Virtual Running Buddies July 2012

[Leslie Ferguson]

Reported the spam.

Nat - Good on you for your continuing runs and rides and it's great that "Mr. J is behaving and sleeping more. Speaking for myself, I am shooting for next spring (May-Jun 2013) for my planning. It certainly won't be later this year as my days off have already been spent.

A wild week here with rain and odd issues with my bikes. I intentionally took my MB to church so I could ride on Monday before my meeting (and didn't) and didn't feel up to hoisting the bike back on the car after the meeting. Then Tuesday I was all primed to ride (had even conned LW to let me ride long and delay dinner but ended up popping the tube trying to pump the tire up (just attaching the valve) and the saga continued for the week. Now I have 2 tubes to have one in hand (I'm sure I'll need it).

We went out for a long run today and logged 16+. Even though we started at 5:00 (what was I thinking). It was pretty nice when we started - only 78 degrees but got gross when we finished. Still 16 miles in the books.

For the remainder of the day... try to stay awake long enough to do the stuff I need to do for tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Hi Les,

Thanks for saving me from back-to-back-to...

Nice job on the 16 plus miles. Wow! Can't remember the last time I ran that long.

Today I ran about 11k and did some lower body weights (not a lot of weights). Another good run for the books. Now I'm armchair training and sightseeing by watching the TdF (recorded).

Mr. J had an amazingly good sleep last evening & night. DH and I had a full and enjoyable date night (of course we occasionally checked on Mr. J ).

This afternoon we're off to a picnic with some friends. Really looking forward to it.

Have a great rest of weekend, everyone!

[Natasha]

Checking-in to say HI and to report an 8 1/2 km run. I also got in 2 walks today which was a bonus - wasn't expecting the afternoon to be pleasant enough to walk, so I went out early in the morning with Mr. J. Turned out to be nice and breezy in the late afternoon, so we were able to go out again.

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the sunshine, or maybe even a bit of rain! We didn't get any rain here but I think tomorrow that will change.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Great that Mr. J is sleeping so well. Good to pick up 11k and a little TdF exercise too. How about the knucklehead who threw tacks on the road. I hope someone found them and flogged them for that. Good that you had a good date night. Hope you had a good picnic.

Just watched Rupp win the men's 5k in the Olympic trials run a 52 second final lap to eek out Lagat at the tape. 13:22 for 5 k - no chance in my world.

It was a nice weekend and not as hot as they predicted it would be. Didn't do much yesterday except church and try to get ready for my administrator to be out of the game for ~4-8 weeks after shoulder surgery.

No rain today which was a blessing and a curse, a blessing because some of the standing water in the area evaporated; the downside is the humidity was sky-high. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I left for my run at ~6:00 and the temp was about 93. I was okay for ~38 minutes (and as far away from home as I was going to be) and then it got a little bit much. I broke down to 2/1s for 3 sets and 3/1s for 2 sets then could push the remainder of the way home. 7+ miles in the bag and time to think about rethinking my running routine.

Happy trails,
Les

Co-posting with Nat - good 8.5 k run and 2 walks too. I bet those were nice to log. Be well...

[VictoriaL]

Hi everyone! Just checking in from the state of Massachusetts (and, of course, the State of Relaxation as well!)

Nat, thanks for keeping the thread running... Sounds like Mr. J. is settling down a bit, and I hope that it keeps up-- you need to sleep sometime! How nice to get in a walk, plus a bonus walk, in addition to a run today. Does your little guy enjoy being outdoors? I'd have to say that, with his genetics, he most likely does. Heck, he probably lies around pumping his little legs as though he's on a bicycle already...

Les, was that 93 degrees at 6am or pm??? In any case, you really need to either take off those uber- hot/ humid days or strap a headlight to your shoulder and go at 3am! How about a treadmill in a cool part of your house?

The trip here was uneventful but looooong. The cottage amenities leave a lot to be desired, but the location is absolutely gorgeous. Spooky spends almost all day sitting on a little "high" table in our bedroom, in front of the window, watching the waves roll in and the seagull antics, and especially the 5 little dogs which the neighbor has. I think that he is enjoying himself.

I did a nice long beachfront yoga on Sunday morning, then eased into "pavement running" this morning with 2.3 miles.

If shinsplints do not manifest by tomorrow morning, I have a route which is a bit over 3 miles that I want to try. The weather is actually kind of cool here, but tomorrow is supposed to be steamy. I was able to get out at 7am this morning, but may try for 6:30 tomorrow. The sun rises here almost 45 minutes earlier that it does back home, so I can't believe that I am waking earlier while on vacation that I do during the rest of the year!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hi everyone! Just checking in from the state of Massachusetts (and, of course, the State of Relaxation as well!)

Hi there, glad you made it safely and even if the amenities aren't what you would like have a good vacation.

Les, was that 93 degrees at 6am or pm??? In any case, you really need to either take off those uber- hot/ humid days or strap a headlight to your shoulder and go at 3am! How about a treadmill in a cool part of your house?

That was at 6 pm for the h/h. What's funny is the temp didn't feel too gunky until I got all the way to the middle of the run. The only thing that runs at 3 am is my dreams. It might have been helpful to slow down a little more and/or do intervals from the start. No TM in the house either and I would have ridden except I've got to ride tomorrow so I needed a run today.

I did a nice long beachfront yoga on Sunday morning, then eased into "pavement running" this morning with 2.3 miles.

If shinsplints do not manifest by tomorrow morning, I have a route which is a bit over 3 miles that I want to try. The weather is actually kind of cool here, but tomorrow is supposed to be steamy. I was able to get out at 7am this morning, but may try for 6:30 tomorrow. The sun rises here almost 45 minutes earlier that it does back home, so I can't believe that I am waking earlier while on vacation that I do during the rest of the year!

It sounds like Spooky is having a blast and you're working out in a sane manner. It is funny how late the sun stays out/goes up early farther north - imagine what it was like in Toronto at the Summer Solstice.

To bed soon... happy trails,
Les

[Robyn1007]

Quick pop in to report an extremely short yet quite lovely run along the Thames in Windsor this evening. I love oxygen.

[VictoriaL]

Les, in addition to being further north, we are also further east and at sea level (w/o hills to "hide" the sun until a reasonable hour). Add to that, the bedroom faces east, and there are no curtains-- we are earlier risers, now.
Did you get in a ride today? Hopefully the weather was nicer to be out in than it was a couple of days ago.

Robyn, I don't know... running along the Thames or running along the Atlantic... we both had beautiful runs today! I'm pretty jealous of yours, though.

I had planned a run of about 3.2 miles today but I got lost. Actually, I can blame it squarely on the Google map which told me that two streets connected, but there was a private condo community smack in the middle. So I turned around, asked a kindly runner for directions, and eventually made it back to the cottage. 3.8 miles.

Very cool- I have wifi for the next couple of weeks and MapMyRun has a wonderful system of cataloging my run routes and logging my activity. It doesn't work on my dial-up, but for the next 1-1/2 weeks I get to keep a nice, orderly record of what I do!

Tomorrow we are planning a day trip to Portsmouth, so I will limit my morning activity to yoga in order to get an earlier start.

[Natasha]

Hi everyone!

Vicci, sounds like you're enjoying a perfect mix of relaxation and activity. The location sounds beautiful. Would love to see some phoots of the beach and of Spooky on his perch. Nice job on the run. I have done that a handful of times myself - gotten lost on runs Oops. How do you feel after the run and today's yoga?

Les, that is H&H. Congrats on surviving the run and good for you to take it easy in the second half.

Robyn, thanks for checking in to report the good run in London

Susan, is your race this weekend? Are you still following the Tour? Got to say I'm not impressed with the Schlecks' behaviour this season - not just the latest with Frank but the other stuff too. On the GC front I hope someone gives Wiggo a run for his money. Would be great if Cadel could repeat but a lot of things would have to align.

Last night I went out with some international work colleagues. That was really nice. Today I did an easy run of about 4 miles. Had to force myself to keep it short and easy but I know I need a good stretch so didn't want to push it. I also have a massage scheduled today and am really looking forward to that. Haven't had one in a couple of months and besides the massage, I enjoy catching up with my RMT. We usually end up talking about running and cycling and it's like "Oh, where did the time go?"

Have a fantastic day, everyone!

Nat

[Leslie Ferguson]

How was your RMT session last night? I might be able to use one soon - we did a little "other duties" work filling in the driveway this morning. 5 of us dug sand, dirt, and gravel to fill in a long and relatively deep rut caused by the rain last week. Good on you for your runs too. I bet you had fun running with your international work-mates; I see you're keeping up on your international running partners this summer.

Vicci - I know how that goes with the route that doesn't work. It's hard to imagine an east-facing bedroom that doesn't have shades. Glad you can adjust your schedules somewhat. Taking a day trip to Portsmouth - and not giving us a shout out. I hope it was a good trip.

I did, in fact, get my ride in yesterday. Just under an hour and ~11.75 miles. It's funny how the hills don't seem as tortuous as they really are until after the fact.

I've had my workout for today - 2 hours of heavy lifting and tamping and the heat index for today is only supposed to be 109 so I'm going to lay low for the remainder of the day.

Happy trails,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Nat, it was nice that you were able to go out with work colleagues (did it make you miss work? maybe even a little???) I'll bet that it felt good for you to get out for a while, too.
Congrats on keeping your run short and easy (although, to me, 4 miles is hardly "short and easy"!)
I can imagine how nice that massage felt...

Les, no shout out because we were in the other Portsmouth! Nice ride on Tuesday, and it's good that you balanced activities by lifting yesterday. I lifted a mojito!

The day-trip north was lovely, but I overdid it at lunch a bit. The meal was so good, I just had to order a dessert that caught my eye (banana bread pudding-- it had chunks of banana and was spiked with nutmeg and allspice, then drizzled with a warm caramel-rum sauce and served on a little pool of chocolate sauce). We split it, but I felt so guilty that...

today I went out and completed a 4.88 mile run! And I am loving mapmyrun, because I've found out how to log in my runs,so I have maps of what I did and it even calculates the elevations and the pitifully small amount of calories I've used.

On the calendar for today, lobster roll for lunch, and a bike ride afterward.

Adding...
I sent a link to Les to our Shutterfly vacation share site (for photos), but I can't get Nat's email address because her pm box is full so my request was rejected (!!!). If anyone else would like to see the pics, please pm your email address to me so Shutterfly can send you an "invitation".

[hrk]

Hey all

Vicci- Glad to hear the vacation is going well and I hope the temps are much cooler. I love map my run when I am traveling. Hope the runs keep going well.

Les- Glad to hear this heat and humidity hasn't interfered with runs and rides. It certainly has been one crazy July so far.

Nat- It is so nice when kids start to sleep more, it makes you feel human. Glad you are getting time to run and visit with friends.

Robyn- How fun to be in London right now?

Well we had a wonderful vacation in Turks and Caicos. DH and I got in five amazing dives and DS got to try out SCUBA in the pool, which he loved. Now he is counting the years ( he has 3) until he can actually be certified.
The leg held up through diving, tons of beach and pool swimming and just vacation life, so now it is time to start working on runs again. My doctor wants me to start out real slow and on a track where I can watch distance, so hopefully I will get a chance tomorrow.
In the meantime, I have been doing some bike riding and running in the pool, so trying to keep up with activities a little.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Heather

[Natasha]

Heather, welcome back! Sounds like a beautiful vacation. I hadn't realized you and your DH - and now your son - were divers. Very cool. How old is your DS?

Also great to hear about the recovery progress!! Did you try the gentle track run, and if so, how was it?

Vicci, that bread pudding sounds delicious. Way to go on the almost 5 miles! I like Map My Run too. I've noticed the odd funny thing with it but then I haven't used it much or at all recently. By and large I'm a fan Your vacation sounds perfect so far but that's not cool that you didn't visit Les while in Portsmouth I saw your photos (thank you!) and the lobster roll and other seafood plate are making me soooo hungry. I love the soft rolls they use for lobster rolls and such too.

Les, sounds like you're getting in some varied workouts with the digging and such. Vicci-style home improvement/maintenance workouts How was today's long run? Did your bike get sorted out?

I ran yesterday, a gentle 4.5 mile lope. Also went for a longer-than-usual walk since it was less hot. Today I plan to spin and watch the TdF time trial, but not for a while. First I'd like some more decaf while perusing cookbooks to think about what to make for a barbecue today

Edited to report a very good spin. Lots and lots of cadence work. Whew.

Hope everyone else is kicking off a fine weekend!

Natasha

[VictoriaL]

Heather, I hope to someday get to the Caribbean-- lucky you! And that you were able to be active without your leg hurting is great. Let us know how the track running goes.

Nat, I'm glad that the temps up there are cooling down so that you can get more outdoor activity in. What did you end up preparing for the barbeque?

I have to make a correction. DH and I took a bike ride on Friday and we went my running route from Thursday. I realized that I forgot to add my beach run in, which was .26 miles out and back. So, tada!, my run on Thursday was actually 5.4 miles-- a record for me!

No run on Friday, just yoga and the bike ride (on hills, with my single-speed beach bike-- ow). We had friends for dinner that evening, and they invited us for coffee and pastries at their new home this morning, so no activity today other than walking around town. But I will remedy this tomorrow with a nice Sunday morning run

Hope that you all are having a great weekend! And good luck to Susan with her race tomorrow!

[Natasha]

Hi everyone!

Susan, good luck today!

Vicci, congrats on your longest ever run! Isn't it nice when you realize you went further/faster than you'd thought? Sounds like a challenging but fun bike ride. How was today's run?

And coffee and pastries, too... you are just having too much fun! (Not really... there's no such thing, right? )

I ran a bit over 13k (8 miles) this morning. I felt really good especially at the end and momentarily contemplated doing more but I have a dance class tonight and may also go for a walk so decided discretion was the better part of valour.

Did you guys hear about the study about endurance sports being bad for you? http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org...473-9/abstract

My mom told me about it when she came to visit the other day. We were relaxing over coffee/tea and steaming hot oatcakes and just talking about whatever. I pulled up the link and skimmed it, we discussed it for a few minutes, and moved on to the next topic. She knows better than to think I'm going to stop doing what I love because of reading something like that .

But I hate these kinds of studies. I always feel like they get air time because people love to point to them and use them as an excuse to not be active.

Rant over Have a great day, Les, MinEaston, Heather, Robyn, Carrie, and anyone else I forgot and will remember as soon as I log out!

Nat

[Leslie Ferguson]

Fly by... welcome back Heather, it sounds like you're getting better.

Vicci, I've been following the MA vacation and it looks like you're having fun. Congratulations on your long run - you've definitely got your legs there.

Nat - Good run and all. I know what you mean about people trying to convince me that I'm doing something "wrong" with my running etc. As you say, I'm not going to stop and until I'm no longer able to physically accomplish my exercise. My bike has been sorted out and things work well.

I had a quiet-ish weekend. I didn't get a long run in this weekend but I had a good day none the less. I was invited to do my "Priest stuff" for a friend at the USS Wisconsin Association Reunion onboard the Wisconsin. I actually did 3 different things - opened the business meeting, offered 2 prayers at the necrology (reading of the people who had died since the last reunion) and a prayer when they cast a wreath adrift, and grace at the banquet that evening. I had a blast with a bunch of 1st and 2nd generation Sailors (WWII and Korea). That took all day on Saturday which was okay.

I was able to take a ride this afternoon before it rained (again) and got 12.25 miles in.

Time to do some core... a shout out to the rest of the gang and I'll check back later.
Les

[VictoriaL]

Nat, although I have heard of them, your post encouraged me to google a couple of recipes for oatcakes-- I may make some this week (I seem to have everything on hand here at the cottage). They sound delicious, and seem to be very versatile in how/when they are served. Thanks!

Did you read the full text of the article or the abstract? I looked over the full text and, well, this sounds logical:

Physical exercise, though not a drug, possesses many traits of a powerful pharmacological agent. A routine of daily physical activity (PA) stimulates a number of beneficial physiologic changes in the body and can be highly effective for prevention and treatment of many of our most prevalent and pernicious chronic diseases...
... However, as with any pharmacological agent, a safe upper-dose limit potentially exists, beyond which the adverse effects (musculoskeletal trauma, metabolic derangements, cardiovascular (CV) stress, etc) of physical ET may outweigh its benefits.

I think that, with anything, excess can be detrimental. The study is not saying not to exercise at all, it says that long-term training for and competing in extreme endurance events may predispose to CV issues that are not seen in more moderate forms of PA.

The problem is not really the study, it's those who use it to say "wow, exercising is harmful, I'm so glad that I don't...".

Thanks for pointing that article out to me, though. DH is bound to read something about it at some point and use the blurb as a reason why I shouldn't run every day--he thinks that I'm "doing too much"; I am just so happy to have long, scenic roads to run on!.

The most disturbing thing about the study, to me, was how they tested this on rats...

Anyway, on Sunday I decided on a 3.6 mile run, then DH and I walked to the coffee shop for spectacular baked goods (3 miles total). Well worth it, they were!

This morning it was raining, but I got in 3.8 miles around noon. I think that I do much better, energy-wise, earlier in the morning, though. I dragged for the last third or so.

Hopefully tomorrow morning will be nice and dry.

Susan, how'd it go?

And a wave to Les, Heather, MinEaston, Robyn, and Carrie!

[Natasha]

Les, how cool about doing your "Priest stuff" aboard the Wisconsin. That must have been very moving. Can you imagine how DH would have enjoyed the socializing with the veteran sailors? Good job on the bike ride and glad it's back in working order.

Vicci, you're right about the article - it was aimed at excess exercise. I do agree that as with most things in life, there are diminishing returns, but don't agree with the premise of how little exercise was considered to potentially be "too much". Mind you, I just skimmed the abstract and a couple of sources that paraphrased the study so they may have changed the gist of it (broken telephone). Thank you for giving it a balanced read! You're right too that the main issue is how people like to spin these articles.

Edited because now I did skim the full text, not just the abstract and the sources about it. It does say a lot of things that seem like common sense, and I know the source is a well respected one. They also did note a lot of the benefits of exercise, and that more research was needed to show which groups are most at risk from excessive exercise. It also seems to focus on "chronic" large-scale exercisers, rather than people who might do an hour a day most days and then ramp up for the periodic longer event.

I have a recipe for oatcakes I'd be happy to share with you if you're interested, though I'm sure the ones you found would be great too They are very versatile, as you say - a bit sweet, a bit savory, and good on just about any occasion. They're also a sentimental favourite of mine since our trip to Nova Scotia.

Also looking forward to hearing about Susan's race and what else everyone is up to this week! I took today off after the busy Sunday (run & dance class & short walk), but today plan to jump back in with a run and maybe dance class too.

Take care, everyone!

Nat

[MinEaston]

Good morning everyone... coming out of lurkdom with my continued admiration for all of you! As I mentioned the last time I posted I've fallen off the running bandwagon but really hope to pick it up again in the fall. But I'm getting my share of physical exercise. Who says sailing is a leisurely activity?! Here are four shots from my adventures this past Saturday, in unseasonably cold and rainy weather, which I thought you athletes might enjoy. Any of you who want to go for a ride sometime, let me know!

First issue: we should be leaning (heeling) the other way. Unfortunate wind shift right at the mark.


Second issue: unfortunate shift followed by a more unfortunate gust of wind. You can sense the scrambling.


Third: Beyond the point of no return. Check out the air forcing the sail up. And the smart cookie in the pink jacket & hat


Fourth: Counting heads.


The most unfortunate result of this mess is that my sacroiliac joint issues flared up again and I'm very stiff and sore now. I didn't really do any heavy lifting while we took the boat apart, but it was the bending over & standing up. I still went out again the next day in much nicer weather.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Good morning everyone... coming out of lurkdom with my continued admiration for all of you! As I mentioned the last time I posted I've fallen off the running bandwagon but really hope to pick it up again in the fall. But I'm getting my share of physical exercise. Who says sailing is a leisurely activity?! Here are four shots from my adventures this past Saturday, in unseasonably cold and rainy weather, which I thought you athletes might enjoy. Any of you who want to go for a ride sometime, let me know!

It was a yucky day on Saturday if you got any of the weather we had down here. I'm one to concur that sailing is not leisurely activity if you are sailing (as opposed to cruising). Interestingly I found that sailing was cooler than I would have imagined, but then being on the water with wind blowing will do that to you. Yes, I'd love a ride at some point in time and I'd even be willing to haul sheets and work the deck.

The most unfortunate result of this mess is that my sacroiliac joint issues flared up again and I'm very stiff and sore now. I didn't really do any heavy lifting while we took the boat apart, but it was the bending over & standing up. I still went out again the next day in much nicer weather.

Sorry that you tweaked your sacroiliac joint - I hope you bounce back quickly. Rest (you know that) as best you can and come back sanely.

Nat - I thought about DH and how he would have loved being there with me at the reunion. Maybe he can be my "bag carrier" if I go to the next reunion in New Orleans in 2014.

I agree with the article in that too much exercise is not healthy (voice of experience). But I also think there's no "rule" about how much is too much - that's different for each person.

We're looking at 100+ heat indices today and since I have a membership at the Planet Fitness near my house I think I hear the TM calling this afternoon. Happy trails and a shout out to all the buddies out there.

Les

[MinEaston]

Yes, I'd love a ride at some point in time and I'd even be willing to haul sheets and work the deck.

You're on! Although I have to warn you that our commentary can be less than Christian (and I'm a faithful member of an ELCA church). We have commented that we do our own type of worship on the river

[Leslie Ferguson]

You're on! Although I have to warn you that our commentary can be less than Christian (and I'm a faithful member of an ELCA church). We have commented that we do our own type of worship on the river

Well, as you might imagine after 22+ years in the Navy and having done some sailing in the past I have heard more than my fair share of less than Christian commentary. I don't take it personally, now or then. In all things we can find worship.

[hrk]

Wow people are busy

Susan- Hope the race went well.

Nat- Sounds like you are doing well. How is Mr J, he must be getting big and busy. Haven't had a chance to skim the article, but I agree with Les that everyone has a too much point, but that is different for each person. Yeap, DH and I are both divers, have been for about 20 years now. Love it and love that my boys are interested in it, can't wait to do it as a family. My older DS is 9 and my younger is 6.

Les- The weather up our way has been terrible too. Actually had pants on on Saturday. Glad that you have been able to use the gym. What fun that reunion must have been.

Vicci- Sounds like your vacation is wonderful. Exercise followed by great food can't be beat.

Well did not get the run in this weekend as it was terrible and wet out all day Saturday and most of Sunday. I have to try before next Tuesday so it will be one afternoon this week.

Keep everyone posted.
Heather

[Natasha]

MinEaston, thanks for checking in and sharing your sailing tales and photos! Glad everyone is OK other than your SI issues which don't sound fun. Heal quickly!

DH and I would LOVE to take you up on your offer if we're ever down that way again. He loves sailing but we don't have a boat and have no plans to get one so I've never had a chance to see him helping out on a boat (he used to teach sailing at a camp).

Heather, that's fantastic that both your sons are interested in diving. Good luck with the run and please check in and let us know how it went! Mr. J is doing well, thanks - we just started solids and he is going to be on the move soon (see below)!

Les, good move to use your membership and hit the treadmill.

We did go to the mom'n'baby dance class after my 5k run and now I am definitely done working out for the day. He's napping so I'm going to keep on babyproofing! I found him on all fours in the crib yesterday so crawling isn't far behind!

Have a great afternoon, everyone

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Oh how I forgot how much I dislike the TM... but considering it was a sauna outside I'll take it. There was a little rain when I got to the gym and I have no idea what the humidity was but it was NASTY when I was walking off my run. An hour on the TM - most of it at 1% incline (just to take away the assistance from the mill). Done and done.

Happy trails to all...
Les

[VictoriaL]

Nat, a run then a dance class w/ Mr. J? Well, I guess that you're gearing up for his next activity level (crawling) and you should be able to keep up. Until he begins walking, that is!

Oh yes, I would love to have your oatcakes recipe. Either post it on Good Food or email it to me. I can't make these until we get back home, though. I do have all of the ingredients, but the oven here doesn't work.

MinEaston, oh those pictures looked so chilly! Not typically late July on the Chesapeake, I would think. And who was the lucky one on shore who got to photo-document this?! I'm glad that everyone (and the boat) was ok.
I hope that your sacroilliac issues have eased up considerably by now. Remember, I know how terribly painful they can be.

Heather, I know how you must be chomping at the bit to get out on a track, so I hope that the weather cooperated during the past couple of days. Good luck in getting back into running form!

Les, I'm sorry that you have to resort to the TM... Wish I could send you some of our weather!

And, speaking of weather, DH and I had to buy some long-sleeved shirts the other day. When we were packing, the second floor of our brick oven-farmhouse was in the mid-80's so I threw in all sleeveless tops and shorts never anticipating highs in the mid-70's (plus a nice, brisk wind off of the ocean). I am not complaining, though-- it looks like we will be returning to high-80's, low-90's next week.

Yesterday was a long yoga session, followed by weights (all with an ocean view!). Today we planned another trip north to Portsmouth, so I got in a short 3-miler. It's supposed to rain the next 2 days, but I'm crossing my fingers for clear mornings because I really want to do another 5 miler (or 2... ). We leave on Saturday morning, so I just can't have my last oceanview runs cancelled because of rain!

[hrk]

Happy Thursday

Nat- Oh crawling, then things start getting interesting. But it is so fun to see them exploring. Some of the best pictures I have of my boys are the things they got into when they started to move. Baby proof the important things but also try and leave things like pan cabinets or tupperware drawers open for them to explore.

Vicci- Your vacation sounds so wonderful. DH and I often lament that we only get to spend a week in Maine each year, there is so much to do and enjoy. Hope the weather cooperates for your last run and have a safe trip home.

Well I ran last night. Boy what a head trip I am on right now. I don't trust my body at all and it is hard. I did three laps on the track only running the straight parts. Ran slow, but couldn't concentrate on anything but my leg, every little twinge etc. I didn't feel pain, but I am so afraid right now that it is hard. So I have to try again tomorrow and see what that brings. This is going to be a long and slow process.
Sorry to be such a downer, DH just keeps telling me to focus on the fact that I did it and move on.
We will see what tomorrow brings.
Heather

[Leslie Ferguson]

Heather - Being concerned about your leg is not uncommon; I think I was more or less the same way with most of the initial injuries I had. Third through tenth sprained ankle, not so much, now (approaching 20) I'm a little bit more cautious. It will all work out in the long run and your confidence will come back.

H&H back with a vengeance. Might end up on the TM later or with a ride.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Hi everyone,

Heather, thanks for the report. I can also relate to your trepidation. It will get easier and more comfortable as you have a few more workouts under your belt and see that things are going okay. Hang in there and please check in and let us know how things are going. Hopefully soon you'll start to relax. You'll find it exhilarating when you see progress, I promise!

Thanks for the tip. Good point about making sure there are safe things for J to explore. He often wants our things more than his own... it's just a matter of making sure he has safe things to play with! How cute about the photos of your kids exploring when they were younger. It's funny - I never thought photos of kids making a mess with food were funny or cute but now that I've seen it with my own I get it! He had his first encounter with sweet potato today and I was snapping away with the camera

Les, you must be desperate indeed to consider another TM workout so soon!

Vicci, I'll email you the recipe. If anyone else would like it please let me know! Hope you manage to get in more 5 milers on vacation and that the weather cooperates.

Varied workout and activity day today. I did about 25 minutes on the treadmill, including "hill" intervals, but had to stop to go get J. So I did another 25 minutes of intervals on the bike during his next nap, plus some core. Finally we went for a walk.

Got to go. Hope everyone is well. Susan, how was your race?

[VictoriaL]

Heather, I'm sorry that your first run didn't go as well as you had hoped. Perhaps taking a day off between runs may help? And please don't be concerned, you're just being cautious. I did the same thing after breaking my ankle-- I was so anxious that I might reinjure, that I wasn't doing the same distance that I had been running before The Break, etc. It happens, just take it slow and easy and work yourself up gradually.

Wow. Les on a treadmill. It must be hot and humid to repeat that particular torture!

Nat, I look forward to the recipe! It seems as though you're keeping up with a serious exercise routine even between Mr. J's naps. Nice that you're so flexible!

Today was supposed to be rainy and we occasionally looked at radar images but nothing arrived here. Yet.

I did get in a 5.24 mile run this morning, then chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and lobster roll for lunch wiped out those spent calories (and many more). DH and I took a 3 mile bike ride to a beautiful oceanfront vista later in the afternoon as well (remember, my beach bike has only one speed so I got a decent workout on those hills as well).

Tomorrow we start to pack, and Saturday morning we leave. *sigh*

Oh, and I have to mention this. About 3.5-4 miles into my run I passed 2 women walking in the opposite direction. The taller one, who had on a very cute running skirt, looked at me, smiled, gave me two thumbs up, and applauded a couple of times. Now, do I read that I looked as though I needed encouragement? Because I was rather exhausted, but thought I was holding up nicely...