Virtual Running Buddies - last of 2006

[SusanMac]

Just got caught up with last week's thread, so thought I'd kick-start this last thread of 2006 (and first of 2007)!

It was *really* cool reading about everyone's 2006 accomplishments & 2007 goals. There are a few folks offline right now due to holidays, so hopefully we can hear from Aggie, 615Bride, MaryH and a few others shortly.

Bethany - I'm like you, I now need running to be a means to an end to stay motivated. Didnt' used to be that way. Maybe again one day, but for now, I need to know each run is working toward something bigger.

2Hungry - I think all your new adventurous activities are very cool! Although I must confess that I read too quickly & thought you said lap dancing at first -- doh!

OK, now I've forgotten who posted about the bowling lesson, but I'm really jealous. Would love to be a good bowler. DH isn't interested, so I haven't invested time to find friends who will do it w/me.

I've had a really good week with workouts every day except Tu & Wed, when we had guests for a belated Christmas. This is the first time I've hosted FIL, MIL, SIL & BIL for a holiday at our house. And, I have to share my excitement -- this has to be the absolute best holiday meal I've ever made!! I'm more excited than anyone else, but I know you all can relate to how good it feels.

Mini beef wellington (BB), Roasted butternut squash (Ina Garten), Edamame succotash (BA), Spinach & leek gratin (BA), Wild rice w/dried fruit (SIL), creme brulee (CL)

Planning a run today. Started making my 2007 training calendar yesterday, which is fun. Surfing the web to target races for the summer :-)

Hope everyone has a fun weekend!

[badunnin]

Thanks for starting us Susan! I missed the fact that it's Friday! :o

Awesome run today - 2.5 miles in about 35 minutes, and MUCH more running than walking. I went to my parents' to feed the cat and used the treadmill. However, my car is in the shop and when I turned it in I detached my house keys from my car key, and never attached said house key to the key of the vehicle I'm using now. So... I locked myself out of the house! Drove back to my parents', found my dad's copy, and drove home. Whew! I channelled the VRBs and was listening to Susan's Pig Mix on my iPod! I think I'm going to sit at this mileage for a week. I've come pretty far pretty quickly, and I think my body needs to acclimate.

Need to shower quickly and head to the rink!

[Natasha]

Susan, thanks for starting us off! Glad you had a nice Christmas. Bethany, good job on that run!

Les, thanks very much for that recipe! I'll be sure to give it a try.

I ran on the treadmill today to try out the different shoes some more (well, the two finalists - it was clear that the third pair was not for me), and my husband videotaped a bit so we could assess my gait. The shoes that felt better also looked better gait- and support-wise, so I've ordered a pair from my friendly local running store. And yes, the owner is a fantastic guy. If he doesn't see us there in a few weeks or so, he'll call to say hi and ask how we're doing -- stuff like that. It's nice.

I also got in a good workout on the bike trainer today, and a couple of walks. :) We also did a bit of shopping (including checking out a new grocery store - whoo hoo! Yeah, we are geeks :p) and had sweet potato and black bean burritos for dinner. Love that Moosewood recipe. It's so healthy and tasty and makes for lots of satisfying quick leftovers.

What's everyone got on tap for NYE and New Year's Day?

Have a great evening, runners!
Natasha

[seathyme]

Susan, your Christmas menu looks sooo good! Congratulations on a successful holiday meal.:) I'll bet your emerging training schedule is hefty (aka intimidating, for some of us!). We'll be cheering you on as you get back into tri training.

Bethany, good job on the run! And good idea to acclimate at that level for a bit.

Natasha, which shoes did you pick? Inquiring runner minds want to know... those burritos sound great!

Pleased to report a good run this morning, and then, almost solely because I told you all I would (not because I felt like it!), I did a late afternoon upper body weight workout. Tried not to overdo it, so we'll see.

Tomorrow we're hosting one final holiday gathering (last of four, two of which we have hosted). This is a casual lunch, so I'm making red lentil mulligatawny with apple and celery salsa, muenster cheese pie and salad. Bread and clementines and cookies to round it out. Hope it will be good!

Have a good night, all.

[MNGirlTX]

OK, now I've forgotten who posted about the bowling lesson, but I'm really jealous. Would love to be a good bowler. DH isn't interested, so I haven't invested time to find friends who will do it w/me.


That was me :D . I don't actually have anyone to bowl with. I joined a league in September (called the bowling alley and asked if they had any teams that needed a woman to fill out the team...and they did). I went this afternoon to "practice". I have to say, I wasn't nearly as good as I was with a "coach" helping me along ;) .

Good job on all the running going on!! I'm actually taking my shoes and my heel wedgies with me to New Orleans, and I'm going to try out the treadmill I'm sure the hotel will have. I'm looking forward to giving y'all a POSITIVE report when I get back.

Natasha - would you mind posting the recipe for the burritos? They sound delicious!!

Hope everyone's having a good Friday evening...it's been raining cats and dogs here in Dallas since noontime.

Lori

[Leslie Ferguson]

Natasha - would you mind posting the recipe for the burritos? They sound delicious!!
I second that request! Sounds like a great recipe and something to keep around as a healthy quicky dinner.

Susan - Thanks for starting the ending thread of the year. Your Christmas dinner sounds great but I must ask, I've figured out all except SIL (unless that is sister-in-law) for recipe sources. I'm looking forward to a little vicarious training with you as you prepare for your IM. Bowling is fun but LW is like your DH - not that into bowling. She likes it but isn't that good so doesn't like to go out to the lanes.
Natasha - I'm interested to hear what brand of scooter you're in too. I'm envious of your set up - having a treadmill and DH who's willing to video you to check your gait etc. I wish I could find a running store like yours. My favorite is so far from my house that it's inconvenient (the closest is 1.5 miles away and my fav is 35 minutes (mostly freeway or 45+ roads).
Bethany - Probably good to hold what you've got for mileage, no need to whack your knee this soon.
seathyme - Your lunch sounds fun and tasty. Congrats on your run today and hopefully your weights don't set you back tomorrow.
Lori - Safe travels to NOLA. Have a good run down there.

No run today. Resting for tomorrow but my mileage probably won't be that long. It looks like the 16 miler is bailing so there will be a group of us at 7/1 for 10 miles and a couple slower ones doing maybe 11 miles (3/1 group) so there may be a couple more miles out there just mopping up. Good news though, optometrist was happy with my eyes and I didn't even have to get my eyes dilated. Answering Natasha - NYE will be typically quiet (especially with the cops being out in full force). New Years Day will be race starting at 10 am the Hair of the Dog 5k (http://hairofthedog.kalerunning.com/). Probably won't go all out but will have a bunch of fun in the race. If they weren't predicting rain I might have to come up with an outrageous outfit to run in. But... who knows? Maybe a shorty? If it's warm enough at the start that might be a lot of fun if it's raining.

Anyway, beauty sleep calls so - happy trails all,
Les

[Natasha]

Lori, have fun in New Orleans (though I imagine that some of the trip will be sobering, as discussed in last week's thread). Good luck on the treadmill, too.

Les, enjoy the run this morning, and that's good about the optometrist appointment. BTW, I seem to recall that things would be calming down for you a bit in January since you will not be travelling to the other church as much -- is my recollection correct?

Seathyme, good job on the upper body weights! The menu for your last gathering sounds fabulous. Let us know how it goes, please! I'm especially intrigued by the muenster cheese pie.

Ah yes, shoes... after scads of pairs of Saucony Grid Stabils, I've decided to try the Asics Gel Evolution. We'll see how they turn out! Yes, I am fortunate to have been able to try all the shoes out on the treadmill, have DH videotape it, etc. I'll give DH an extra hug this morning. :)

I'm not sure what we'll be doing for NYE. We typically gather with a few close friends and stay at the house of some of the friends. This year, though, I don't think that's happening due to multiple other commitments, so I'm debating what we should do. We'll definitely do something with a friend or two, but I don't want to drive with all the crazies out there that night. I'm not a big NYE fan in general, but think it's a worthwhile excuse to have yet another holiday get together with good friends and enjoy some good food :D New Year's Day I have a potluck with the running group.

Lastly, here is the recipe, Lori and Les -- enjoy! It's very adaptable based on what you have on hand. I've skewed the proportions of sweet potatoes and beans depending on what I have on hand, for example. Also, if you don't want to bother with the food processor, I find that the mixture is soft enough that you can use a potato masher and end up with a fairly smooth filling.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos
Moosewood Low-Fat Favorites

5 cups sweet potatoes -- peeled and cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons canola oil
3 1/2 cups onion -- diced
4 garlic cloves -- minced or pressed
1 tablespoon green chile -- minced
4 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons ground coriander
3 cans black beans -- 15 oz ea
2/3 cup cilantro leaves, whole -- loosely packed
2 tablespoons lemon
1 teaspoon salt
8 eight-inch flour tortillas

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Place the sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan with the salt and water to
cover. Cover and bring to a boil, then simmer until tender, abut 10
minutes. Drain and set aside.

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, warm the oil in a medium skillet and
add the onion, garlic, and chile. Cover and cook on medium-low heat,
stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender, about 7 minutes. Add
the cumin and coriander and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer, stirring
frequently. Remove from the heat and set aside.

In a food processor, combine the black beans, cilantro, lemon juice, salt,
and cooked sweet potatoes and puree until smooth. Transfer the sweet
potato mixture to a large mixing bowl and mix in the cooked onions and
spices.

Lightly oil a large baking dish. Soon about 2/3 to 3/4 cup of the filling
in the center of each tortilla, roll it up, and place it, seam side down,
in the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 30
minutes, until piping hot. Serve topped with salsa.

Yield: 8 burritos.

[Elizabeth B]

Hello runners!

Kathy - What running stuff did you get for Christmas? DH is not a runner but I'd been asking for the iPod. Now I think he regrets buying it and loading my favorite songs because I love to sing and dance around the house while I'm listening to it.

Lori - Wow, the bowling coach sounds great - what an increase in your score! I'm a terrible bowler (lucky to crack 100) but DH and I have fun when we bowl, which is about once every two years.

Natasha - You think you're a geek for checking out a new grocery store - I carry a cooler in my trunk just in case I see a grocery store that I want to check out in another part of town! That's one of my favorite things to do, in fact. We also have a couple of great running shoe stores here.

Susan - Your holiday dinner menu sounds wonderful and how great that it turned out so nicely! I've never made Beef Wellington, but it's something I've always wanted to try. Thanks to the meat cooking guide that Bethany posted before Christmas, my beef tenderloin roast was cooked perfectly - Thanks, Bethany!

We were expecting company for the Titans game tomorrow and New Year's Eve, but sadly they can't make it. Tomorrow is the last game of the regular season and if they win, the Titans have a shot at the playoffs, which is pretty darned amazing for a team that started the season 0-5. Then, DH and I will have a "special dinner" . Other than filet mignon, I'm not sure what else we'll be having. Then I think I'm going to run a New Years Day 5K like Les. I've never done a New Year's race but think it will be a good way to start the year.

That's it for now - take care, all! Enjoy your New Year's Eve/New Year's Day celebrations, whatever they may be!

Here's to another fun year of running and (virtual) friendship!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Natasha - Thank you for the recipe. It sounds great and like something I'll just have to try and whip up. I second another reason to get together with friends on NYE. I'm also a non-fan of going anyplace on NYE - the less driving with the potential crazies is a bonus to me. You're right, things should slow down for a few months. Life is a little less hectic but now I'm dealing with all the other things I need to do for school - GRE, interview for admissions with the school, etc. Then throw in a little travel with work in the late winter/early spring and things become weird in a different way. Oh well, no big deal.
Betsy - Enjoy your special day tomorrow and hopefully the Titans get into the playoffs. I hope your weather is better than ours is predicted to be on Monday but I think you may have the tail end of the rain we're supposed to have on NYD.

Today's run was uneventful except for a little fog but it was in all other cases warm for December. Warm enough that when I was running I had to remove some of my cold weather clothes, running tights and the second shirt, mid-run. It was even warm enough that I took my bike (the rocket) out for a spin and was plenty warm enough without multiple layers (wind pants and a long sleeved shirt sufficed). I have forgotten just how much my shoulders and lats work when I'm not on my bike trainer. It is amazing to realize just how much my shoulders weren't thrilled with ~60 minutes of riding but this too shall pass.

Getting late, so I'll see you all on the morrow for New Year's Eve.

Happy trails and Happy New Year's (early),
Les

[Natasha]

Hi all!

Les, no rest for the weary, huh? Sounds like it will continue to be a busy time for you, but I'm sure it will all go well.

Betsy, I hear you on the iPod - I still love to dance around the house and sing with mine, and I've had it for coming on two years now. So your husband had better get used to your behaviour! :p Glad I'm not the only grocery store geek, too.

I got in my first run today with my new shoes, and did some Pilates and other core work. Also went for a couple of walks and need to go for one more with the pup before meeting friends for NYE. :)

Have a great evening, all, and I'll talk with you in the New Year!

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Natasha - Yep, for some reason people around me just can't figure out that I'm in the process of retiring and I'm supposed to be getting less work not more. ;) It'll all work out in the long run, luckily there isn't as much driving (dead time) in the coming months -- a good thing. Had to get the new shoes broken in during the past year eh? ;) I hope your NYE is uneventful.

Reevaluating the possibility of running in a shorty tomorrow and that wouldn't be a good idea - too warm to run in neoprene. I'll just have to lump it in normal gear if it's raining in the morning. If there's a benefit with the current warm spell, it's only supposed to dip down to the low 50s overnight so by 10 am it should be relatively warm and even if it's raining pleasant. It looks like it might be a short night with the neighbors blowing off fireworks (illegal in Norfolk) - at least I hope it's fireworks outside and not other things that go bang. :eek: (that'd be guns)

A happy and safe New Year's Eve to all and happy trails,
Les

[2HUNGRY!]

Elizabeth, how did the Titans do? I didn't see the final score. We were cheering for Denver vs. the 49ers. Boo hoo.

Susan- Way to go on impressing the in-laws!

Bethany- Good job knowing when to stop

Natahsa- Enjoy your assics! Yay on the new grocery store!

Seathyme - Good job on the weights.

Lori - Have a good trip!

Les- So what did you end up wearing? I'm glad you didn't have to get your eyes dilated; that's the worst.

I missed my run yesterday. We went with some friends to pay our respects to Pres. Ford and ended up walking all over for about 4 hours. We got through the line so quickly we decided to go to some of the Smithsonians and then to get some breakfast and to the outdoor market. Anyway, I was glad we went, but my legs were a little tired! My schedule is all messed up this week, but I know I have 1 night of yoga and 1 night of modern dance so I'll have to fit running in there somewhere. I may start the Couch to 5k thing again just to have some sort of schedule.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Happy New Year all!
2HUNGRY - I remember all too well my trips to the Mall that end up being a walking fest around the Smithsonian. If you do the Couch to 5 K (C25K) you'll be among friends here - we've got a few alumni of that program. I hope your schedule works out without too many perturbations.

Today's race was completed in my "standard racing rig" chili pepper shorts, chili pepper socks, and bright green tanktop - it was nearly 60 when we started, humid and windy (I think about 15-20 with higher gusts). All in all this could be a fast race if the conditions are normal for Norfolk. Did well and finished really strong, even after lifting yesterday, at ~22:40 which is a best in a long time.

check you all later and happy trails in the New Year!
Les

[Elizabeth B]

Happy New Year Runners!

Thank you all for the well-wishes for the Titans. Sadly, they lost yesterday so no play offs for them. But it was an exciting season and one that definitely ended much better than I would have guessed given the rough start. It rained the whole first half and I don't mean a drizzle or a light rain - it poured! Luckily the weather cleared and we all tried to dry off during the second half. Believe it or not, two things that kept me much more comfortable than my fellow fans were my old running shoes and running socks. Even though my feet were wet, they felt dry. Good to know, huh?

I did run the 5K this morning, which was the best way to start the new year ever! DH was surprised that I stayed awake until midnight, when I gave him a kiss and headed to bed. I woke up in plenty of time to grab something to eat and drink, pull on running gear and head downtown for the race. I'm happy with my time, which I think is 30:15. I held my pace pretty well through the end of the second mile, but slowed down a little on the third mile while running up a bridge. I'd like to get my "fast" pace down to 9:30 and it's getting there, slowly. My first mile was 9:35 and the second was 9:40. The post-race refreshments were black-eyed peas and cornbread so I ate a little and then came home.

Jill - Wow - you paid your respects to Pres. Ford - how cool is that??!! What was it like - were the lines long, what was the mood, etc.?

Les - I'm glad you did so well in your 5K! I wish we had those temperatures here - it was COLD (relatively speaking) - in the low 40's and pretty windy. How nice that you could race with the chili pepper shorts in January.

I'm off to go put the holiday decorations in the attic - they're in a pile in the living room. I like to decorate for the holidays, but it's also nice to get the house back to normal.

Take care, all!

[Natasha]

Les and Betsy, good job to both of you in your respective 5ks!! Great way to start the new year indeed :)

Jill, that is so neat that you paid your respects to U.S. Pres. Ford. I remember once when I was very young, we happened to be in Ottawa when the official funeral of a former prime minister was taking place, so we attended it. It was a moving experience, even for a young kid.

No run for me today, but I had a good stint on the bike trainer, followed by a whack of lower body weights. I also got in a long walk (it is balmy out!!) and will shortly head out for walk #2 of the day. The run club potluck was a lot of fun, too. I'm tired, though - was up until past 2 AM last night chatting and such! Staying up that late is pretty much unheard for me these days :D

Take care, everyone,
Natasha

[Kathy B]

Happy New Year Everyone! :)

I did about 45 minutes of treadmill time today as well as my morning yoga. I even threw in a few handweights exercises, but mine are pretty lightweight, so it doesn't really count for all that much.

Congratulations Les and Elizabeth, what a great way to kick off the year!

2Hungry, just curious, but why do you want to start over with the C25K program if you are already running? Wouldn't that be slowing you down?

Natasha, your NYE potluck sounds like a good time! Good job on your varied workout today!

Seathyme, no worries. I just finished season 1, season 2 reruns start tomorrow (DS is on top of this, let me tell you!) and there are 4 more seasons to go. I should definitely make it through the winter. :p

Hi to Susan, Bethany, Lori and all the other VRB's! :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Good treadmill run Kathy B and any weights are helpful in the grand scheme of things.
Natasha - 2 am? :eek: That is unheard of for you. ;) And probably should be unheard of for most of us although I love that hour of the morning. I hear you about balmy weather I got an e-mail with race results and the conditions were 69 degrees, 63% humitity, 24 mph winds (no kidding) with gusts of 33 mph. I hope things stay moderate for you but bet you'd like some seasonal weather soon (maybe even a little snow).

Speaking of the race there is a montage picture (none of me yet though). http://hairofthedog.kalerunning.com/images/collage_large.jpg
Not sure whether I like the pjs and flamingo (on the left) or the whole group at the bottom of the page. Funny though, I was just off the side of the picture with the red head (in normal running gear) and the guy in the double breasted suit. What a blast!

I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow as the work week kicks off (for most).

Happy trails,
Les

[2HUNGRY!]

Les, those pics are too funny!

Kathy, I want to re-start C25K (I've done it 3 times before!) just because it gives me a schedule to follow. I know its less than I usually do, but when I feel myself starting to slip, its what I do to add the discipline back into things. Plus its too dark to run when I get home at night and I could fall asleep running on the treadmill.

For those who asked about the Pres. Ford thing the line was short; about 45 minutes. The mood was somber. There were tons of reporters and it was interesting to talk to all of the people in line.

Well, back to work. I was here last week but most people weren't so I'm sure they'll all be coming in here soon, wanting to get millions of things done. Day 1 of C25K today!

[SusanMac]

Happy 2007 everyone!!

2Hungry - very cool about paying respects to Pres Ford. That will always be something to remember.

Nat - thx for the burrito recipe. Do you really cook them in the oven for an additional 30 min? That seems like overkill, since everything is already cooked.

Les - congrats on the solid race. the pics are hilarious!

Elizabeth - You're a trooper for sitting through the soggy game! Did anyone see the Packers game Sun? When Favre broke down crying afterwards it broke my heart!! If you want a running calendar, but need a change from Cool Running you might want to check out runnersworld.com. I know they have several there.

And, I have to give a shout out to the Badgers, bringing in the best record of the Big 10 & beating SEC champs Arkansas yesterday -- woo hoo!

I've gotten all my days of the past week mixed up, but I put in a good run & bike spin in the past few days (whatever those days were). Got a good solid start on my training calendar, as well. It's in pencil right now, so today I'll work on entering it into the PC so it's easier to track.

DH got me several training DVDs for Xmas -- Spinervals (bike trainer workouts), Pilates and a core strength for endurance athletes one. I'm looking forward to checking them all out!

[seathyme]

Happy 2007 VRB's!

Congrats to Les and Elizabeth on the Jan 1 runs. Les, your pictures and your time are both excellent! Betsy, sorry about the Titans. Patriots are in, but I'm not a huge fan so this is only mildly interesting in our household. (Now the Red Sox are another matter entirely...!)

Kathy, so glad you won't be in 24 withdrawal on the 'mill. ;)

Natasha, belated thanks for the recipe -- looks great. And good job getting workouts in yesterday after a late night...

Susan, your new DVD's sound great. Let us know how they are.

2H, I hope the C25K will provide the structure you're looking for. I do understand the desire for a plan to follow.

Speaking of which, I was in NH from Sunday evening until awhile ago. No dreadmill up there, so in order to stick to my 2007 plan I had to fit in a run yesterday. It was 34F and RAINING most of the day, yuck! By mid-afternoon it had slowed to a drizzle, so I did get out there and do the hilly 5-miler that constitutes "around the block" from our family place. After all the avoidance I was *so* glad I did it -- felt strong, and made it up the two very steep hills that are on the circuit. Although the roads were slippery, I managed not to fall on my face, which was another victory. Came back soaked as a wet rat, but very happy.

Just now back from a challenging yoga class, so all is well here in MA.

Greetings to Bethany, Lori and any other new year's runnahs out there.

[Leslie Ferguson]

seathyme - Good for you to get out in less-than-optimal (ok pretty nasty) conditions. It really does feel good to overcome the blocks and head out for a run doesn't it. Your trip in NH sounds like going to my folks place - it's 2+ miles "down to the main road and back" and if I'm going out and back across town it's at least 4 miles. Congratulations on your grace under wet running conditions, it sounds like your yoga practice is paying off.
Susan - I've heard good things about spinervals workouts so I hope you enjoy them. I was going to hold off on my shout out to Oregon State for it's victory over Missouri but since you started it... I'd be interested in seeing what you end up with for your IM training. If you'd like to email or whatever I'd like to see what you come up with.
2HUNGRY - How was your first day of C25K?

As much as I tried to avoid watching the President's funeral and motorcade I was drawn to the motorcade this afternoon when they took him to Andrews AFB. Then this evening I caught part of the rebroadcast of his funeral on PBS. What a moving ceremony and how inspiring to hear about all the things President Ford did.

On topic though - ran this evening with my coach and a couple who are running at Disney this weekend plus one of the regulars from the running group. Nothing really blistering but a solid 60+ minute run over the bridges (kind of a fun run). It wasn't bad this evening considering it was pretty windy and cool this morning. I think we topped off at ~55 today. We're looking for ~60 tomorrow. I know it will get cool again but I hope it doesn't just descend in a day.

After getting another clean bill of health at the doc this morning (quasi-routine evaluation) I'm back to work tomorrow after being off for just over a week. I may have to pace myself... ;)

Until later runnahs -- happy trails,
Les

[2HUNGRY!]

Les, good job ob the run and yay on the medical check. Don't strain yourself back at work :p

Susan, let us know how you like your tapes

Seathyme, good job running in NH. We used to go to North Conway every summer. I love it there.

Well day 1 of C25K was a success, I guess, in that I did it! Tonight is yoga. My studio switched their schedule around so its a new (to me) teacher.

[Natasha]

Hi gang!

Susan, you can get away with baking the burritos for less than 30 minutes. I just bake them until they're warm and until the cheese I put on top is melty the way I like it. :) I have baked them the full time though and they're none the worse for it.

Les, glad your doctor's appointment was uneventful. Today we reached close to 50F and the next few days are supposed to be much of the same. Great pics from your race!

Jill, good job on Day 1 of C25K! Have fun at yoga tonight.

Seathyme, great work on that run in the inclement conditions! NH must have been a lovely break for you.

Hi to everyone else! Off to the chiro. I hope to use the bike trainer later tonight. Yesterday was weights, a hike, and a not too long run.

Edited to add that the workout is done and was a good one :)

Take care, everyone,
Natasha

[seathyme]

Glad the workout was good, Natasha. I trust the chiro was good as well.:)

Jill, good job getting started on C25K!

Les, sounds like your run was fun.

As for me, some days about the best you can say is you got your $%^# run done. My body was not pleased to be out there this morning, but out it went, for about 45 minutes. I'll take it, and Rocky enjoyed himself too.

Anyone else having funny things happen to the alignment of this thread? No biggie, but the positioning of things is a little creative.

[badunnin]

Hello to my running peeps! Got back on the road tonight after a few unplanned days off. I came down with a stomach bug (with unfortunate timing, arriving while I was out at the very posh bar drinking a glass of very nice red wine at $15/glass!) and was sidelined for a few days. I expected my run to be mediocre tonight, but it was actually pretty good, considering my first real meal in 3 days was dinner last night. Body is getting back to normal, and it felt good to be out again.

On a non-running note, I was privileged enough to have been at the Detroit Red Wings game last night where one of the number of one of the all-time hockey greats (and overall fabulous man, so very humble. Oh, and handsome!), Steve Yzerman, was retired. "No player I ever coached," Bowman said, "could play with a pain threshold like Steve Yzerman." And in the words of the humble man himself, who was clearly very uncomfortable being the centre of attention, ""I feel my image as a great leader is greatly overblown, and I realize that because I played with some of the best hockey players who have ever played in the league ... all I did was just go out and play like all of those players did. Gentlemen, again, I am grateful for all of your efforts. I am very humble and I say thank you. We did it together and any of the personal success I had was because of the wonderful players." Truly a class act, and there should be more people, not just hockey players, like him in this world.

Ok, I'll stop now. I'm getting teary-eyed over here!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Anyone else having funny things happen to the alignment of this thread? No biggie, but the positioning of things is a little creative.
Uhhhh... that'd be my fault. It seems that when I posted the picture it wasn't well sized for the thread and whacked everything. And I'm such a picture posting neophyte I can't figure out how to resize the pic. Back OT - I'm glad you had a workout, even if it wasn't a good one. How are conditions up your way? We've been in spring-like conditions for days.
Natasha - Ditto seathyme on your workout and chiro - I could have used both of those today too.
Bethany - That's a wonderful story about Yzerman at the game last night. I really haven't ever heard anything bad about him so it's good for him to get a good send off. Considering all the other things going on besides your nice restaurant fiasco (from the other thread) I'd say congratulations are in order for working out at all.
Jill - Good day 1 - how was yoga tonight.

Well today was a weird and a melt down of sorts. Hard to go back to work after being off for over a week (last time in the office was Friday before Christmas). It took hours just to get through my inbox and ALL the messages we've received in 10+ days. W/o too many details the day went downhill from there and spun out of control. In a funk by the time I got home (never a good thing) - hungry and cranky do not make a good condition to run or ride in. Bagged any exercise for today, cooked dinner, did penance doing Christmas Cards (it is within 30 days of Christmas so I'm still good :D ). Maybe tomorrow will be a better day - I can only hope.

However, on a positive note (of sorts) I got my pictures from the Hair of the Dog (http://www.triduo.com/searchraceresults.php?race_id=1342&bib=485&s=e) AND the results book from Flying Pig this afternoon. What a great book and what memories of the VRB IRL in Cincinnati (we left it standing - really we did).

Need to turn in early, maybe that will relieve my funk a little. Until tomorrow - Happy trails,
Les

[2HUNGRY!]

Cheer up Les! Tomorrow is Friday! The first day back is always tough. I had to give up on some of my Christmas cards and send out New Year's cards instead.

Bethanny, thanks for the story. I just love live sports, and that sounds really special.

Seathyme, alignment is funky for me too.

Hi Natasha and everyone else.

Yoga was killer last night. Modern dance is tonight. I hope I don't make a fool of myself!

[SusanMac]

Howdy gang. I have 2 good workouts to report. Solid 40 min run on Tues and a 45-min bike trainer workout yesterday. Dec I was doing 30-min rides, but am bumping up to 45 & 60 this month. I've had several months off of the bike, and am just building base right now, so am happy with that.

Les - I hated my 1st day back, too. It's just *so* hard to get back into work mode. Cracks me up that you're just now sending out Christmas cards -- he, he.

Badunning - Wow, you are getting all verklempt over there. What a hockey hooligan!

Seathyme - I totally hear ya on getting in a cruddy run. Sometimes those almost feel better than the "easy"/feel good days b/c it takes so much more to get them done.

[Kathy B]

Just finished up a good run on the treadmill, and I got in a bit of yoga earlier.

Les, fun pics! I am quite sure I could not run a 5K or any other race in my pjs! :p

Bethany, sounds like things have been a little rough for you lately. Glad to hear you are feeling a little back to normal. Good job on your run!

Seathyme, you are much tougher than me (which isn't THAT hard to acheive, but still...). 34 degrees AND RAIN! :eek:

2Hungry, good to hear that your first day of C25K was successful. I know what you mean about the discipline. I always do much better with some kind of plan to follow.

Susan, good job on your workouts! Sounds like your bike training is progressing well. :)

Natasha, enjoy your nice weather! Hope the chiro appt was routine and not something unexpected!

Girl Scouts tonight, so I have to get busy and pull things together. Have a good day all, and see you on tomorrow's thread!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Well gang, closing out a wild week with a better day than yesterday. Today was a good and busy day at work, not making work but doing things. I also ran at lunch for ~62 minutes which always makes the day go well. Besides that, on a more personal level I got good feedback from my internship supervisor so that's one more letter/evaluation out of the way - only three more. And probably the best thing, I was invited to an Ordination for a lady who I met and got to know in Newport years ago (almost 4 now). Somehow she saw my picture and found my work phone number. So now I have another thing on Saturday besides the 20k race in the morning - a 5pm ordination. And to top that off the priest from Newport will be in town for the ordination so it's going to be a great day all around.

I hope everyone has a good Friday and a fantastic weekend.

Happy trails,
Les