Virtual Running Buddies w/o 5/8

[Leslie Ferguson]

Can a virtual riding buddy start the thread this week? I've been a little busy - life gets in the way. It was a great thread last week, lots of running, lots of riding, and lots of swimming (Robyn: 1 mile).

Carrie reminded me that there is something I'm not going to like about running this summer - the humidity. I have a sense that it's going to be nasty this year because we've had so much rain already and the humidity is higher than last year already and it's only May. (not a good sign)

I rode this afternoon in honor of knocking out a sermon in class and a paper (the mark up/edit by LW is sitting in front of me -- and it's calling). I went for an hour (still on the mountain bike - too many chances to ride on the trainer still to come) and had a blast. It's definitely nice to get out but the threat of rain (we've had 9 days straight and more is brewing) was just about too much.

Ta ta for now. Papers call,
Les

[Robyn1007]

Hehe, this thread has definitely morphed into the Virtual Workout of some sort Buddies thread, sorry 'bout that! Glad I'm not the only one though.

Les how wonderful that LW can look things over for you! Good luck, you're almost there!

I got in a short 800yd swim tonight. I'm tired but made myself go and once I got into the rhythm it really felt good. Hit up Whole Foods afterward as there's a gathering tomorrow night in the mountains for which I promised beer and a side (went with Boulder potato chips since it's a bunch of out of state people). Not fancy but since it will be in my car all day I can't justify something perishable. Nevermind I don't have the energy to actually cook something. I'll be skiing the next 2 days so long as weather is decent.

Anyone have any fun plans for the weekend.

[VictoriaL]

Well, we just got in from the hockey game (yay, Pens!) and I'm a little too awake to go to bed...

Les, sounds as though you really enjoyed your time on the mountain bike this afternoon! Yes, I agree about the humidity and I also think that this summer may be a little worse than usual (it has already been hot and humid for several days and it's only the beginning of May). You may want to keep the trainer inside to take advantage of the a/c (I'm assuming...). DH has mentioned moving the EB to the basement (the coolest part of our house in the summer), it's already hot in our un-a/c second floor.

And here I am, talking about the heat and humidity and Robyn is heading off to ski for the weekend! Have a fun time!

This afternoon I went out for 1.83 miles and more than half of that distance was running! I didn't cough once, either (and this was after a morning of moving patio furniture, cleaning gutters, and assorted other outdoor chores while we had a few dry hours). It felt sooooooo good to be out! I'll try to bump it up to 2.5 on Monday. The wild honeysuckle is blooming and it seems to be everywhere around the running paths-- I enjoyed being able to take nice, deep breaths (at last!!!).

Hi to all and I hope that everyone has a very nice weekend.

[Robyn1007]

YAY VICCI!!!!!! :d:d:d:d:d

[Kathy B]

Hi, all! NOthing to report since I was at work all day, but thought I'd pop in anyway.

Vicci, I am so glad to hear you are out and about again. I am sure it must feel great! Hope that the weather was reasonably cool for your first run/walk in a while.

Robyn, I think it is just that we VRB's are flexible and open to new/other things! Good for you getting in a swim when you might have preferred the couch and a good show!

Les, sorry to hear about all the rain. We may get some tomorrow, but I won't complain. Hopefully we can get the yard mowed before it hits.

DS had a jazz band event this evening, and DD helped, so I went there after work. I was tired, but I'm glad I stopped by. They sounded great, (and there were lots of desserts, too! ) Tomorrow, the band is marching in a parade, and then I have a few Girl Scouts coming by to rid my guest room of all the garage sale leftovers....YEA!! Other than that, not too much on the calendar for the weekend, but shhhh...don't tell!

[SusanMac]

Les - thx for kicking off the new week! Glad you had a fun mtn bike ride

Robyn - gourmet chips are always a hit, even if us foodies feel guilty for not actually making something

Vicci - wow! That is awesome news!

Kathy - more band activities. It sounds really fun.

I got in a good interval run on Friday. The ILs have been here all weekend, and we're headed out now for a Mother's Day brunch cruise around the lake. Not sure about working out today....we'll be soooo zonked when they finally leave!

[newsomz]

Les - Yep! I did not miss the humidity one bit while I was away.. It is currently here with a vengeance and we're having quite high temps for this time of year, ~93-ish. Luckily, it is supposed to rain tomorrow & Tuesday and then cool back down below 90. Good! I wasn't ready for 90 yet... Glad you were able to get a ride in with your packed schedule.

Robyn - Great job on the swim! That is one sport that is still very intimidating to me. How was the skiing?

Vicci - So glad to hear you've recovered!!!! Yay.

Kathy - Glad you have a "down" week

Susan - Hope the weather was nice for your cruise around the lake!

So.. I got in a 30 min run on Thursday, a 30 min run on Saturday, and then a 50 min bike ride today. Felt good and helped me destress after school orientation. Classes start tomorrow and I expect to be very, very busy this summer! I'm starting up track workouts again this week which I'm really excited about since I'm sticking with shorter distances. Should be a good challenge to add into my routine workout. Last time I tried track workouts I was also training up for a half marathon (or maybe the marathon) and the combination just left me too exhausted afterwards. The local track club also has a track series during the summer so I'm hoping to participate in that. Now to find a shower near the track so I can cool off during my runs!

Oh! Almost forgot. While I was running Saturday I saw a t-shirt with a great mantra: Pain of discipline or Pain of regret... It was perfect for the time as I had really struggled getting out that morning (kept telling myself I would do the run later..).

[oceanjasper]

Les - Sorry to hear that the rain (and humidity) are affecting your workouts. Do you ride your mountain bike on trails or on the road?

Robyn - I think beer and chips sounds like a perfect combo. Good job on the swim.

VictoriaL - Great to hear that you can now run without coughing!

KathyB - Gotta love events with desserts.

SusanMac - Sounds like a lovely way to celebrate Mother's Day.

newsomz - Good luck with your classes this summer! What are you taking?

I had a nice brunch with the family this morning and then headed out for a trail run this afternoon. The trails I ran on were alongside a river and out to a lake. The main trail that I ran on is called Bear Bait Trail. I didn't end up as bear bait today, but I definitely feel safer riding my bike on that trail.

Anyway...the most exciting thing is that I think this is the longest distance (and time) I have ever run!

Distance: 12.62 km (7.84 miles)
Time: 1:18:07
Pace: 6:11 min/km (9:57 min/mile)
Calories: 805

My legs are tired and my feet are a little sore. I know I need to get some new runners this week, so that I can break them in before the race next month. Heading out of town later this week to enjoy an extra long Victoria Day weekend. I am SO looking forward to it!

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. Have a wonderful week!

[TKay]

Hello, runners! Hope you all had a great weekend. I did.

Les - Thanks for starting us out. Great job on the ride.

Robyn - I love that to you, 800 meters is a short swim. Yikes. That's a loooong one for me. In fact, I don't even think I could complete that distance.

Vicci - Yeah! Hooray for the healing powers of the human body. I can't believe you actually got in some running. I am so happy for you.

KathyB - Girl Scouts helping you purge? I love that.

Susan - How are you recovering from the IL visit?

Newsomz - Love the t-shirt saying. And great job on being so consistent. Sorry about the heat.

Oceanjasper - Wow! Nice, long run. Good for you. I need new running shoes too. I just keep procrastinating on that.

I got in an early morning workout (weight walk) on Friday and a solid run on Saturday. Took yesterday off to hang out with the kiddies and eat all the fattening, sausage-laden breakfast goodies they made for me. It was lovely being waited on. I'm planning a longish run today to burn some of those treats off. Like OJ, I'm in need of new kicks. My shins fatigued quickly on Saturday and I'm wondering if shoes are the reason. Hope everything holds up today.

Here's to a great week, all.

Oh, just wanted to add that we attended a roller skating party on Saturday night. I couldn't believe how packed the roller rink was. There were people racing around, doing turns and tricks, slides--it was amazing. What a great evening out for all those young people (teens through early 20s, I'd say).

[newsomz]

Looks like everyone else is just as busy as me this week!

oceanjasper- Congrats on the long run! Doesn't that feel great?

TKay- Good luck finding new kicks.. And the roller skating party sounds like a blast.

I'm here to report a bike ride yesterday (50 min easy through town) and a spin/yoga class today. We did 45 min of spin and then 30 min of pilates (she switched it up). The class is held on Mon & Wed and is the perfect activity to help mix up my workout routine. I'm also hoping to attend a longer yoga session on the weekend. We'll see!

Happy trails.

[Robyn1007]

Just a quick touch base here this evening. I skied on Saturday then bailed out of Sunday. Amazingly I just felt done for the season and felt like ending on a sunny day. Below are a couple of pics from the day. I took yesterday off completely to just relax. Did a quick and easy 800 in the pool tonight since I've got 5.5 miles on the schedule tomorrow I didn't want to wipe myself out like I did last week on a long swim.

The skier closest to the camera in the lime green jacket and light blue pants is me. I'm particularly proud of this photo as my form is pretty good especially considering this is widely considered one of the most difficult (steep and endless bumps) inbounds runs in the US.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelv...7618001875680/

Mid-mountain lodge deck. I'm the one closest to the camera with the white vest, blue shirt and blue pants. Mmmm, ski day sunbathing is fantabulous!


This is just a shot to give you an idea of how steep the run I'm on in the first pic is. The man in the picture is a renowned ski instructor from Aspen who is very well respected for both his abilities on skis, on teaching and his lovable demeanor and one of the highlights of this day was the chance to meet him. At one point on the run he asked if he cold give me a tip. Uh, yes, I'll take any and all Weems tips I can get! And it was a great tip at that.

[SusanMac]

Awesome pics, Robyn! Looks like a glorious day

Tkay - we haven't talking cycling in a while. We've found a website where we can watch the Giro d'Ialia, since Versus is for some odd reason not broadcasting it. Did you hear that Christian V. is out with broken ribs? Ouch!

Newsomz - glad you've been biking & yoga-ing. Definitely good to mix things up

OJ - Nice job on the run and the new distance milestone. That definitely feels good.

Well, the weekend with the in-laws was good, but we were zonked Sun p.m. and didn't workout (I saw that coming!) Successful Sat night dinner at home, btw, featuring brie kisses & CL's peppered tenderloin with puttanesca sauce and polenta. Yum. Gorgeous but windy day for the boat cruise. DH & I decided we will definitely do that again! Very fun.

Yesterday was a 'short' long run (don't know what else to call it!). 15 miles. For the next 6 weeks my LSD runs alternate each week between 20 miles & shorter runs between 12-15. It felt really, really good on my legs, so I'm happy. Still having callus issues. Grrrr.

[Robyn1007]

Just a quick pop in for a somewhat exciting announcement. I am officially being hired (yes that means paid and with store discount) by my LBS to help my coach lead our women's only bike group! I have now managed to find a way to get paid to do 2 of the sports I love. Life is good!

[TKay]

Robyn - That is fantastic news! Congrats. I also love the photos you posted. Looks beautiful. Funny about you being done with skiing.

Susan - I did not hear about CV's ribs. I get Lance's Twitter updates, but some days he sends so many I skim. Not sure if that news was posted or not. I think you're at a good place when your LSD is 15 miles.

Newsomz - That combo class sounds cool. Enjoy your longer yoga session.

Did a slightly longer run on the TM yesterday and then a weight walk/run combo today. Shins felt good, but I know I still need new shoes. Also took pooch for her maiden voyage through dog park today. She learned quickly that whole leader of the pack thing--she's not it.

[SusanMac]

Robyn - that is just too cool! Congrats. You will have a blast. You clearly have some teacher/coach genes.

[newsomz]

Robyn - Congrats! And great pics

Susan - That dinner sounds fantastic!

TKay - Good job on the workouts.

I did a fast 30 min today. Was supposed to do a track workout with a friend but he couldn't do the track workout and it looked like it was going to rain so I headed out early before it could pour on me! Hoping to get in another run on Thursday and then yoga this weekend.

[VictoriaL]

Robyn, how long can you ski? Or is it year 'round in that particular altitude? Very nice photos, too. And getting paid to do the work that you love is a goal that we all have-- congratulations!

For heavens' sake, Susan, a "short run" of only fifteen miles? You slacker, you!

TKay are you teaching Sadie (am I remembering correctly?) that sometimes it is best to be a follower??? And get those shoes!!! Your feet, legs, etc. will thank you.

Good to get the run in before it rained Carrie!

I can report a run for the first time in 30 days. At least 2 miles, probably more since Spooky kept following me and I'd have to run him back to the house (after the first time, he thought it was a game; I ended up running back and forth three times before the cat decided to "stay". Cat's aren't particularly good with commands...) Anyway, it felt very good, and I haven't wheezed or coughed once all day, so I would say that I am well again. At last! But I'm quite tired now (and Spooky is sacked out already). Next up, a 3 mile run planned for Thursday. It is so great to be back!!!

A wave (while running) to Les, Nat, KathyB, OJ, and the others.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Great runs all, especiall Vicci. 15 miles is a great run and great pictures Birthday Girl.

Pushing to the end. Half done with my last paper then two finals (Friday and Monday) and my second year is over!

I'll post more and I wish I could comment on all the great running but time is short and my concentration is a little off right now.

Happy trails,
Les

[Robyn1007]

Vicci Arapahoe Basin will close on June 7th this year. They used to try to make it to 4th of July but skier turnout was so low later (were all doing our summer sports) that it wasn't worth it to them. So our season is October - June. I skied October - May this year so 7 months. Not bad!

I won't get paid much as it's just a few hours a week but the shop discounts and pro deals are great and it will really help this gear ho.

My energy is fading fast but I wanted to thank everyone for the birthday wishes and report a 5.5 mile run. I had to walk a bit but my pace was as good as usual. I'm scheduled to do 6 early next week and then it'll be go time for the 10k. I'm confident that I'll be able to do it. I am glad it's in the morning though since I seem to run better in the mornings.

[SusanMac]

Les - your post says 'paper'....but I read 'taper'! Something subliminal there, I think

Yesterday I got in a good 6-mile steady run. Beautiful weather, which is good as today is blustery & rainy all day long. Not sure if I'll get out for a run, so will just try to focus on core stuff & let my feet rest (they are way too achy lately!)

Tonight I'm headed to a seminar at my LRS to hear about nutrition & mental strategies. Looking forward to it!

Robyn - belated happy bday
Natasha - I'm anxious to check out your taco salad recipe

[SusanMac]

I have a question/dilemma to throw out to you guys....

As you know, I'm training for Grandma's Marathon in Duluth on June 20. Very mentally there, focused on it & psyched for it. A few weeks ago, my client asked me to staff an event for them that same week and I declined due to my marathon commitment. The event is in Singapore. I've never been there before. It just now occurred to me that I might be insane for turning this opportunity down!! I could easily find another marathon...at this point it would probably be a fall one, although I'd look around for one in June on another date (there won't be many that's for sure)

What would you guys do? Am I crazy to pass up a trip to Singapore? Or crazy to bail on a marathon I've been training for during the past 4 months?

[Leslie Ferguson]

Having been to Singapore - I'd go to Singapore and run another marathon (close to the date of Grandma's if possible). You'll love Singapore if you go - it will be the trip of a lifetime because it's one of the cleanest cities I've ever been to and the food is fantastic (if you have a little adventuresome streak).

Had to laugh at taper comment too.
Les

[Robyn1007]

Wow, that's a tough one Susan. Especially since Grandma's is supposed to be an awesome race. Here's a list of marathons that might help you find something else.

http://www.marathonguide.com/races/r...te=5%2F10%2F09

Oh, here you go, come do one in Leadville. I'll come cheer you on if you do! http://www.marathonguide.com/races/r...IDD=1812090711

[TKay]

Run by for me. Got in a solid TM workout today. Felt great. Just happy to stay consistent.

Susan - Wow, what a dilemma. I think I'd be tempted to take that Singapore trip, but it would be painful to skip the marathon. Hmm. I just know for me, I'd likely never plan my own trip to Japan. Having a client do it for me would be really tempting. FWIW, there's no wrong decision.

ETA: Wait. Singapore isn't in Japan, is it?

[Leslie Ferguson]

ETA: Wait. Singapore isn't in Japan, is it?

No, at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It's almost on the Equator.

Studies progress but a short spin inside tonight. Final tomorrow morning (studies call).

Les

ETA: Not trying to be snarky. Sorry if I came off that way.

[newsomz]

Susan - I'd go for Singapore!! But then I am a bit of a travel fanatic

Vicci - Yay to health!

I got 30 min on the treadmill today at the rec center. I didn't think I was going to get in a run so was especially happy I did.