Virtual Running Buddies - 3/12

[SusanMac]

Happy weekend runners! I had a good, solid 60-minute run yesterday. The temps are warming up for us, too - my first shorts run of the season! Woo hoo! My legs are looking pretty scary at the moment, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Today is a rest day, as the Shamrock Shuffle 10K is tomorrow. It's early in the season, and I always think of this one as a nice, springtime fun run. But, it's got a really killer hill, with an out & back course. So they make you go up the hill both ways. How mean!

My other update is that little Merckx is sick, and that's about the only thing I've thought about for the past 2 days. He's been having problems urinating. The doctors are stumped as to the cause. But, he's home today & we have to give him antibiotics pills for 10 days. He's been a trooper so far. And I just love it when the vets tell me how handsome & sweet Merckx is....since I'm confident they only say that to me & not all of the parents!

[Natasha]

Hi Susan! Hope Merckx feels better soon and the antibiotics do the trick. I know the worrying is terrible when a pet is not feeling his or her best.

Good luck with the race tomorrow.

I need to train soon - planning to spin while watching a documentary from the library. It's a rainy and windy weekend so I think indoor training is just the thing.

How's everyone else doing?

[VictoriaL]

Hey Susan, when we take Spooky to the vet, she will tell us how handsome and sweet he is, and then will follow that comment with "well, there is another cat in Madison who is equally handsome and sweet..." Hope that he feels better soon (having seen our cats through lots of ailments including kidney failure and cancer, I know that it can totally wreck your concentration for anything!). And congrats on the 60 minute run-- in shorts! Good luck tomorrow!

Nat, yep, rainy and windy here too. Best to stay indoors.

Although today should have been my day to run, it's (like up in Nat's neck o' the woods) rainy and blustery out. So I did nothing because I am still tired from spending yesterday sawing trees and carrying branches and logs. The sad part-- we're only about a quarter done with what we need to do to clean up the storm damage here at the lake! My arm/ shoulder muscles should be nice and defined by summer...
(anyone remember the Monty Python song-- "I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay" ??? Kept running through my head yesterday!)

Is everyone having a good weekend?!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Too funny Vicci, you've got monty Python running through your head and I've got Doug and Bob McKenzie running through mine (take off, beer hunter, etc.). It's rainy here but not too blustry. I somehow bet you will have a great shoulder/back muscles by summer.
Susan - Sorry your cat isn't well, I hope it bounces back quickly. Good job on your run and I hope that your race tomorrow goes well.
Nat - Rain up there too... I hoe the documentry is good and you have a good spin.

I've had a decent couple days. Spun last night (it was raining and nasty last night) and even had the time to fix my trainer a little. I went out for an hour tonight in the rain. I had planned on shorts and a t, but it was raining a little too hard so I ran in rain gear ove shorts and a tank. It was a bit warm by the time I finished but great to run.

Late day tomorrow at church, nothing too busy but still at or around church from ~8:30 - 6:30.

Happy trails all,
Les

[Natasha]

I didn't know Bob and Doug McKenzie were known in the US! Truth be told, I'm not too familiar with their stuff myself. Does that make me un-Canadian?

Les, sounds like some good workouts! Hope you had a good day at church.

Vicci, you have had some amazing cross-training this winter! Your arms will indeed be toned. Look for women's magazines at supermarkets across North America to stop touting "Michelle Obama arm workouts" and start touting "VictoriaL arm workouts". ("You, too, can have Vicciesque arms!")

I did a run today but only about 4 miles. I tweaked my knee a bit yesterday going up the stairs so figured I'd go a bit easy. I should do core or weights, though.

Still raining so I'm planning to make chili and blueberry muffins. We are going to watch a DVD this afternoon with a friend. It's a hibernating kind of afternoon, so hanging out, chatting and drinking tea sounds good. The movie on tap is Zombieland. I just don't get zombie movies, myself (maybe someone here can explain the appeal to me?), but am still looking forward to the socializing.

Hi to Kathy, TKay, Susan, Robyn, and everyone else.

[Leslie Ferguson]

On a break right now...

I didn't know Bob and Doug McKenzie were known in the US! Truth be told, I'm not too familiar with their stuff myself. Does that make me un-Canadian?

No, I don't think so. I'd chalk it up to a different circle of friends when they were really popular. In no way un-Canadian (or un-Canadienne to be properin the bi-lingual world).

Back to the push for the last week of classes.
Les

[VictoriaL]

Nat, yep, my arm-toning regimen is ongoing, and I now have a pile of logs to be carried to the top of our driveway in case anyone wants to join in on the fun! Hope you knee loses that "tweak" (don't you hate it-- "going up the stairs"?!?!??!). And, um, chili and blueberry muffins together? Hmmmmmm...

Les, the McKenzie brothers! It's been a while-- I loved SCTV. HAPPY LAST WEEK O' CLASSES (for this semester...)

I took a quick run at the lake house today before we left. I had a very odd route as there was water running through the roads in so many places, so I basically went back and forth between "streams".

We will return later this week. Now there is a rush to get the big tree cleared out of the beach area as the guy building our boathouse will come over on Saturday to stake the outline.

Hey, check this song out. It's become one of my favorite running songs, very energetic.

Mika- Blame It On The Girls
http://popup.lala.com/popup/432627049759133082

Susan, how went the 10K?

[VictoriaL]

It 's so great ! I will send it to my friends. It 's will be helpful to them ! Thanks for sharing !

Whaaa?????
Les, were you sharing something in code or something?!?!?

Reported!

[TKay]

Susan - Race report, race report, please.

Nat - How's the knee? Was Zombieland any good? I haven't seen it, but ds (who is in second grade) tells me one of his buddies has. That was enough to keep my ds up with nightmares, just hearing about it. Hope you didn't have bad dreams.

Les - Funny about the shorts and tee covered by rain gear. How'd the day at church go? Now take off. Have a great last week.

Vicci - Be sure you saw wood with both hands/arms. And don't always carry on your good side. Mix is up or you'll be buff but lopsided. That song is peppy. I can see why it keeps you moving along. How do you listen? Do you download to an iPod or something? (I'm sure we've discussed this before.)

I know I've been Debbie Downer lately with all the sickness reports. At least I can report an hour and half brisk walk with a neighbor on Friday (she twisted my arm and got me out). Then ds #1 (who's 10) woke up in extreme pain. Middle and outer ear infection. He's home with me today. The good time's just keep on rollin'.

Planning an easy TM run today to help my head more than anything. The crud is now in my chest, but I feel so much better.

Here's to a great week for everyone.

[SusanMac]

Happy Monday, runners! I've been in a bored at work funk all day. I think it's b/c it's a sunny, gorgeous, snow-melting spring day....and I'm at an uninspiring desk. Oh well. Some endorphins would help, but I'm taking a rest day today.

My race yesterday was super fun! I came really close to last year's time, so I guess that means I'm consistent, which is good. I came in at an even 9:00 min/mile pace. I've been training slower than that, so am pretty pleased. It was overcast, really nice temps in the 40s & good for runny. Really gusty winds, tho. My shamrock mask was a big success! DH kept teasing me (he drove me to the start, but didn't run). But I think most everyone was wearing green, and there were lots of green hats, boas, beads, crazy socks, crazy shamrock shorts, etc. So I fit it well, while not impeding my ability to run. Sorry....no photos :-(

After the race & had a coffee w/a girlfriend. Then DH came downtown to meet me & we watched the St Patty's Day parade. Topped off the evening with a CL seafood chowder that is an old favorite. Nice weekend all around :-)

Vicci - Remind me not to get a lake house any time soon! You guys are addicted to working hard up there

Tkay - we are all sending healthy vibes to your household

Les - so excited for your upcoming break

Nat - I think it is Un-Canadian to not know the SCTV crowd very well. It could be an age thing, tho. Please tell me you're a big Kids in the Hall fan! (see....Americans DO know a few things about Canada. It's not even related to the Olympics, either)

I think Kathy is skiing in Crested Butte right about now.

[Natasha]

Hi!

Susan, nice going on the run race. How's kitty?

Canadians of my generation were often both SCTV and Kids fans. I never got into either because I watched very little TV throughout those years There's a new Kids show on now but I haven't seen it. It's supposed to be funny so maybe someday. Les - un-Canadienne - that's funny

I opted to go for a couple of long walks (one with DH and the pup, one with a friend) instead of more rigorous training. I will do some core now, though!

Vicci, thanks for the song link. I'll have to check it out!

Hope Kathy is enjoying skiing. Skiing - I'm envious

How's everyone else?

[TKay]

Susan - I can't believe I forgot to ask about Merckx yesterday. How's he doing? Thanks for the race report. Sounds like a success all around. Bummer about the no-pix part.

Nat - I can't believe you are so unpatriotic. Did you get in that core work?

I did about 40 minutes on the TM yesterday. Slow, slow, slow. I stopped to walk several times. Didn't want to overdo it. Feeling much, much better today and will attempt something on the TM again before heading to the school to work in ds's (younger one's) classroom. Ds #1 is back at school today. Yay!

Happy, happy, all!

ETA: Got in 45 on the TM with weights and some lunges.

[SusanMac]

Woo hoo! I just got back from my first outdoors ride of the season! And in shorts, no less. 22 miles. The hills (which were minor) were tough :-) But I definitely think the last month of indoor spinning has helped me. It felt hard, but really good.

OMG - I can't believe I forgot to update you on Merckx. He is still on the mend, but doing really really well. We started him on antibiotics Fri night, which continue through next Mon. Starting yesterday, he began having a more normal potty schedule. Still not 100% normal, but headed in the right direction. We are ecstatic! We have also switched his food in the hopes of not triggering another episode. (Bode is very excited about the new canned food!) Thanks for all your pet prayers! I knew this group of animal lovers could relate

[Natasha]

TKay, yes, I did get in the core work That's smart to take it easy today. Glad DS#1 is back at school!

Susan, also lovely to hear that little Merckx is doing better. The ride sounds fun.

Today I went for several walks (with one friend, with DH and pup, with another friend...) and did a 45-minute spin. It was a social day.

How's everyone else doing?

[Leslie Ferguson]

Glad I could give you a smile there Nat. Sounds like a divine day with friends. A rest-ish day isn't a bad thing once in a while.

Susan - I too had my first outdoor ride this afternoon. Nothing quite 22 miles long but ~50 minutes after class (got out at 5:30) but it's always great to be riding outside again. Of course, that means my reading will start lessening. Glad Merckx is doing better too.

A shout out to the rest of the gang: TKay, Vicci, and all the lurkers.

As I said, I rode for just under an hour this evening. Church on Sunday was good; I realized that I only have 8 more Sundays left at the Church. I can't believe it's actually getting that close.

I could use some good vibestomorrow, I'm interviewing for a position as an Assistant in Richmond. I'm not too anxious about it - it's just my first job interview EVER.

Time to wrap up a little - take care all and happy trails,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Les, really? Your first job interview ever??? Well, just be you and you'll "ace" it!
Good luck!

Susan, shorts in mid-March! Great ride-- 22 miles, and first one of the season. Yep, the spinning must have helped a little... And wonderful news about Merckx (I remembered to ask after I had logged off...).

Tkay, it sounds as though you've shaken off this latest bout, and are getting back into your beloved treadmill workouts!
About the songs, I download them from my cd's (or buy from Amazon) directly into my Windows Media Player. Then I make playlists to transfer to the mp3. I couldn't exercise without it!

Nat, amazingly, I do actually switch hands when sawing, and I try to carry the logs as a core workout. Too weird, huh? But I figure, if I'm doing the work anyway...
Wow, several walks and a spin! I could use some o' that energy which you seem to have so very much of. After my day (below) I'm counting the minutes until 10pm, when I shall allow myself to go to bed.

I am proud of myself. After repairing gutters damaged by falling icicles, cleaning out my coldframe and planting arugula, mustard greens, cilantro, and parsley; repairing and reinstalling a fallen trellis, and planting pepper plants (to be "started" indoors), I still went out for a 40-minute run before the sun went down. My trails are a mess, though, and it will take several days out there with a chainsaw to get most of the paths passable again. But it's darn nice to be outside in the sun (and no jacket!).

[Leslie Ferguson]

Les, really? Your first job interview ever??? Well, just be you and you'll "ace" it!
Good luck!

Hard to believe isn't it? But remember, 22 years in the Navy right out of college then into Seminary (there was an interview there but it was less about a job and more about preparation for seminary and my life story. Tomorrow is about how I match with the church's plan and life.) I know that it's not a pass/fail thing, just a bit of the unknown. Thanks for your confidence.

I am proud of myself. After repairing gutters damaged by falling icicles, cleaning out my coldframe and planting arugula, mustard greens, cilantro, and parsley; repairing and reinstalling a fallen trellis, and planting pepper plants (to be "started" indoors), I still went out for a 40-minute run before the sun went down. My trails are a mess, though, and it will take several days out there with a chainsaw to get most of the paths passable again. But it's darn nice to be outside in the sun (and no jacket!).

It was a glorious day wasn't it? Good to see you're outside without a jacket. Maybe spring is truly here... (I'll try not to speak too loudly).

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Les,

Sending lots of good vibes your way for your interview. Your first job interview ever - that's really something

[Leslie Ferguson]

Half way done... the interviewers were a little delayed by traffic (an accident on I-95 from Richmond) so I'm going back for another portion this afternoon.

So far so good.

[TKay]

Les - Good vibes going out to you. I agree that you'll do great. And if this one doesn't turn out to be the perfect fit, the right one is out there for you. Congrats on the outdoor spin.

Vicci - I've got one word for you. Stud.

Nat - Sounds like a great day yesterday. Love all the various walks.

Susan - Yay for Merckx! So glad to hear he's on the mend. And yay for you getting outside--in shorts no less.

Do I dare say this? It's been in the 80s here the past couple of days. It will cool off again before spring/summer temps are here to stay. But it is so strange to have it be this warm. Glad the rest of you seem to be enjoying outdoor temps as well.

[SusanMac]

Didn't feel very motivated yesterday (I'm in a running route rut!), but got out for a 45 min run. I didn't realize quite how sore my legs were until I started running. Ouch! I plan to ride today. That should feel good ;-)

Congrats on the first interview, Les!

[Robyn1007]

Les hope the rest of the interview went well!

Tkay we've had warm weather here this week too. And we're in for 5-10 inches of snow tomorrow.

Susan nice job on the 10k. A 9 min/mile pace is a dream for me!

Vicci you've been crazy busy! I hope the trails are runnable for you again soon.

Natasha your social day of activities sounds lovely!

Well folks, I did it. I am officially registered to run the Denver Rock n Roll Half Marathon on October 17th. *GULP*! I'm very nervous but so so excited about it too. I got lots of high fives at my group workout last night when I announced.

Speaking of group workouts. Monday we did a progression run to which I added another easy mile for a total of just over 3 miles. Yesterday we did hill repeats. It was a .3 mile 10% grade hill that we did a loop on, with a .7 downhill recovery. I did 3 loops plus warm up and cool down so about 3.5 miles. I really do love having the guidance and encouragement of a coach and group. It makes running even more enjoyable. Tonight I'm scheduled for 20-23 mins of easy running although I might extend that since I'm going to miss this weekend's long run with no time to make it up (at least I'll be skiing so getting a workout of some sort).

This weekend is my last weekend of coaching for the season and then I kind of get my life back. At least I get to decide when I'm skiing and what time I'm going and I'll get to start joining our Saturday group runs for my long run each week which is much easier than fitting it in during the week.

[TKay]

Susan nice job on the 10k. A 9 min/mile pace is a dream for me!

I had the same thought when I saw Susan's post.

Robyn - I was so happy when I saw that the latest post was from you. Congrats on your half goal! Wahoo! Sounds like you're doing great. Glad the running group is working out well.

Susan - Hope you "spin out the junk" today. I guess you worked your legs harder than you realized. Sorry about the route rut. I know how you feel. Seems like I'm always running in the same place.

Got in 50 on the TM yesterday. Super easy and light, but I finished it. Going to do some cross training today. Maybe get the dog out (with me on the bike), some weights, lunges and abs. Ah, heck, maybe some inclines on the TM too. I'm just livin' the dream, people.

Hey to Les, Nat, Vicci, Kathy and all the rest.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Nice hill workout there Robyn. Repeats on a 10% slope is impressive. Enjoy your last weekend of coaching and congrats on signing up for the Denver RnR half. You may actually get a chance to see my coach since he has run (and most likely will continue to run) all the inaugural half marathon events.
Susan - Sorry about your route rut - I hope you find a new route to shake things up.

I feel really good about my interview yesterday but it will be a little while before I hear about a full second interview and chance to preach for the church. There are ~60 applicants for the position so it will proably be at least 3 or 4 weeks forr a call back.

I finished my last substantial paper for the quarter - three 3-5 pagers due between now and the 29th. In celebration I went out for an hour's ride. The weather was divine and I was actually able to go in short sleeves and biking shorts.

One last day of the quarter tomorrow - one last clas and I'm done. Probably will run tomorrow -- then again I may sleep too.

Happy trails,
Les