from being civil and thinking of eating a great dinner (which it ended up being) to not wanting ANYTHING to eat. I guess my issue when I get really hungry is nothing looks good when I'm in the down cycle but as Natasha and DH found out I will cycle up soon and then I'll be a happy camper. As things go, I'm quite fine with lack of sleep (done that most of the past 21 years) and when it's sticky (done that for most of the last 8 years :rolleyes: ) but deep hunger and low blood sugar are the things that take me off center the quickest. So how was your run this evening Natasha?

Elizabteh - I've been in the same boat of starting back toofar and getting clobbered by too many folks to wade through. 20 minutes of step after racing a 5k????? Not a great plan (and sounds like something I maight try ;) ).

Lifting went well today. Probably the last sane day for me for the near term. I checked my schedule this afternoon... :eek: and found meetings Monday day and evening; Tuesday morning, noon, and probably evening; and Friday night through Saturday noon. :eek: Running could take a hit this week. Oh well, just a thing.

Happy trails all and I hope you all have a saner week than I might.
Les

[Kathy B]

Well, Les, it sounds to me like you will have plenty of running this week.....from meeting to meeting! But maybe that wasn't what you had in mind, huh? Hope they are productive meetings, anyway. :)

Betsy, lazing around the house reading a good book is a favorite way for me to spend an afternoon or evening, even if I didn't run a 5K! Sorry your race didn't go as you would have liked, but as you say, there are always more races to run. Glad you had fun helping with the chip thing pre-race. I have only done one race, and there were no chips involved, so that is something I still have to learn about.

Laura, what a lovely daughter you have. She must be so excited to be a senior this year....the goal is in sight!

Denise, Connor sounds like a great kid, and also a busy one! Treasure these years, because they go by so fast. (See Laura's post)! How did your half go? Hope the weather cooperated for you.

I did a bit over 4 miles yesterday. Funny thing is when I start out, I feel like I'm working pretty hard even at a very slow pace, and I think "Well maybe I'll just go 3", because I truly don't think I could do any more than that. I even question why I decided to take up running. :eek:

But then after I'm well into the second mile, I suddenly find myself picking up the pace a LOT (for me), but breathing much easier and using less effort. I really fall into a stride and even start thinking about other things some of the time. Then I start thinking "well I guess I could add this loop," and "I'll just take this slightly longer route." I know that I am still warming up some that first mile, but I can't believe the difference in effort that is required between the slow first mile and a half or so, and the rest of the run. Is this typical? (I have no doubt that I have negative splits!) I am sure it has to do with endorphins in some way, but it is hard to believe they can make THAT much of a difference.

Hope you all get off to a great start to your week today!

[Laura]

Thanks for the compliments on DD- I think she is beautiful, even more on the inside, but as many girls her age she really struggles with self image. Susan, you asked if she is a swimmer, no that is DS. DD swam for a year, but her true passion is ballet so she is surrounded by girls who are much shorter (she is 5'10) and super thin, and while she is quite thin herself, it is always a battle to get her to see how healthy and beautiful she really is.

Anyway, I mainly came to report that I ran this morning! I woke up super early but felt good so I headed out doors. I actually ran in tights because it was only 35 when I headed out! But it was gorgeous. The sun was rising over the plains and giving a little alpenglo (I know that is not how that word is spelled, but it is the pink tinge mountains get in the morning) to Pike's Peak as it is dabbled with snow. The run in and of itself was not great as my legs are tired from lifting, but it just felt great to be out there.

Kathy, you just described almost every single run that I have. I start out ridiculously slow, but by the time the first mile is done, have usually settled into a good pace for me. Good job on sticking with it.

Les, I hope your week is not as crazy as you fear and that you get some running or cycling in.

Elizabeth, that sounds like quite the day. I don't race enough to ever know where to stand, either I make the mistake you did or am too close to the front and get clobbered by those speed demons. ;) Thanks for reminding me that my life in France is on my "to read" list.

Natasha, Sounds like your had a nice day. How did the brownie tasting turn out?

Susan, hope your tempo run goes well and DH does not pass the cold back to you.

Bethany, I hope you see the light at the end of the tunnel soon. Being in a funk is no fun. :(

Well DS has two doctor's appointments today so I should try to fit in work while I can. Take care everyone!

[615bride]

Susan- I'm getting here late in the game but wanted to let you know that I wore my Fuel Belt during my marathon even though there were plenty of aid stations during the race. I trained with the belt and just wanted to keep everything as consistent as possible. I had no problems wearing it at all... Good for you signing up for the IM! I can't wait to hear all about the training.

Well, we spent the weekend in Woodstock, VT and it was so beautiful and very hard to leave. No running for me this weekend.

Paige

[Connor's mom]

First, thanks for all the support.

The run was "okay" - not great. Yesterday was very warm (75 at 7AM) with lots of humidity, so everyone had (disappointingly) slooooowwwww times. The winner of the full marathon was even 2:45! (Natasha - sounds like you would have HATED it - really kinda miserable, difficult breathing considering how much running we do in this kind of weather living in STL.)

We are trying to put it in perspective - we went out and did it, every race is different, and my tummy was GREAT! I took water at every water station (actually slowed down or stopped long enought to drink vs. running thru and having most of it all over me), and immediately following, I drank lots of water, a bottle of Gatorade, a banana and 1/4 of a bagel. Not so crazy about the Shot Blocks Chews - took forever to chew them!

Laura, DS is absolutely lovely, and besides the physical demands, ballet has numerous benefits - concentration, poise, grace, which hopefully provide some aid and comfort in her self image struggles.

Taking the day off today from running. If I can get out of the house, I may go to a yoga class at the club or just take the dog for a big power walk.

Denise

[MNGirlTX]

Don't know what happened - but cyberspace at my post! :mad: If it shows up, I'll delete it.

Denise - Thanks for the race report! Sorry to hear that the weather wasn't more cooperative. But, good for you for getting out, doing it, and finishing. And, yay! that your tummy didn't give you trouble.

Les - sounds like you are going to be busy!

KathyB - I usually take about a mile or 1.5 to feel comfortable and get into my stride, too. Not that my stride is ever fast, but I do pick up some speed.

It was a glorious morning here - 63 degrees at 7 a.m. We had a 50 minute run scheduled. I thought I had a pretty good run. Especially the last mile felt really good. (I think 50 minutes gets me about 3.5 miles...I have to check the park map. The big loop is 2.3 and the small loop is just over 1 mile, and I did both loops.)

Other than that, bowling last night was fun. I'm not a fantastic bowler, but I broke 100 all 3 games. Supper club on Saturday was good. My ribs turned out fabulously! And, they were pretty easy. The hardest part was pulling the membrane off the back of them.

Have a great day, VRBs!

Lori

[SusanMac]

Connor's Mom - Well, I can't tell whether or not to say congrats on a great race ;-) You don't sound overly excited about it. But, just getting out to do a half is a big accomplishment, and it's awesome that you had no stomach issues. What's next for you? Do you have your sights on other races? Do you continue to run throughout winter?

MNGirl - Does bowling count as x-training for your coach?? ;-) I don't think I've ever made ribs before either -- glad they turned out well.

615 - Thx for the marathon fuel belt info! I think I'm going to do the race w/my belt. It's what I'm used to. And if I carry just 2 bottles, it won't be too heavy.

Nat - DH must hate all the brownie testing you're subjecting him to ;-)

Les - Enjoy your low-running week!

Elizabeth - Sorry your race wasn't stellar. Sounds like a tough one, though, and a good accomplishment. Can't believe you both volunteered & competed! Wow.

Kathy - I do think that's quite common, needing a long warm up. Is there something you can to warm up more b4 you start running? I've actually had the opposite thing lately, where I start out fast (for me) yet feel really good, then have to sloooooow down dramatically. I used to be more steady/consistent & can't figure out what's up.

Well, there was really no "tempo" in my tempo run yesterday. But, I did put in the mileage (about 7.5 mi), so that's goodness. Today is a rest day. Woo hoo ! Long run on Tues w/ a new running buddy.

[2HUNGRY!]

Connor'sMom -- Congrats on the race. You don't sound really thrilled, but I'm impressed.

Laura -- Congrats on the run and I agree that DD's photos are great. Are you still working 2 jobs?

Paige -- I love Woodstock! Lucky you! Do you have pick your own apple farms near you? That is the thing I miss the most about fall in the NE.

Kathy -- I don't know if its typical, but it happens to me too. The first part of the run is torture, but if I can get through that before I know it I've run longer than I intended.

Hi everyone else!

We did massive amounts of yard work this weekend, so never got around to running. I have swimming tonight (yay!) and I think I'll do treadmill work tomorrow. DH has class so it will be a good excuse to do some sprint work. The weather the rest of the week is supposed to be great, so hopefully we'll get three runs in at the park.

The DC tri was this weekend and I'm glad I didn't take part- the water was too contaminated for the swim so they had to do run, bike, run. Maybe this is a bad thing to admit on VRBs but I would have died! I think the participants found out when they got there.

[BandMom]

Hi all! I hope you don't mind if I join you. I have been a lurker for a while now and you all have been so inspiring. I love the support you give each other no matter the level of fitness. I am a sort of newbie to running, more off than on the last few years, but I have become obsessed the last several months. My friends are sick of hearing me talk about it so I thought I would join you guys, people who understand the obsession!

I hate that my first post doesn't include me sharing my run for today. I couldn't seem to get out of bed this morning, but I plan to run tonight. I ran 3 miles Saturday but the humidity killed me so it wasn't pretty. And I ran 3 miles to the grocery store Sunday and then had my son pick me and the grocerys up. Might as well kill two birds with one stone right?!

I look forward to running and chatting with you all!

Editing to say - by the way, my name's Pattie!

[2HUNGRY!]

Welcome Pattie! This is a great group with people like me who have nightmares about running 5 miles to others who run that just to get warmed up!

[Elizabeth B]

Hello runners!

KathyB - I definitely feel better after the first mile and sometimes my run doesn't really "kick in" until 30 minutes! Sometimes that's what motivates me to stick out the hard runs, knowing that I usually feel better if I can keep going.

Denise - Congratulations on your half!!! That's fantastic that your tummy was great (I have a hard time with that during longer races) and a yoga class sounds like a perfect way to recover.

Pattie - Welcome! As a former "band kid", I appreciate a "band mom". And you're definitely welcome to talk about running all you want over here. I think running to the grocery store and arranging for a pick up is a very ingenious way to get your run in.

Mary - DH booked our hotel for Las Vegas, so I'll probably register this week.

Not much running to report today (or yesterday), but I'm planning on running Tues., Wed. and Thurs with a long run on Saturday. It will be my last long run before the 15K at the end of the month. I need to get in gear now that the weather has cooled off.

Take care, all!

[Natasha]

Hi all!

You're right, Denise - I so wouldn't have appreciated those conditions for a race ;) Congratulations on finishing the race in style, and I'm glad your tummy behaved!

Welcome Pattie!! :) Great to have you aboard.

Paige, welcome back from Woodstock. Sounds wonderful!

Susan, good decision to wear your belt. I think you'll feel better just having it, and as you said, only 2 bottles won't make it too heavy.

Hi to everyone else. Rest day here today -- I'm just bagged, and don't know why. I'll keep resting up in an effort not to get sick.

Oh yes, and we launched our corporate running team today :D Very excited. Our first team race will hopefully be in a few weeks.

Take care, guys,
Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Greetings Patti! AKA BandMom Glad to have you on board and I'm glad we don't intimidate you. Not to sound like this is 12 step... Kind of know about the obsession/addiction of running. Nifty idea of running to the store for groceries and getting a pick up afterwards. Running in Fort Worth these days is probably worse than running here (Norfolk) but not much. I hope we can provide some motivation and a sounding board for your obsession.

Natasha - Neat that you've gotten your corporate running group together. What distance races will you be running in? Skipping a run right now... I hope you aren't coming down with something and that if you are that you beat it quickly.
Kathy - It's normal to start slow in a race. I've taken to warming up for about 8-10 minutes before my races, generally starting at a slower pace and picking up a little. That way I can beat the first mile blues. I will add that I typically run slower in my first mile on long runs (because I don't warm up before my long runs) but then steadily pick up pace through the 2nd mile and am fully up to speed by the 3rd.
Denise - Great race, 75 degrees for a half marathon is no fun (been there, done that...).
2Hungry - Having done both a Du and a Tri I'd take the tri any day. There's something about that second run that is just horrendous. IMO it takes something special to do a Du and enjoy it and it would be even worse to anticipate a tri and end up in a Du.
Paige - Welcome back from Vermont. I know what you mean, it was so hard coming back from Toronto last week.

As expected, no run today. But there are a couple pieces of good/great news. The great news (even if it makes me a little nervous) - I am one step farther along the road to retirement. While away playing last week the Navy APPROVED my retirement effective 1 September 2007! :) I know it is going to sink in and it will be a big change in my life (I've been around the Navy ever since I was born eons ago) but as most know it is time to get the next chapter of my life going. Now I can't fiddle around with my Seminary application any more... taking the GRE, completing the application, getting letters of recommendation, all those things a graduate student has to do. YIKES! The good news is I had a very productive meeting with my internship church and we've set the review/interview process in motion (8 meeting between now and the first week of December). Now all I need to do is have a great meeting tomorrow with my supervisor and I'll be set for the week (and I don't doubt that I'll have a great meeting).

I hope to run tomorrow or at least get a long spin in (it's supposed to rain tomorrow).

That's about all the good news I have for today - even if I can't claim a run.

Until tomorrow -- Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

As expected, no run today. But there are a couple pieces of good/great news. The great news (even if it makes me a little nervous) - I am one step farther along the road to retirement. While away playing last week the Navy APPROVED my retirement effective 1 September 2007! :)

That IS great news!! Hearty congratulations! :D Glad too that the meeting went well and I'm sure today's will also.

Not sure what distances we'll run as a team yet, but I'm guessing 5k, 10k, and relays over longer distances. Works for me!

[2HUNGRY!]

Congrats Les! That's great!

[MNGirlTX]

Woo-hooooo! Les, that's great news!!!!!!

No running for me this morning. The cooler Dallas weather is lovely, but my sinuses are not happy. If it's not one thing, it's another. Hopefully, I'll be able to fit it in tonight....dependent on the weather staying nice and the hunger pangs holding off. Since I'm running in a 20k on Saturday, I really didn't want to miss any of my homework runs this week.

Welcome, Patti! I was a band geek in high school - what does your child play?

Lori

[BandMom]

Thanks for the warm welcomes! So glad to be a part of this.
Congratulations Les! Wow, the way time is flying it will be here before you know it!

It's amazing how the weather can affect your running. Saturday I could barely go 3 miles, this morning I ran 7 1/2, it felt great! Of course walking up the stairs when I got to work was a bit difficult! That was my long run for the week, I didn't feel like waiting until Saturday to get it done. It's the farthest I've ever run - doing backflips inside I'm so excited!

Lori - my son plays the barritone. He's a senior this year so it's our last year for the crazy marching band schedule. I played the flute when I was in high school, but I was in Calif. and band was no where near as serious as it is here!

Have a great Tuesaday everyone!
Pattie

[615bride]

Welcome Pattie! I wish I could run to the grocery store. I have a "thing" about running on busy streets...

Big congratulations Les! That's great news!

2Hungry- Yep, we have pick your own apples and pumpkins so the next month or so will be lots of fun!

I'm going to head out on my run as soon as DH gets home in the next half hour or so.... It's nice and cool here but rained all morning so it will be puddly and splashy!

Paige

[MNGirlTX]

It's amazing how the weather can affect your running. Saturday I could barely go 3 miles, this morning I ran 7 1/2, it felt great! Of course walking up the stairs when I got to work was a bit difficult! That was my long run for the week, I didn't feel like waiting until Saturday to get it done. It's the farthest I've ever run - doing backflips inside I'm so excited!

Lori - my son plays the barritone. He's a senior this year so it's our last year for the crazy marching band schedule. I played the flute when I was in high school, but I was in Calif. and band was no where near as serious as it is here!


Pattie - I feel your pain on Saturday's weather - I run at White Rock Lake in Dallas. It was horrible on Saturday.

I played the clarinet, bass clarinet and contra bass clarinet. I grew up in Minnesota - we were serious about it back then. I'm still very critical of bands when I watch parades!

Lori

[SusanMac]

Another band geek checking in. I played clarinet. Yes, marching band/football in Tx is quite serious (grew up in Houston) "One year....at band camp....." ;-)

Band Mom - Congrats on your long run! Very cool achievement. Feel free to gush about it around here, so your friends don't think you're strange. I can relate to the stairs issue!

615 - Very jealous of your VT getaway. We vacationed there last autumn & fell in love w/it. I've forgotten....does DH run w/you?

Les - Thanks for sharing your big news. That is really excellent. A big change for you, but one you've been working very hard towards for some time. It will be a very good thing.

Elizabeth & MNGirl - Good luck on your upcoming races!

Nat - Very cool about your corporate running team! I've never done anything like that. I keep trying to get my big client to sponsor me at races....but they think I'm joking...and I"m not!

I'm very, very psyched at a successful long run today (18.5 mi). This is my first one where I didn't stop to walk and felt pretty good. I think it's 4 things: 1) cold temps (49), 2) I took in fewer calories (no post-run stomach cramps), 3) had a rest day yesterday, 4) ran w/a buddy who totally kept my mind off my achy hips :-) Tonight I"m going to a seminar on off-season training. Should be interesting.

[2HUNGRY!]

I am so swamped at work I even missed my swim class last night, but had to pop in to say I, too, was in the marching band. Started off in the flutes and moved my way through the clarinet, bass clarinet and barry sax.

[MNGirlTX]

It pays off to have a VP who is also working out, trying to lose weight. At 4:45 she said, don't you think we should leave and go work out since neither of us did this morning? So, I was able to leave at 5 and get today's run in.

Tuesday is fartlek day, again. We had 6-1 min x 1 min. I'm happy to say I did them all and worked them pretty hard. I ended up walking about 1/2 of my 10 minute cool down. HOWEVER, 32 minutes would normally just barely get me around the 2.3 mile loop. I'm very pleased with myself because I made the whole loop - and then some!!

Hope everyone has a good night!

Lori

[Elizabeth B]

Another quick check-in here-

Les - That's great news about your retirement date! I know that it can be hard to adjust to life after the military and you're already on your way. The next couple of years will be very challenging and rewarding, I'm sure.

Y'all will never guess which instrument I played in band so I'll tell you and get it over with - the Tuba!! Yes, I was a 5'8", 110 lb. female tuba player. I played piano and violin also. I started playing the tuba so I could get to know a cute tuba-playing boy (it worked, by the way).

Tonight's run was great - it's beautiful weather here finally!

Take care, all!

[MaryH]

And yet another:

Elizabeth check out:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6077977

Your tuba story made me laugh because they just had this article on the other day. If you have audio listen to it because there are some pretty cool "tuba" excerpts. :) (Heck they *only* weigh something like 25 pounds. :eek:

[Kathy B]

Me, too! I played the trombone for 7 years! There were 3 girl trombone players in HS, and all three of us were named Kathy! :cool:

DS plays percussion, and DD is starting her second year of oboe.

Kind of wish I had kept it up....it would be fun to play in a community band now.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Ok - I'll be the non-band Orchestra person in the group (not quite as intense as band but all my friends were band kids). Took up the 'cello in elementary school (5th grade) and played through my soph. year in college (couldn't afford the practice time with all the math classes by then). Took it up to try something new.

First off - thanks all, you're right it's been a long time coming and now is the right time.
One response because it's 11:30 already. Susan - great run! aren't a rest day and cool temps grand?

No run today (alas) because I spent abotu 70 miles and ~7 hours including driving (twice each direction through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel :eek: ) since noon to 3 pm and 6-10 pm (not including dinner) were spent at the internship parish the run went by the way side - figured it would so that's ok. Tomorrow should be better. And I think I'll be able to work things out in the future to not have to drive back and forth on Tuesdays so I can probably find someplace to run/work out "over there" on internship days during the week (there must be Y over there).

Time to turn in for bed but I promise I'll play a little tomorrow (or at least respond).

Until later - thanks for your support and wishes.

Happy trails,
Les

[2HUNGRY!]

Wow, a lot of bandies.

I did an hour on the treadmill last night and I feel great today. Gotta go, I hear the boss coming. Just wanted to check in!

[MNGirlTX]

Wow, a lot of bandies.


We were "noogies". Don't know where the term came from, but I was a noogie my entire high school life. The clarinet lasted 6th and part of 7th grade, when I switched to bass clarinet. In 11th grade I played contra bass (which has the same range as the tuba only is a treble clef instrument) for concert band and bass clarinet in pep band and marching band. And, I miss it, too. Played community band in the summer for the first 2 years after high school. Then, 10 years after graduation participated in an "all-school" concert band for a reunion. We had people who were 80 and people who were 18. It was very cool.

Back to the subject. Nice cool temps this morning. I normally wouldn't run in the morning after having run in the evening. Today I remembered why. I just kind of felt sluggish.

Glad to have hump day....how'd it take so long to get here?

Lori

[MNGirlTX]

If you are so inclined, could you take a moment to say a quick prayer for 2 members of my Saturday running group...they were killed in a small plane crash in Colorado over the weekend. A guy and a girl, they were in their 20s, on their way to the Telluride Music Festival. The other 2 people on the plane were also killed.

I didn't know them personally, as they were in a faster group than I am.

Lori

[SusanMac]

Wow -- I'm speechless!

[2HUNGRY!]

Wow, Lori, that's horrible.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Lori - Done. That's too much. Take care and I hope your group is ok too.

Peace,
Les

[BandMom]

Wow Lori, I will be praying. They have been talking a lot about them on the news, but I didn't realize they were from around here. I'll be praying for your group too, that's so hard!

[Natasha]

Quick pop-in to say Lori, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died (and with your whole group, too).

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

As I said earlier - Lori my heart goes out to your group. That's a terrible thing to happen and I hope that everyone copes well with the news.

It wasn't as busy today as yesterday (I don't think I could have survived another day like that right now). Work-wise, not as productive as it could have been but I did spend a good 3 hour session talking to the people who I'm inheriting during our command's restructuring. Some of the 3 hours covered things that were way to down in the details but I appreciated hearing how the new folks communicate and how well data flows. I think this week will be the worst one in my internship because I'm still getting the lay of the land and formulating how I'm going to get there and back etc.

The meeting impacted an early run so I took in a long-ish ride (~16.7 miles) as the sun was setting. It felt good and I found a little more of the greater Norfolk/Portsmouth/Chesapeake area that I'll need to put some more riding effort into. Amazing what kind of neat things you can find if you take the time to look for them.

I think that'll about cement it for today - I don't need to be up past midnight again because there may be more long days ahead. Until tomorrow, Happy trails,
Les

[Kathy B]

Lori, sorry to hear about your group's tragedy! :( Take care, and I hope you all can get back to a sense of normalcy soon!

Les, sounds like lots of life changes in store for you! Busy weeks ahead as well. Nice that you got in a sunset ride yesterday. Sounds lovely!

Natasha, what exactly is a corporate running team?

2Hungry, hope things slow down a bit at work for you. Kind of a drag when work gets in the way of your workouts!

Susan, how was your seminar?

Yesterday I did a long run that I thought would be about 5-6 miles....ended up being 9! I was about 4 miles into it, and the weather was so nice, and I had time, so I decided to take a long route home. Didn't know HOW long it was until I got home and did "mapmyrun" (which is probably just as well)! A few aches here and there this morning, but I did a little yoga when I got up, and I will take today as a rest day (at least from running. Do moms ever really rest? ;) ).

Take care all! :)

[SusanMac]

Had a nice bike ride yesterday. 22 mi w/DH, then he peeled off to continue & I went home (I'm just x-training, but he has an IM coming up). It was windy, but I'm really liking the cooler autumn temps. It was wonderful.

Les - Nice job on getting out on the bike. Sounds like you needed it for a little de-stresser.

Kathy - awesome job! 9 miles! Yes, sometimes it's better if you don't know about the distance until it's over ;-)

My seminar was good. It focused mainly on common running injuries (which I don't have, but is good to remain educated on) and core strengthening over the winter (which I *totally* need to get better at). Turns out this will be a series of talks over the coming months, so I'm looking forward to that.

DH bought a new bike this week. Oi vay! We have too many bikes. Oh well. It's essentially our entertainment budget these days, keeps us healthy & happy. It's a triathlon bike, so I told him I expect him to start winning now :-) Even with all my teasing, it really is a beautiful bike & he looks fast, which is key!

Question for you guys.....
I've been seriously thinking about getting a massage recently, mainly to reward myself for all the hard training over the summer. A good friend is studying to be a massage therapist & keeps asking me to make an appt w/her, as she needs training hours. I kind of prefer the idea of going to a stranger, rather than a friend. But, it would help her out and be a win-win. What do you guys think??

[MNGirlTX]

Thanks for your thoughts...as 2 of the bodies have not been recovered, I think things are worse for those families.

I am struggling a bit with sinus headaches now that the weather is changing (yay! cooler temps are good!), so I opted for a sleep-in this morning. I figure I need to rest up for Saturday :D .

On the happy news front, I needed new jeans. All of mine are too big...past the comfy stage and in the droopy butt stage. I'm happy about that, don't get me wrong! It's just that with a trip to Arizona in a week, and horseback riding on the schedule, I needed jeans. I bought some Lee's a few weeks ago in a 16. They are a camel brown. Cute. So, since they fit, I figured I could go back and get some denims in the same size/style. They didn't have any 16s. On a whim, I tried on a 14 - and they fit! I'm very excited. I had to get 2 pairs. I knew I had some old 14s in the closet, so I went home and tried them on - and they fit, too! Of course, they are so sadly out of style that I can't wear them even though they fit.

Maybe this running thing isn't so bad after all ;) .

Lori

[Connor's mom]

I was ready to head back out for a run this morning after just power walking for the last few days since the 1/2 on Sunday, but DH wanted one more day of PWing, and then our trainer almost killed us with a routine of what he called "the 100s" - 100 ball squats, 100 flys, 100 crunches, etc, mostly arms, back, chest. YIKES - I can barely type!

SusanMac - good for you for treating yourself to a massage. That is something we all should do more of :D, but I would not use a friend. Too personal, but may be it's just me.

Lori - WAY TO GO on your new jean size. It sure makes all the running worthwhile!! What a wonderful feeling.

Think TGIF - one more day!
Denise

[Leslie Ferguson]

Question for you guys.....
I've been seriously thinking about getting a massage recently, mainly to reward myself for all the hard training over the summer. A good friend is studying to be a massage therapist & keeps asking me to make an appt w/her, as she needs training hours. I kind of prefer the idea of going to a stranger, rather than a friend. But, it would help her out and be a win-win. What do you guys think??
I could go either way. There's a part of me that wouldn't mind giving a friend a chance but then I'd also be a little leery just because they are a friend. To me there's something that makes massage like therapy - you just can't relax around someone that has history with you. So to be truly wishy-washy, I'd take the massage from your friend because they offered but I'd figure out some way to make it a one time thing. How's that for non-committal? Great bike ride. Funny how your class hit something that you probably really needed as you ramp up for the IM next year.

Kathy B - Sometimes it's better to not know how long you run until later. Great job on 9 miles too!
Lori - Congrats on the new pants size! I can see your smile from here. :cool:
Denise - the "100's" sounds killer. Is your coach the same guy who I lift with down here? ;) It sounds like it (not really).

I had a better day today but I'm still a little worn out from Tuesday. It's hard to imagine all that driving and emotion filled (not bad just a lot of trepidation) events would take my energy away. But I did get to brief my new boss, saw my internship parish, and attended a meeting where we discussed leadership at the new church - two transitions starting on the same day! Maybe "they" are right - transition is one of the most stressful things going for us. :rolleyes: The weather is changing a little down here too - the cold front passing tomorrow is supposed to bring the temperature down a little but it's still supposed to be in the middle 80s on Sunday (go figure). For exercise today, besides jumping to conclusions, I spun this evening on my bike trainer for about an hour as it would have been dark by the time I got home and that's not a good thing on a bike.

I may be away from the keyboard until Saturday afternoon. I've got an overnight meeting to plan the retreat that's coming up in the weekend before Columbus Day and there's no connectivity out there. :D Darn the bad luck.

I hope everyone has a great Friday and I'll be seeing you later. Will this be Susan's third start in a row? Only time will tell. ;) Happy trails,
Les