Virtual Running Buddies -- Week of Dec 22

[seathyme]

Well, my credential for starting the thread this week is that I did get out for a run yesterday morning -- felt good, too!

Congratulations to everyone keeping up workouts this week; I think we should count each time out as a great success.

Bethany, if we had a prize you'd get it, for putting in 5 runs already. Good to have you back!:cool:

Scout, happy birthday!! Hope you're having a good one.

Hello to Les, Natasha, Susan (I think we're about to get your rain -- doesn't sound fun...), Eva, Mary, Lori, Betsy, Kathy, Paige, Jill -- who did I miss out there? Check in please, even if it's just to say your workout this week is holiday preparation...:eek:

[badunnin]

Hello Seathyme! Thanks for getting us started this week!

I just got in a VERY warm run - it's 52F out there! I was over-dressed and ended up dripping! It was a decent run, getting back into it. I'll end up getting in 4 runs this week - I skipped my run last night due to rain and the fact that I couldn't find my iPod :rolleyes:. And it's not the cookies that get me during the holidays, it's the evenings out with friends when friends want to meet for beer at 3:30!

Picked up a bunch of books today to read on Christmas Eve/Day, including one on stretches. My hamstrings are getting tighter by the day it seems, and I'm not a fan. I need to be more diligent in the new year.

Scout - happy birthday!

[MNGirlTX]

Scout - happy birthday!

Thanks for starting us out, seathyme!

No running for me (I know you're all surprised ;) )...however, I did spend 4 hours looking for a new tv stand. Does that count as a workout?

Hello to everyone - and Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

Lori

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting seathyme I'm glad that someone besides Bethany (howdy Bethany) is getting runs in these days. I'm with Lori (Hi there Lori) and no run today (but more later). I'm all about warmer weather here but that's not the thing that distracts me these days. All I know is I'm still fighting a workout funk - and it's bothering me a little. These past few days I just haven't wanted to go and workout. In my mind I've wanted to go but for some reason I've been able to persuade myself to skip which is really unnerving. I'll be fine, it's just weird for me to feel this way. Tomorrow morning I'll go out for a long run. It's supposed to be ~60 when we go. :eek: What happened to December. And there might be mud because of the rain. :D I'll be in 4-year old heaven.

Take care all and happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Back-to-backs but I've got to claim my run from this morning. In short:
Warm: ~65 when we started :eek:
Rainy: mud...
MUD: up to my knees -- WOO HOO!!! The 4-year old lives!

I ran 16 miles doing 7/1's again. Feels pretty good but there was a little tweak of my right ankle, rolled it a little but probably nothing that a little rest today and tomorrow won't cure.

How about the rest of you? Anyone else running today? Tomorrow will be the marathon at church but Monday may include a few miles on the hills in Appomattox - Christmas Day in Appomattox :cool:

Happy trails all and if I don't see you between now and then, Merry Christmas!
Les

[Elizabeth B]

Hello Runners!

Scout - Happy Birthday!!!

Bethany - Thanks for the Hanson's info - what a great idea! I'm glad you have reading material to hold you over during the holidays. I wish you were closer to Nashville so that you could come visit us.

Les - It sounds like playing in the mud was just the thing to help you get over your workout funk! Have fun celebrating Christmas in Appomattox.

I ran yesterday, which was fun. My running partner (the one who thinks I'm a wimp) kept starting to walk toward the end, but I wouldn't give in and walk so she was forced to run with me. I don't think she intended for her comments to come across the way they did, by the way. But it still gives me something to think about.

Today, I worked out with weights, did core work, etc. and managed to give myself a nice little workout. Usually I don't feel that I work myself as hard as an instructor would, but I did a pretty good job today. I just finished baking a few batches of cookies and am trying to get DH to sit in the living room with a glass of wine, listening to Christmas music and looking at our beautiful tree. I have a run planned for tomorrow and maybe some more baking (since I now have pantry full of ingredients).

As we approach the end of 2006, does anyone want to share what they consider to be their achievements for the year (whether life or exercise-related) or their goals for 2007?

I'm happy that I tried swimming and cycling in 2006 - 2 sports that have intimidated me. I hope to work on them more in the coming year and want to try a tri in 2007. I also want to stay healthy and lead a strong, healthy, well-rounded life in 2007.

Anyone else?

[badunnin]

Betsy! Glad you had such a great run and kicked some butt!

Les - I joined you in the wet run tonight, but mine was just misty and now I'm soaking wet (well, I was - I changed clothes. My hair is still wet though) and my head hurts from being wet and cold. HOWEVER... the run itself was great. I had been running about 3 blocks and walking 1 (yes, really back at ground zero here...) but tonight I ran about a mile before I felt the need to walk. So, things are starting to click. I don't think I was running as fast as I have been the past few runs, but I'm faster than I was back in June. Unfortunately, the knee is starting to act up as well. I think I need to strengthen my quads a bit to offset everything, and some major hamstring stretches are still needed.

Recap of 2006 - first half, not bad. Did my first 10k. Second half, running-wise, was non-existent. Meh.

Goals for 2007 - lose some of the weight that creeped up on me, and a few pounds. Get back into shape to play hockey. A strong hockey player is one that is less prone to injury! After that there are more long term goals, but those will likely fall into 2008! :eek:

And for those wondering, the naked-ness with the Hanson's member was because Jeff Gaudette is my massage therapist. ;)

Happy Festivus runners!

[MNGirlTX]

Just checking in! More work around the house for me today...I rearranged the living room furniture, laid down a new area rug...

A recap of my '06 - I am just thrilled that I was able to make the progress with my physical fitness that I did. I started at 0 in January, and on the day I injured my foot, I ran 12 miles. I lost about 15 pounds and made it back to the lowest weight of my adult life. I learned how to ride a horse! Cut off about 4 inches of hair and went back to being a brunette :D .

Looking forward to '07 - There are about 15 more pounds to go and I'll hit "lifetime" at Weight Watchers. I want to be able to run, again.

I'm so grateful I stopped lurking on this thread - it's been great getting to know y'all!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Lori

[Leslie Ferguson]

Great job Bethany, re-starting your running must be pretty hard but it sounds like you're getting back to it little by little, the best way in my book. Hopefully your knee doesn't act up too much and you can continue running without issue. For some reason I knew about your massage therapist - just forgot the details until you explained. Hopefully you do well on your 2007 goals.
Lori - I take from your comments that your foot is still bugging you. :( I'm glad you hopped out of lurking and have made such wonderful progress this year -- 0 miles to 12 miles in less than a year is exceptional. Neat recap of your 2006 goals and good luck on your 2007 goals.

A little more on this morning's run - it seems my tweak was a little more intense than initially imagined. By dinner time tonight my ankle was in its second gear of throb and ache. 3 aspirin and 25 minutes of ice later I hope I've caught it before it gets bad.

2006 goals accomplished? Exercise: ran my first duathlon, completed 2 back-to-back races (10k and 1/2 marathon at Flying Pig and 8k and 1/2 marathon at Shamrock in Va. Beach). Life events: met VRB IRL, got to the Great White North to visit with Nat and her DH; as odd man out - put on 10 pounds (my intention - I promised mom last year I'd put on 10 needed pounds by Christmas) to reach back above 160 pounds for the first time in countless years (I think 9 or 10) and I'm stronger for it; weathered a tiring and marathon's worth of my ordination process (and I'm almost to the finish line).
2007 goals: Run another tri; maybe one last marathon...; complete my ordination process and get recommended for Seminary in the fall; retire from the Navy after 22+ years; :eek: one more race with the VRB IRL???

Time for bed but that's a good start.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Quick check-in to say that I ran this morning w/some friends. I absolutely running at/around the holidays. I think you just appreciate the time spent w/friends a bit more than usual. All the fast people were there today, so it pushed me a bit more than I might have run by myself. Absolutely gorgeous weather too, just in time for the holiday.

If I have to step foot into one more grocery store I think I'm going to scream :-) I *think* I finally have everything I need (knock wood) Have to make 2 Christmas dinners this year, as the family is coming to celebrate on Wed. I've done a bunch of baking so far, which has been really fun!

2006 was a good year fitness-wise: completed my first tin-man triathlon, ran the Chicago Marathon & drove across 3 states to run the Flying Pig w/a bunch of people I'd never met before :-) !!! Very fun!

2007 is very singluar-focused: to complete an Ironman. Hope you guys don't get tired of hearing about stuff beyond running! DH keeps trying to get me to sign up for this really hard century bike ride, saying it will be good for my training. No way! Still haven't made my race & training calendar for the year. I plan to tackle it next Fri & Sat after company has gone, but before I have to go back to work.

[Kathy B]

If I have to step foot into one more grocery store I think I'm going to scream :-) I *think* I finally have everything I need (knock wood)

I know what you mean. I thought I had everything after multiple trips, but then I couldn't find the chicken I had bought. :rolleyes: I looked all through the frig and freezers, and DH and I both checked the car......no luck. I know it came home from the store, because I remember it was in the same bag as the eggs, and I have the eggs. Well, DS went back to the store for me, but I am afraid it may be very unpleasant when we finally do find the chicken. :eek:

I got another treadmill run in yesterday, today yoga and a walk with the dog.

My achievement for 2006 would be running my first 5K (and then 3 more)! I haven't really set any goals for next year except I am sure I will do more races. Not sure if I want to try a longer one yet, though. Mainly my goal is to keep running regularly....inside or out....whatever works!:)

Merry Christmas!

[badunnin]

4 runs last week, started this week with one. Tried a different route (for kicks) so can't tell you how long it was!

Umm, something else to tell you, can't remember what....

[MNGirlTX]

I *meant* to at least get in a walk today, and then was a very lazy girl and did NOTHING.

I made my phone calls to Mom and Dad (they're divorced so 2 calls - and my sister was with Mom, so didn't have to make 3), put a piece of ham in the oven around 4 p.m., roasted some garlic, made fat-free garlic mashed potatoes, and just finished watching a movie.

Now, I'm going to watching the 2-hour Christmas extravaganza "Deal or No Deal" while I do laundry.

Yes, it was an exciting Christmas at my house.:D (Too bad we don't live closer to each other, badunnin, we could have hung out together.)

Lori

[Leslie Ferguson]

Merry Christmas! Had to get that out of the way. No running here - went to bed this morning at 1 am and got up for service #4 in 24 hours. Then drove to Appomattox in the steady rain. Once the rain stops I'll run tomorrow but today was a day for family. That and I'm nursing one thrilled ankle right now. :(

A shout out to the rest of the VRB gang, especially Susan, Bethany, Lori and Kathy (who've all checked in). Also a shout out to the rest of the gang: Natasha, Paige, Eva, Mary, Elizabeth, and everyone else.

Peace to all and happy trails,
Les

[badunnin]

Hi Les and Lori! Lori - it would have been fun to hang out together today! :D

Ok, my thoughts are back in my head. As I was running today, it felt good to be out. In one of the books that I bought, there are quotes from people who have been running a while, kind of "things I wish someone had told me" quotes. One guy said that running is the best thing since sliced bread, but sometimes it takes a while to convince the body of that fact. I think I'm finally getting there. Either that or because running is now a means to an end, not the end itself (ie part of a larger training program) I'm finding it more enjoyable. At any rate, this time seems more comfortable and enjoyable. I still had to peel myself off the couch to go today (it all goes back to physics, as much as I hate to admit it! Inertia tells me that bodies at rest want to remain at rest!), but once I got out there, it wasn't difficult at all to keep going.

Ok, I'm off to bed.

[seathyme]

Merry Day After Christmas, all!

Bethany, running has taught me that inertia "ain't just a theory"... Same dynamic here -- sometimes the last thing I want to do is get up and move, but I have never regretted it if I do get out (even if the run is crappy). You'd think we could reduce the inertia effect through all that experience, wouldn't you? Yet sometimes still I let the couch win the battle -- and then usually do regret it! doh.

Les, your reports of a workout funk last week rang true in a similar way. Though it seems these funks are quite rare for you -- maybe that Saturday long run with your coach helped a bit?

Report here is that I got out for a run on Saturday morning, too. Sunday was dominated by church services spread throughout a long day (but unlike you, Les, I didn't have to do another one Christmas morning!). Yesterday was a lovely day, but the only exercise in sight was a doggie walk. This morning began with a strong and focused yoga session, so all is well so far.

Betsy, thanks for asking about goals. I can't believe it was a whole year ago that I wrote here that my main goal for 2006 was to deepen my yoga practice. Scary when time passes so quickly! I am happy to say that goal was achieved. I practiced several times a week all year, took nearly weekly classes, and went to Kripalu for in-depth programs twice.

So for 2007 -- here's my admittedly ambitious goal:

Yoga 3-4 times a week
Run (or elliptical) 3-4 times a week
Add strength training back in -- yoga does promote certain kinds of strength, but my arms have lost some of the conditioning they used to have and I don't like that feeling. So at least once a week, I want to do weights.

And, I want to do all this without feeling overly controlled by a "schedule"! There's the rub...

Oh and an additional goal is to eat a bit healthier. My diet is okay, but tends to slip when I get lazy about it. I know how to do this -- just need to actually do it.:rolleyes:

Who's next?

[Leslie Ferguson]

I did it! I ran today in the lovely hills of Appomattox... logged ~73 minutes in pretty decent conditions (a little windy but warm enough). It felt good to do the hills again - I wonder how I can move some of these things to Norfolk... they wouldn't know what to do.

Bethany - Love the physics idea about running. Inertia - that's one I'll have to use with some of the folks around the office. Glad you had a good Christmas and a good run yesterday.
seathyme - Good goals for the coming year. I'm sure you're glad to be done with Christmas for another year. Yoga on Christmas - a great things. Better than my Christmas midday - rain, rain, rain.

Happy trails folks,
Les

[Elizabeth B]

Hello all!

Thanks for the great responses regarding goals achieved in 2006 and goals to attain in 2007!!

Les - You definitely met your life goals in 2006 and I think 2007 will be another very exciting year for you personally, as well as fitness-wise. I'm excited about your transition between careers.

Susan - I will never be bored reading about your journey to the Ironman, which promises to be very inspiring.

Seathyme - Yoga, strength training and eating well are always admirable goals. Yoga is one that I've put on the back burner, but I'm usually trying to eat better (except for the holidays, when I go a little nuts with the snacks).

Kathy - You've gone a great job with the 5Ks, maybe you could try a 10K in 2007? I'd only completed one 5K when my SIL challenged me to run a 10K with her. It seemed very daunting, but I ended up having a great time.

Bethany - Great job with the runs!! The only time I have to push myself to go run is if it's on a treadmill (yuck) or if it's hot out. Other than that, I'm itching to get out there. I wish I felt the same way about swimming - I have to drag myself to the pool.

I enjoyed a nice long run on Sunday and a short run this morning. DH gave me an iPod Shuffle for Christmas and then was kind enough to load 98 songs on it yesterday. I already love it! He also gave me a spa gift certificate to use for massages, which was very sweet.

As we wind down 2006, I was also thinking about the new VRBs who've joined us this year - Paige, Kathy, Mary, Lori, 2Hungry. Eva, maybe? If I've left anyone out (or included anyone who's been around awhile), please remind me. It's been another fun year and we're glad to have the "VRB Class of 2006" along for the (virtual) run!!

Take care, all!

[Natasha]

Hi all! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We had a relaxing, low-key holiday.

Lori, sorry to hear your foot is still bothering you. Are you getting used to the h%@# (oops, I mean heel ;)) lifts? 0 to 12 miles -- that is a real accomplishment. You should be very proud!

Betsy, yay for the iPod shuffle! You'll love it, I'm sure!

Les, how's the ankle?

Hi to Kathy, Bethany, Eva, Susan, and everyone else!

I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts and 2006 recaps and 2007 objectives. I'm not sure yet what 2007 will bring, but for me 2006 brought new PRs in the 8k, 30k (okay, so it was also my first 30k ;)), and marathon. It was a year of racing for me in general - this non-racer did no fewer than 6 events, a record for me. It was also a social running year, as I met several VRBs IRL, had the pleasure of hosting Les and his LW, and joined a fantastic running group in town. Two running road trips in a year (Cincinnati and Philly) - that was a cool thing. :)

Off to the running store to chat with the owner and check out the scooters he's got on sale. This is the only kind of Boxing Day shopping I can tolerate :p I know the running store won't be busy!

Natasha

[2HUNGRY!]

Hi VRBs! Long time no chat. The holidays got away from me a bit there and I haven't had the enegry to post, just lurking. I have been running maybe 1x a week for the past few weeks, if that. At least its something though.

Happy holidays to all. My husband tricked me by wrapping a Le Cruset pan in an old addidas box I had. What does it say about my changing priorities that a little part of me would have rather had the running shoes? I'm enjoying the pan too though!

I have enjoyed reading all of your goals. It was cool to see all of the races you all took part in listed like that. Impressive. I wonder how many miles we've all run this year combined?

Here are mine:
2006: My New Year's resolution was to try new things (running counts since I haven't really done it for 10 years!). So, I tried tap dancing (hated it but like the shoes), yoga (loved it), underwater jogging (loved it in the summer, hated it in the fall/winter) and running (loved it).

2007: I want to keep up with the yoga 1x a week and run 3x a week. I don't think I want to sign up for another tri yet since I still don't have a bike, but my goal is to at least buy a bike, get back into swimming and maybe compete in the tri in 2008.

Susan, I love hearing about all aspects of the Ironman! I am so impressed! So, keep it up because I am at least reading if I'm not posting!

[MNGirlTX]

Happy Hump Day, y'all!

I've enjoyed reading everyone's accomplishments and goals, too!

2Hungry - tap dancing? Why didn't you like it? I'd like to try belly dancing (I figure, I have a belly - it should be able to dance, right? I bought a DVD...but have only tried it once), but I'm having a difficult time finding an actual class here. There is a dance studio kitty-corner from my apartment, I guess I could check there, but it's not one of the listed dances on the window.

Natasha - I have yet to try the H&*/ lifts...it's on my list of things to do in January. I'm trying to let the leg/foot heal as much as possible.

No real exercise in sight for me today...although I AM having a bowling lesson at 7 p.m. :D .

Lori

[badunnin]

A not so great run here tonight, but I'll consider it a success as I've been feeling pretty oogy all day but I still managed to get my butt out the door. My knee was really bothering me tonight, and so I settled for a brisk walk. I'll ice it tonight, do some stretches, and give it a go tomorrow. Friday morning is a skate, which is lower impact.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Bethany - sorry to hear about your funked-up night. Hope you feel better tomorrow.
Lori - I bet you can't wait until January for you lifts and less pain when you run/walk. How was bowling this evening?
Betsy - I think I did a decent job getting my goals achieved in 2006. A little nervous about a couple for 2007 (GRE looming ahead). Enjoy your spa time, I've got a $100 GC for spafinders.com that I earned through Coke Rewards (don't ask).
Natasha - Did you find anything fun at the running store? Thanks for the comments about hosting us, we had a great time and I too think you did a good job with your running. My ankle is still around, nothing terrible but I can still feel it.
2HUNGRY - Thanks for unlurking. Good luck on your 2007 goals (I personally don't like resolutions, goals are better in my book). That was a funny thing your DH did with the old Adidas box.

No run today - we were kind of fooling around with the new heater at my parents house. It took from 8:30 am until ~8:00 pm to get it installed and tested. Kind of in celebration of my parents anniversary (48 I think) I cooked dinner - lentil soup with ham, homemade bread (I didn't make that), and salad. The lentil soup was really good - raves from parents and LW. I'll run tomorrow, but probably not until I get back to Norfolk - no need to fiddle with wet clothes and certainly no need to fool around with low 20 degree temps in the early morning.

See you all tomorrow -- happy trails,
Les

[2HUNGRY!]

Bethany, good job running even when oogy. Have fun skating.

Lori, Belly dancing is supposed to be a great workout if you can find a studio. I just hated tap dancing because I am so uncoordinated. It was fine at the beginning when they didn't care how well we were doing, but after a while they cared, and I could never get the steps right, and it was pathetic. I was always being singled out. I'm trying modern dance in January. We'll see how that goes.

Hi Les! Its getting cold this week isn't it? The soup sounds good. Lentil is my favorite.

Natasha, what did you buy?

I wanted to run last night but I spent a long time at the dance studio (they were mad at me for trying to use some credits that they owed me from canceling previous classes so I had to go down there and twist some arms). Tonight is yoga, but tomorrow will be running. Then another long weekend! Yay! Its supposed to be nice so maybe me and the DH will hit the park.

Jill

[MNGirlTX]

Good morning, all! Thanks for the info on tap dancing, Jill. I'd probably be singled out a lot, too :D I just find it's easier for me to exercise by doing something FUN, as opposed to something that I feel is EXERCISE.

My bowling lesson was great! The guy who gave the lesson was wonderful. Very patient, extremely encouraging. My average is somewhere between 115 and 120. I'd like to be a consist 130-140 bowler. At the end of an hour's worth of lessons (balance, swing, legs, don't let your right shoulder drop), he had me bowl a game - I ended up with a score of 172! I had 8 spares, 1 strike and 2 open frames (not a spare or a strike)...and on my first ball(s) I had eight 9s, two 8s and a strike. I felt pretty good about it. But an hour of straight bowling is a lot of work!

I found out that I'm going to be spending a few days in New Orleans next week. It will be my first time back since Katrina...I'm going for work, but hopefully I'll have some time to drive around the city during daylight hours, too, so I can get a good look. I'm sure it will be kind of sad.

I hope everyone has a great day!

Lori

[Kathy B]

Bummer! I just lost my post! :mad:

Oh, well! I did 5 miles of running yesterday and a little over 3 today with several hills and inclines included today, all on the treadmill. DH gave me some new running stuff for Christmas, so I need to check them out with an outdoor run one of these days. But first I have to finish the first season of 24, only 2 episodes remaining! :D

Family is coming Saturday for the big Christmas gathering, several sibs and their kids as well as my mom. Should be pretty fun, and low key as well since everyone brings food and we just draw names for giftgiving. I DO need to clean, however. Thankfully the kids are not in school, so I know where I can recruit some help! ;)

Lori, I would say your bowling instructor was worth every penny!

Les, I am sure your parents appreciated your help with the water heater! It always makes a big job seem less overwhelming when you have a little help (or a lot of help)!

2Hungry, sounds like a good pace you have set up for your 2007 and 2008 goals. Keep us posted on your progress!

Elizabeth, what a nice gift from your DH! Does he also run? Or does he just know what runners like? :)

Hi Natasha, Bethany, Seathyme, Susan and all! Wishing everyone the best with their 2007 goals!

[Natasha]

Hi all,

Les, happy anniversary to your parents!! The lentil soup sounds wonderful. If you made it from a recipe, would you mind sharing it? I think it would be a hit in the M-C household :)

Kathy, good job on the runs, and have fun preparing for the family Christmas get-together!

Jill, the dance studio sounds frustrating. Hope you got it all sorted out. Too funny about almost wishing the Le Creuset was running stuff!

Lori, sounds like you had a great time bowling and that is an impressive score!

I didn't buy anything at the store yesterday. I had a good natter with the running store owner and he was kind enough to give me three pair of shoes on trial. I used each of them on the treadmill yesterday and would like to give them another go before making a decision.

Just enjoying the time off here... I'm off until January 3 (started on Dec. 22). Have a great day, all!

Natasha

[seathyme]

Hi everyone,

Natasha, I'd say that 3 pairs of shoes to try is great payback for cozying up to the running store guy.:D Let us know what you pick!

Kathy, good job on the runs. I'm impressed by how motivating you've found '24' to be.:p Two more runs and then you may have a crisis on your hands... what will your next series be?

Lori, 172 after one lesson! You go, girl. Good luck with your NOLA trip. I've heard that the devastation is now more visible indoors than out, but is very much there nonetheless.

Good to hear from you, Jill. Hope a run will work out for you soon.

Bethany, 'oogy' is now in my vocabulary. Hope your 'oogs' are now gone.

Les, add me to the lentil soup recipe requesters. I'm sure your folks appreciated the help with their heater too.

I've had a few good days of alternating yoga and runs. My runs have been around 40 minutes, and I'm now increasing the time a bit. Any thoughts about an upper limit for le chien? I don't want to injure him, and in the apartment it's really hard to drop him off and continue running as I used to do before. But he *loves* the runs, so I don't want to go without him just for the sake of running longer, either, if that makes any sense.

Okay, I'm tellin' ya now that tomorrow I will do a weight workout. First in a long time, to put it mildly, so if I overdo it I'll pay. But saying it here makes it slightly more likely to actually happen...

Have a good evening, runnahs.

[Leslie Ferguson]

I don't know if anyone caught the article about the Man who ran across America (http://active.com/story.cfm?story_id=13683), it was a good story, not just for him but for the kids who did all the running that caused him to run.

Lori - I'd keep your bowling coach too - 172 after just one lesson. I heard pretty much the same thing about NOLA from the folks from church who went to Mississippi then took a day trip to NOLA. They also mentioned the 9th Ward and what that looked like - pretty depressing. Have a safe trip.
Kathy - I'm also impressed with the motivation 24 brings for you. Of course, anything to make the dreadmill miles pass is a good motivator.
2HUNGRY - I hope you enjoy your yoga tomorrow and runs over the weekend. It's supposed to be relatively warm here and dry until Monday when the T'storms are due (the same thing as my last race - I hope this isn't an omen...).
seathyme - I've forgotten what kind of dog you have. The type makes a big difference on how far you can run them at once. But I've heard tell that the dog will start to tell you when they're done (before it's too late). I hope your weights day isn't too bad - just reminding yourself that you need to be gentle is important.
Nat - It sounds like you've got a neat running store and a bonus that they'll let you try things out before purchasing.

I wish my soup recipe was more involved but here goes:
1 pound lentils (brown work for faster soup)
8 cups liquid (used a mixture of water and chicken broth)
1/2 c chopped ham
1/2 c minced onion
2 cloves garlic
1/4 c minced carrots
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Lightly browned the onion first then added the ham and carrots until they were soft. Added the garlic for about 1 minute until I could just start to smell it. Added the rinsed lentils and stirred occasionally for about 1 minute. Added the liquid and brought to a boil then lowered to a simmer for about 25 minutes (test for tenderness). About 3 minutes before the lentils were completely done I wisked with a hand electric mixer and wisk (didn't have a stick mixer at Mom's) to break up a few of the lentils. After the lentils were done reseasoned and removed to a tourine. Let stand for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Stir before serving. Makes 10-12 servings (~ 12 oz. per serving).

LW said it would have been good with rice too - make it even more stick to the ribs.

Ran today at home (as expected). It was nearly 60 today and I got about 70 minutes in. Felt good but very different from the hills of Appomattox. Tomorrow I'll have to play by ear, still Friday and have 10-16 miles to run on Saturday. That and I'm off to the optometrist for my annual (almost bi-annual this time) appointment and might get my eyes dialated (no fun to run in the bright day after that). So I'll have to wait for the next thread to report the outcome of tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les