Running and riding buddies for October 2012

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for checking in Nat. It sounds like an exciting race and I bet you're glad it's done. I know the feeling of having to stop for a potty break in a race, I vividly remember the first time I had to stop mid race. Charlie wasn't there for the race, it's been a tough fall for him and I think it's better he didn't go up there. Glad S did well too.

Good run Cheryl. On the one hand, I'd say listen to your coach regarding mileage but if your schedule says 20-22 I'd say if you're feeling okay at 20 then 22 is okay. Remember, long runs are about logging miles not speed. If it were me I'd plan on 22 and have enough support for that distance and if you get to ~15 miles and are feeling off then stop at 20. Also, if your miles go well this week then ride the high and shoot for 22.

Sorry you're not doing well Heather but progress is progress... be gentle with yourself.

I think I'm finally back in battery this week - it took most of last week to recover from the retreat. Fall is getting here except there can still be 70-80 degree days.

I caught a run this evening even though it was a little late when I got started. It was interesting, there was a little drizzle when I started, about 5 minutes in the rain got progressively stronger until it was pouring at ~9 minutes. It remained pretty steady the remainder of the run but the slightly unnerving part was the lightening that was very periodic until 20 minutes (one every couple minutes and a long ways away) then they started striking more often and a little closer. I decided I wasn't going to tempt fate and just call it at about 32 minutes.

Hope everyone is faring well... happy trails all,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Cheryl I agree with Les, if you're still feeling good at 20, go for the 22! Hope that the tempo run went well yesterday...

Carrie, run or TJ's... that's a hard one!

Congratulations on your half, Nat! If you're happy with your time, than that's all that counts. I'm sorry that it wasn't the type of event you had expected, though-- that's too bad when you look forward to and expect something, then it doesn't happen. Soooo, what's next?!?!?

Les, very good call to stop running at that point-- we can't have you fried, you see... Hope that this week goes better than last week did!

We're heavy into the fall winterizing and maintenance, now that the heat and humidity have (abruptly) ended. Not much time for running, though. I did find a half hour late this afternoon and, although I am absolutely not my best at that time of day, I went out and got in 2.5. A difficult run, but I did get one in.

Tomorrow is forecast to be warm and sunny, so I will be painting all day. *sigh* No news on the new home financing front yet, and it's making me a bit anxious! I know that I said "what will be, will be", but I keep thinking about the house. I wish the bank would make a decision, already!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Les, very good call to stop running at that point-- we can't have you fried, you see... Hope that this week goes better than last week did!

I thought about it but considering if I had stopped I would have been stuck under a tree - which isn't a good choice either. At least I can fall back to, if I get struck by lightening when I'm in the street running the it is simply my day to go, especially when there are trees all around.

We're heavy into the fall winterizing and maintenance, now that the heat and humidity have (abruptly) ended. Not much time for running, though. I did find a half hour late this afternoon and, although I am absolutely not my best at that time of day, I went out and got in 2.5. A difficult run, but I did get one in.

Tomorrow is forecast to be warm and sunny, so I will be painting all day. *sigh* No news on the new home financing front yet, and it's making me a bit anxious! I know that I said "what will be, will be", but I keep thinking about the house. I wish the bank would make a decision, already!

Get runs in when you can and be gentle with yourself as you prepare for the sale.

Nothing today except 3 different meetings: noon, 3, and 6:30 all in different places and different parts of town.

To bed soon happy trails all...
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Back-to-back...

I was successful today: a good day at work, a visit with my baby guinea fowl, and an hour's run this evening. All things considered, life is becoming more normal (if that's possible for me). I love fall - just in case I haven't said that recently. Tonight's run wasn't bad but slower than I expected. Of course, my current shoes are still soaked from Monday's rain so I wore a pair that might not be lively (it's hard to tell and I hadn't marked them). No pain but hard running.

How about everyone else? What's up?

Happy trails,
Les

[cherylopal]

got my shoes for the marathon- my current pair won't quite make it

missed my monday rain- rain and tstorms so ran 3 days in a row and i could tell tonite- good but a bit slow. i'll need to do this again next week since i have a work function monday- then the taper starts

need purple laces- anyone know where i could get some?

[Natasha]

Les, how were all those meetings? And was your next run easier?

Cheryl, enjoy the new scoots.

I didn't run all week since the race until today. I didn't mean to take off that many days but things just kept coming up. Whatever I did a short test run (get it?) today - just under 2 miles. I'll stretch well and see how everything feels tomorrow. Had a good adjustment and a fabulous massage this week too.

How's everyone else? Plans for the weekend? Vicci, any house updates?

[Leslie Ferguson]

Sorry you haven't gotten a run in for a week but it sounds like you're getting ready to run againNat. I'm glad you had a great massage and adjustment this week.

The slower run seems to have done the trick and with the exception of the chronic hip issue.

I've got 20+ miles on tap in the morning but starting at 7 pm.

Bed time calling... happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Les - I did get to run tonight, but just a short one (under 2 miles).

Good luck with your long run tomorrow!

[newsomz]

Well, TJ's won! It was raining so I had a perfect excuse to skip the run and go grocery shopping instead

Unfortunately no other runs happened this week. I did get a strength/conditioning workout in on Tues and have another one scheduled for tomorrow. Then a run for Sun.

Nat- definitely let me know next time you are in NYC! And great job on the half!!!

Vicci- good luck on the house. Retiring at the beach sounds lovely

All- glad to hear the rest of you have been getting workouts in. I hope everyone has a great weekend

[Leslie Ferguson]

Sorry it was raining that hard Carrie. It sounds like there was something worthwhile to do besides running. I hope you get something in after the rain.

Nat - Good 2 mile run and I hope that you continue getting better every day.

My last 20+ miler in today. It was nice at the start - ~52 degrees but it got pretty warm by the finish (at noon). I think it was almost 70 when we finished - thankfully, the run was 2 loops so I could change out from a short sleeve (almost too warm at the start) to a tank. The best thing I can say is it's over. I'm looking forward to the next 3 weeks.

Hope everyone has a good remainder of their weekend.
Les

[VictoriaL]

Heck, Les, at 7am half the day's gone already!!! I must ask, never having done this, why was today's run your "last 20+ miler"? You had the weather that we had yesterday, so tomorrow will be cooler for you-- to bad it's not a running day!

Nat, get the runs in when you can, I say!

Carrie I hope that you get a run in on Sunday. HOw do you like the new job?

Yesterday DH and I replaced the stone walkway that the contractors dug up last spring (and left in a pile) and today was spent dealing with the heating guy who came (5 hours early!) to install the heating system in the new bathroom. I want to run, but it's simply not to be at this time of year. *sigh*

We heard late Friday that we now have the financing for the house, now we have to get the details together before placing an offer. Did I mention that this is a new house with .1 acre? A TON less work than our 147yo farm with 53 acres! Heck, at a milder climate and with a (rather flat-terrain) park nearby, I may be able to run my little self into a real frenzy if we actually succeed in the purchase!!!

Hope that you're all having a great weekend, whatever you're doing!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Heck, Les, at 7am half the day's gone already!!! I must ask, never having done this, why was today's run your "last 20+ miler"?

Today was my last 20+ miler because my marathon is 3 weeks away (November 10).The next 2 weekends will be shorter runs. The great thing is Cheryl is in the same boat with me - her race is November 11.

You had the weather that we had yesterday, so tomorrow will be cooler for you-- to bad it's not a running day!

I would have loved that weather but I'll take it tomorrow.

Yesterday DH and I replaced the stone walkway that the contractors dug up last spring (and left in a pile) and today was spent dealing with the heating guy who came (5 hours early!) to install the heating system in the new bathroom. I want to run, but it's simply not to be at this time of year. *sigh*

We heard late Friday that we now have the financing for the house, now we have to get the details together before placing an offer. Did I mention that this is a new house with .1 acre? A TON less work than our 147 yo farm with 53 acres! Heck, at a milder climate and with a (rather flat-terrain) park nearby, I may be able to run my little self into a real frenzy if we actually succeed in the purchase!!!

Hope that you're all having a great weekend, whatever you're doing!

Great news and I hope you get all the stuff worked out for your new house. What will you do with "just" .1 acres? Shoot - I have more land than that.

Happy trails,
Les

[cherylopal]

good morning!

les- its been great following your runs- i feel like you are a running buddy and you've given me increased confidence in my running plan-

vicci- whoot whoot on the financing!!!!!

nat- the runs will come! and you are wise about the massages- i wanted one today but plans wouldn't let it- i'm going to try for next weekend

feeling good after my 22 miler yesterday- i'm going to go for a bike ride later today- the weather is perfect and the leaves are amazing- i'm going to take my camera and get some pix

[cherylopal]

read yesterday's writer almanac this am (just a bit busy yesterday ) and thought the poem perfect after such gorgeous fall scenery during my run- wanted to share





In Heaven It Is Always Autumn

by Elizabeth Spires


"In Heaven It Is Always Autumn"
John Donne

In heaven it is always autumn. The leaves are always near
to falling there but never fall, and pairs of souls out walking
heaven's paths no longer feel the weight of years upon them.
Safe in heaven's calm, they take each other's arm,
the light shining through them, all joy and terror gone.
But we are far from heaven here, in a garden ragged and unkept
as Eden would be with the walls knocked down,
the paths littered
with the unswept leaves of many years, bright keepsakes
for children of the Fall. The light is gold, the sun pulling
the long shadow soul out of each thing, disclosing an outcome.
The last roses of the year nod their frail heads,
like listeners listening to all that's said, to ask,
What brought us here? What seed? What rain? What light?
What forced us upward through dark earth? What made us bloom?
What wind shall take us soon, sweeping the garden bare?
Their voiceless voices hang there, as ours might,
if we were roses, too. Their beds are blanketed with leaves,
tended by an absent gardener whose life is elsewhere.
It is the last of many last days. Is it enough?
To rest in this moment? To turn our faces to the sun?
To watch the lineaments of a world passing?
To feel the metal of a black iron chair, cool and eternal,
press against our skin? To apprehend a chill as clouds
pass overhead, turning us to shivering shade and shadow?
And then to be restored, small miracle, the sun
shining brightly
as before? We go on, you leading the way, a figure
leaning on a cane that leaves its mark on the earth.
My friend, you have led me farther than I have ever been.
To a garden in autumn. To a heaven of impermanence
where the final falling off is slow, a slow and radiant happening.
The light is gold. And while we're here, I think it must
be heaven.

"In Heaven It Is Always Autumn" by Elizabeth Spires, from Now the Green Blade Rises. © W.W. Norton, 2002. Reprinted with permission. (buy now)

[Natasha]

Hi everyone!

Les, way to go on your last 20 plus miler before the race.

Vicci, echoing everyone's comment that the financing is great news! Good luck!! But I have a question: what will your DH do with all his spare time if he doesn't have that huge property to mow and maintain (and same goes for you, of course)?

Cheryl, nice poem and so timely as DH and I just enjoyed a relaxing walk with Mr. J and I was once again admiring all the gorgeous colour.

Heather - how are things?

Carrie, yay for TJ's! I went to a TJ's in Manhattan a couple of times. Not sure if there is more than one or if it's the same one you frequent.

Got in a spin and lower body weights yesterday, and another run today - about 3.5 miles. Thanks to everyone for their kind words. I honestly wasn't ruffled by taking off the four days. It was just funny how things worked out. I'd thought I might take off two days but things were simply too busy. But in a post-race week, I wasn't sweating a couple of extra days off. I am, however, already eagerly thinking of which race(s) to do next!

Hi to everyone else, and happy trails!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Fly by - good seeing you Nat, I hoe you continue to get better all the time. Which race are you thinking about... inquiring minds would like to know.

My run was kind of a fly-by. Longer than I expected, 5 miles, and amazingly, I never left my neighborhood and with a few exceptions didn't retrace my steps (only a couple short stretches of road recovered on a loop).

Need to hit the hay... see you tomorrow,
Les

[newsomz]

Cheryl & Les- Enjoy your taper weeks. It must be a relief to be so close to the race!!

Vicci- great news about the financing. I can't imagine having 53 acres to take care of... No wonder you always have so many projects going on at once!

Nat- Have you decided on your next race yet? Mine is our annual Turkey Trot over Thanksgiving.

Here to finally report a run I tried out the local running club's "easy" run. It was a good (and fast for me) 4 mi run. Nice big group though I was at the end of the pack. They have a beginner run on Wed so I'm going to try that out, too. I'm not in running shape at all so need to stick with the slower and shorter runs for now!

[Natasha]

Les, sounds like a fun run. Did you discover new-to-you parts of your neighbourhood? It's nice to discover new streets.

Carrie, sounds like you will be ready for your Turkey Trot, no problem.

I ran 6k today (between 3.5 and 4 miles). A bit longer, faster, and easier than the last run. I'll take it!

I'm thinking of a 30k (18.6 miles) for my next race, though it's not for months. I like that distance. It's a really good challenge but still far short of a marathon. Not sure how the training will go when I'm back at work, so we'll see. I've convinced two friends to do it, though, so guess I've kind of committed myself

How's everyone else doing? Vicci, any house news? Heather, how's the recovery?

[Natasha]

Hey guys,
Do you all not like the new format of the boards?
Quick post to report a busy couple of days and a good 6k run today.
Hope everyone is well and gearing up for a fine weekend! Good luck to those dealing with inclement/stormy weather (fingers crossed).

[cherylopal]

les- thinking of you and this storm-

nat-longer faster easier- sweet!!

going out for 16 today- perfect weather for me- high near 70. going later than usual because i'm taking skipper to a halloween meet and greet this am

taper starts monday- we'll see what i can get in mon and tues- due for 6 on mon and 5 on tues. hoping its long gone for halloween.

i need to run to the store- i decided to make soup tomorrow for dinner and need some carrots celery sage.. all fresh things so should be there- everyone else i'm guessing will be buying canned stuff... but im not thrilled with having to go but do want to make the soup

[Leslie Ferguson]

Nat - I'm not a fan of the new format. Congrats on your spry 6k run.
Cheryl - Good job for you on your 16 miler today. I hope you don't get whacked by the storm this week. Enjoy your taper - you've earned it.
We're still hanging on with Sandy. No significant issues and it looks like the track will be farther east and north than originally projected which is a good thing. The retirement ceremony got moved - the city closed the floodgates near the Nauticus museum/WISCONSIN but we're till celebrating Cliff's retirement Monday at 1130. We had a "small" graveside service today for a man who died after a long battle with cancer. It was a nice ceremony and there were 61 in attendance. It was nice to hear the wonderful stories about this man.
I had a little time to do a little around the church yard maintenance.

We got a nice run in this morning a little more than 10 miles in the warm and somewhat muggy conditions.

Work to do before bed so I'll see you later.
Les

[VictoriaL]

Well, I feel as though I am worthy to post today since I actually got in a run this morning. But first...

Les, are you prepping for the storm? It looks as though, out of all of us here, you, Carrie, and MinEaston are the ones that may be in the worst of it. Be safe!!! Two weeks from today...
Edit- cross posting! 10+ miles in warm and muggy? It'll probably be a bit different the next time you go out.

Nat, nice that you were able to get in 2 6k runs in the past few days. A 30k is absolutely within your capabilities, when is that race?

Carrie, did you try the beginner run on Wednesday with the running club? A very good idea to work up to both mileage and time; you'll be back to your old form (and probably even better than) soon!

Cheryl, hope that you had a nice-weather run today and that the doggie outing was fun (did this involve costumes?!).

Haven't posted because I was too exhausted in the evenings after the outside work at the farm, then DH and I went to the lake house to have a "relaxing on the boat day" (it was 81 degrees!) and then a "fall chores day". The farm really is becoming to be too much work, and as much as I will hate to leave, it's time to begin something new. I have made a list...

We made the offer on the house in DE on Thursday and are waiting to hear back (there will definitely be a counter offer, we couldn't possibly be lucky enough to have the owner accept our first offer!). It will probably be a couple of extra days since that area will be in the center of the storm.

Although the temps were cooling down this morning, I got in a nice run of a little over 2.5 miles. What is this, one run a week?? Yeesh. I think that I have to get the EB up and running since this entire week is to be rainy. IF we have power (I must be able to shower afterwards).

I'll be cooking tomorrow, and prepping for a possible electrical outage (moving frozen stuff into one freezer, making chunks of ice to go into a cooler with our "everyday" food; filling jugs of water for toilet-flushing, etc.). The week without power back in Feb 2010 taught me a lesson!

So what's everyone else up to this weekend?

[Leslie Ferguson]

Too late to post but it looks like we may miss the brunt of the storm but I have moved most of the stuff out of the yard.

[newsomz]

Hi All, fly-by to report a run this AM. 3.25 miles.. I almost got blown away at several points next to the water. The wind is picking up though not too bad yet. I didn't go on the beginner run on Wed... got home too late after work.

Hopefully I'm prepared enough for the storm. I have some canned food and water on hand. We have gas heat/stove/hot water so that's a plus. I'm hoping we don't lose electricity but you never know. Looks like they've decided to suspend subway/bus service so I may not be going into work on Monday.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Good day all around today. Lots of steady rain and not too much wind at our house. But they are talking about at least one more full day of wind advisories so... we'll wait. Taking down the 80' tall tree in the back yard was the best money spent this year.
I hope you fare well in NYC Carrie. It sounds like you're more of less ready.

It looks like I may be able to go to the retirement - as long as the tunnels are open.

Nighty-night,
Les

[cherylopal]

so far just rain- not too much wind- no run for me i think- the weather app said it would lighten about now but well not really. i'll do a p90x workout- prob yoga and abs

i've been seeing pix and videos from the outer banks- wow- not good down there-

[Natasha]

Hi everyone!

Glad people are prepared for Sandy. Carrie, NYC looks like a ghost town today. Guess you didn't end up going into work! Good luck, everyone - hope the storm misses you all.

Cheryl, love P90X Did you end up doing it yesterday instead of your run?

Vicci, the race isn't until next spring. Wish it were sooner so I could take advantage of my half marathon base, but there aren't any more long races in these parts for a few months (well, there is one, but I'm not planning to do it - it's too close to the half I just did).

We are getting rain and blustery weather and are expecting very high winds here as well. People are stocking up in the stores which is very rare for these parts. Happy to be home! People are apparently also stocking up on "hibernating" materials - books and videos - in case the weather is ugly but there are not power outages. I was just at the library (where I go several times a week, anyway) to stock up on entertainment goodies, and I was not the only one.

Got in a much-needed 4 mile run today after two days in which I couldn't fit in a workout. The first few minutes were tough but then I got in a groove.

How is everyone else doing? Heather, how's the recovery?

Off to make a birthday cheesecake for DH! Trying to convince him to at least to do takeout, even if the weather isn't the best (we'll save our birthday dinner out for another night).

Natasha

[VictoriaL]

What a storm!

I've spent 2 days prepping to lose power and it will probably happen overnight (55mph gusts on top of 35mph sustained winds so far, I've heard some crashes outside but can't really see what is happening).

And, go figure, the house in DE that we put the offer on last Thursday is now a part of the Bay... but we won't know the extent of the damage (and what our next step may be) for a few days.

Hope everyone out there is staying safe and dry!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Happy Birthday to your DH Nat. What was the outcome this evening?
Vicci - The lights will stay on... sorry about the house in DE but it may be okay.

Lots of rain here, not too much wind yet but there are a few days left of wind and rain. Great retirement today and safely made it to the other side of the water and back.

Hapy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

I hope you have good news about the place you put an offer in on in DE Vicci. It will all work out for the best I think.

I got out this evening for a run. It was cooler than it has been, mid- to low-40s but no rain and only a little wind. I'll take 5.15 in those conditions. Anyone besides Nat have plans for Halloween tomorrow?

Happy trails,
Les