Virtual Running Budies w/o 10/16

[Robyn1007]

Guess I'll start us off this week.

I got in an almost 4 mile run today with the running group. I really enjoy this group and the social time afterward. It helps me really get excited about running. The coach told me today after only 2 runs with them that it feels like I've been with them forever and to stop her if she starts talking about routes like I already know them (I got spit off the back end of the group expectedly today and got a tad bit lost). I was running with my new toy, a Garmin Forerunner 305, so I was able to watch my mileage.

Then, I came home, showered and headed for a cyclocross race that I wanted to watch. I've never seen one and it was at a place right by my office. What I found out is they are building a huge bike park to include mountain, bmx and cyclocross terrain on the property where this race was! It's expected to be open in about a year and I'll be able to easily used it after work. I'm excited to be able to improve my mountain biking skills and have some fun there. www.valmontbikepark.com is the site if anyone wants to peruse the plans. I really enjoyed watching the race and meeting some new people. Although one dude thought I was in high school.

[MaryH]

Virtual wave to Robyn (and everyone else ).

Thought I'd pop in and check the usual cast of suspects. So.... I've been training for a half that is Nov. 8 (the Sunday whatever date that is) here in Fresno. Made myself sign up (and pay) to run with a local running group and it has actually made me accountable (not perfect in any sense in terms of training but at least accountable.)

So, last week long run was 8 miles and tomorrow is a repeat (long runs are on Sun). Problem is that I blew off both shorter runs this week. But in my defense I have gotten a major aching in my soleus muscle and along the outside metatarsal area of my right foot - but only along the far side of my foot - think right foot - and area running back from little toe and toe next to it. That area of the top of my foot aches, which it has never done before - bizarrre.

But I'd much rather hear about how your runs go....

[Leslie Ferguson]

Drifting in and out...
Thanks for starting Robyn and good job on your run today. I'll read more but it sounds like you've had a good weekend even if someone thought you were in high school If it's any consolation, I got carded a few weeks ago (go figure).
Mary - Good seeing you drop back in and I'm glad you're preparing for a race. Hopefully we can see you back by now that you're running.

I didn't do much this past week. It was nuts with all the services at school - things went very well and my sermon was a hit. This weekend was a wash out - almost for real. I was supposed to walk in a homeless walk yesterday and was all prepared - Gore Tex and rain coat (it was pouring and cold) but they started early so I missed the walk. Then I had to do some final preps for today's festivities and worked at church until after 3:00. Then today was 4 services because we were doing a project that I was leading so I spent 12+ hours out of the house today and most of them in church (~ an hour driving to and from and ~ 45 minutes out for lunch).

I'm going to try to run tomorrow and hopefully the 70s show back up on Tuesday so I can ride then run Wed and Thursday.

Dying on the vine so I'll sign off...

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Happy Monday Runners!

Robyn - thx for starting the new week. I'm so happy that you're enjoying the running club. The social nature of clubs is more important than pace. Good job! Ooh, and congrats on the new toy

Les - you guys have had some crazy weather lately!

Mary - it's so good to hear from you! Awesome news about the upcoming half! Definitely keep us updated on how it goes. Bummer about the foot. I hope it holds up well during this final phase of training.

I got in great runs on Sat & Sun. Bode joined us on Sat. Yesterday, I explored some nearby trails that I hadn't run in a long time. Definitely needed the change of pace. Later this morning, I'm headed out w/Bode for another neighborhood run. I'm also on a mission for new running tights. Realized that my baggy ones are almost 14 years old! Eek! I got some a few years back, but prefer to hang out in them instead of run with them.

[Elisabeth13]

Hi all! Checking in quickly before work with a question. It's been a rainy, snowy mix around here off and on for the last few weeks, and I've missed out on a lot of running because of it. I don't feel like I have the proper clothing to run in wet conditions and I'm curious what you all wear. Right now, I'm throwing on my old Columbia jacket over my running clothes to stay dry but it's pretty bulky and not ideal. Before I make a purchase, I thought I'd consult the CLBB gurus to see what you recommend. Thoughts?

Hope all is well with everyone...Robyn, that bike park sounds really cool! Les, sounds like you're busy as usual. Hi Mary - I don't think we've met. Good luck on your race! Hope everyone is having a wonderful start to their week.

[Kathy B]

Running only at work the past several days. I am usually scheduled one day a week plus the occasional class, meeting or office work. This week I will have overtime! Today was beautiful out, but by the time I got home I only had time for a quick walk with the dogs, then I had a mountain of laundry and other chores to catch up on. I am hoping for something tomorrow afternoon.

Nice to see you Elizabeth! Can't help on the question as I only run in the rain if it catches me by surprise.

Susan, your 14 year old tights made me laugh....I have clothes that I still wear that are probably that old as well. If it fits and it's comfortable....

Les, your weekend/week sounds like mine. Hope you managed to get in your run/ride!

Mary, the half coming up sounds exciting! Hope you get your foot issues resolved enough that they don't interfere with your race. Way to go on the training!

Robyn, what exactly is a cyclocross race? I have never heard of that. Is it something you are considering doing yourself? You are becoming quite the all-around athlete with your riding, swimming, running and skiing. I am sure you can do anything you want to do!

4 hour class in the AM (my family is getting a little exasperated), but hopefully Thursday and Friday I will be home. Just relaxing the rest of this evening. Wishing you all well!

[VictoriaL]

Robyn, must look into that "new toy" of yours... my only worry is that I would be fascinated enough to look at it constantly, and we all know how easily I trip on those trails which I run on.

Mary, nice to hear from you. Hope that the muscle ache in your foot has disappeared as mysteriously as it appeared.

Les, what a busy guy you are! Hope that the weather has warmed up and dried out (it has here) and that you're able to get out more than you did last week.

Elisabeth, I wish I could offer buying advice, but I only run in the rain if I accidentally get caught in a storm. I bought an exercise bike for those bad-day aerobics.

Well, I was going to ask for advice when I posted at the beginning of last week. I just hadn't been feeling right, and I realized that my energy level was so low. I would be running and the urge to close my eyes and take a nap was overwhelming, then I'd return home, drag myself through a shower and sleep for a couple of hours! My hr monitor even showed that I was struggling to get through a run while my heart rate was 20 beats below my average. Not normal, eh? Other symptoms developed-- nightly headaches, muscle aches, and (poor DH!) irritability. So, even though I had my "yearly doctor visit" (ah, the joys of high-deductible health insurance!) I sprung for another visit last Thursday and found that apparently I had not fully recovered from my asthma attack from last April. Not enough oxygen = sleepiness and crabbiness!

In looking back, I really haven't felt on top of things all summer. Duh.

So the doc put me on prednisone, told me to take it easy for a couple of days, and I go in for bloodwork and a pulmonary function test next week.

I felt markedly better the very next day, it was amazing. On Saturday I walked for 45 minutes. Today, sunny fall skies and temps in the low 60's lured me to a short (2.25 mile) run. It felt wonderful! So easy! I came home and moved furniture, and I'm not dead tired!

So anyway, that is my excuse for being absent for the past week+. I will continue to take it easy for a few more days, and after the PFT next week, I should be back at it. I just can't believe how much better I feel. Needless to say, DH is happy, too.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Elisabeth - Glad you're back. My running gear for the rain is pretty simple, unless it's really cold I wear a pair of Nike rain pants and jacket (they aren't really lined so I don't overheat too much). For colder weather where I might get wet I might run in my lined Gore Tex - but it's never that cold to run in those. Typically, I'd just wear another layer underneath and call it good. I also have a Columbia shell (for a two piece ski jacket - wateproof over jacket and down jacket) that repels water well. If it's cold I might wear a stocking cap but typically don't wear hats. Hope that helps.
Kathy - Not good to hear that you're running around work - a hospital isn't a great place to be running. I hope things get saner for you.
Vicci - Sorry about your pulmonary function. Never a good thing to not be getting enough O2. I kind of like a PFT except for arterial blood gas test - full strength albuterol is a wild ride. I hope it's nothing terrible and something that a good dose of meds knocks out quickly.
Susan - Good run and yes, the weather has been wild around here. It was nearly 70 today yet there was a frost warning last night (low ~40). Go figure.

Things have settled down a little. I got out for a ride this afternoon, ~45 minutes which wasn't my target but better than 0. No run yesterday - too much reading for my evening class and plenty of junk to get in the way. It's hard to believe but the quarter is over next Wednesday. Two classes finish and I pick up two more - lots of fun.

Time to go and prep for biomedical ethics class that meets for the last time tomorrow evening.

Happy trails,
Les

[TKay]

Robyn - Thanks for the kickoff this week (although I guess we're almost ready for another thread to start, aren't we?). I agree that the bike park sounds fantastic! Dh has a cyclocross bike, although he hasn't ridden it in some time.

Les - Biomedical ethics sounds interesting to me, oddly enough. Sorry you missed the homeless walk. And what weather!

Mary - Hope your foot mends quickly and you don't miss your training run on Sunday. I applaud your ambition!

Susan - Funny about the running tights. I hope you find a pair that are running-appropriate soon.

Elisabeth - I don't have any good rain gear advice either. I'm normally a TM runner, and we get such little rain around here, I don't have to worry when I am out. I hope you find the perfect thing though. Being comfortable is important.

KathyB - Man, you are busy! Hang in there. I hope you (and your family) survive the week and get a break soon.

Vicci - I'm so sorry about the medical news. But at least you're getting help and feeling better already. I'll consider your absence excused.

I've been continuing my workouts, but they've shortened in length. At first it was because of time constraints. Now, I can't seem to muster the energy to get through with any kind of oomph. I'm just making myself continue, knowing the mojo will return at some point.

Happy Wednesday, all.

[Robyn1007]

Kathy Cyclocross is a bike race that uses a road style bike with slightly wider and nubby tires to race what is almost a bmx style course but has barriers so you have to dismount and carry your bike over them. It's quite insane. I might consider it some day but I do not need another expensive sport to get into! Fortunately this bike park will be good on my mountain bike so I can still enjoy.

Mary Good to see you! Good luck on your race!

Les Glad you made it through last week.

Vicci Yikes! Take care of yourself but glad you got some relief! The nice thing about this Garmin is it gives audible alerts for things like miles and when you should speed up or slow down. You can even set your own alarms.

Susan Dare I suggest a few options for tights? I love my Lucy capris and considered a pair of their tights too. I may still go back. I think they have 20% off right now!

Tkay Way to continue even when the workouts are tough.

Me, I've had a bit of a slacker week. I skied on Sunday but just for a short time. Then Monday night I met CLBBer pharmarepgirl and her DH for dinner since they're here visiting. Last night I just felt lazy so I came home and made pumpkin enchiladas and skipped pilates. Oops. So today I got out for a run in the chilly 35 degree post rain/snow chill. Loved that of course. And had a great run where I really pushed my pace and had another 5k pace PR.

I'm super excited for this weekend's group run. We're running on the Doudy Draw Trail. I'm going to do a light run tomorrow then rest on Friday to get ready.

[SusanMac]

Hi gang! I'm in Chicago for a few days for work. I'm in a great part of town, and got out this a.m. for a 40-min run along Lakeshore Drive. I love this city & never get tired of the skyline. Fabulous weather, too.

Robyn - my cycling club hosts a cyclocross race each fall & it is just a blast to watch. I'm intrigued but just don't think it's the sport for me. Who knows. You always recommend Lucy, but I just can't buy running clothes mail order, unfortunately

Les - biomed ethics?? I thought you were studying to be a minister not a Dr!

Vicci - We didn't know you havent' felt yourself all summer long! Hang in there. Sounds like you're on the right track now

Elisabeth - I haven't invested in any good quality rain gear (see note re: 14 y.o. tights!) I typically stack up a few layers of any wicking material, hope for the best & keep it short. Brilliant strategy, no?

[Robyn1007]

Susan Chicago has Lucy...

http://www.lucy.com/Store%20Locator/...ult,pg.html#IL

[SusanMac]

Well, I didn't see the Lucy/Chicago link in time. But, I am super psyched.

There is a NikeTown around the corner from my hotel. yesterday I remembered that I got a Nike gift card last Xmas that I haven't been able to use (no Nike store in Madison). DH emailed me the gift card #. I just snuck over there after my morning meetings. And I'm now the proud owner of new running tights!! At half the price, no less. Woo hoo! They fit. Don't sag in the crotch. Cool reflective details on the lower legs. Cool bum pocket for keys. Excellent customer service to boot. Can't wait to try them out!

Alas, it's raining all day in Chicago, so no run. Headed back home this afternoon.

Happy running & x-training everyone

[TKay]

Susan - Congrats on the new tights and the nice Chicago run. See, if you had the rain gear Elisabeth was asking about, you could have run today too.

Robyn - It doesn't sound to me like you've been a slacker at all! Maybe your body just needed more rest than you had planned to give it. Enjoy your group run this weekend.

I'm planning to slog through another TM workout with weights today. I'm just not feeling it for some reason. Then I'll take the dog out on the bike. She loves to run, that girl. Did I mention she's a year old now? I can't believe how quickly it's gone.

[VictoriaL]

Robyn, you're a Lucy Pusher

Les, I've never had a PFT before-- am I to assume, from your comment, that I'll be able to return home afterward and muck out the pond, finish cleaning out the flower beds, and go for a long run??? If so, I'm looking forward to it... Good going on your bike ride, just fitting in what you can do is all we need sometimes.

Well, there's nothing like having a dog who likes to run to get you out, Tkay! But do you really bike while she bounds along? It seems like much less than a year ago that she came into your family, though.

Susan, we are due to receive the rain tomorrow. Safe trip home!

Because the weather was so nice during the past two days, we took a short lake house trip to do some fall clean-up and winterize the boat. I went out for a 3.5 mile run this morning and it was gorgeous, all golds and reds on the trees with blue skies.

I really can't get over how much better I am feeling. I was quite bummed many times this summer because I thought that age was creeping up to me, some days I would be okay, most... not. Silly me.

Take care all, and see you on the next one!

[Robyn1007]

Originally Posted by VictoriaL

Robyn, you're a Lucy Pusher

Here's the thing. If they can make my rear look decent in workout clothes (to the point where I get compliments) and hold up to washing 2x per week and still look great I think they're worth every penny. And everyone I know who has purchased their stuff loves them as well.

Susan glad you found something that works for you! And a great deal to boot.

Vicci really good to hear how good you're feeling.

Tkay I wonder, would running outside reinvigorate you? I had a horrid treadmill run a month or so ago and haven't been back on it since.

I did what was supposed to be an easy recovery run tonight. Unfortunately I pushed a little too hard and matched last night's pace (although ran for only 2.14 miles). Tomorrow's rest day better be quality because Saturday promises to be a challenge. This Garmin is addictive!

[Kathy B]

I did get some TM time in yesterday and today, and hopefully I can get to the CC tomorrow AM and try to start up with the weights again. Today and tomorrow there is nothing on the schedule, and since I have caller ID, I have ignored the calls from work. I KNOW what they want! I am back there all weekend, and I WILL have my two days off, thank you!

Vicci, I am glad you figured out what is going on and are feeling much better now. Sometimes it is hard to know if we are just under the weather, if it is age catching up with us or if it is something that needs to be checked out. They all feel kind of the same, don't they? Your run this AM sounds lovely!

Susan, sounds like you really scored with your shopping trip! So what will become of your favored, 14 year old, comfortable tights? Hope you had a safe trip home. Do you fly when you go to Chicago, or drive? It isn't really that far for you is it?

Robyn, thanks for the explanation about the cyclocross. Sounds like it would be a bit like watching a cross country meet....running from place to place to watch them go by. That is a sport in itself!

Tkay, way to slog it out! I haven't had a lot of excess energy for working out myself, lately. Just plain tired from being on the go so much this past week. The last couple of TM workouts, I have mostly walked at a brisk pace. I'll get back to it eventually, but I figure walking is better than sitting, right? I took the dogs out after supper too, but they are a couple of shitzu's, so just more brisk walking.

Les, your bioethics class sounds interesting. I love going to continuing education programs put on by the ethics committee. Also, we have The Center for Practical Bioethics here in KC, and I have been to a few of their programs. Currently they are sponsoring a series of open forums on Health Care. A woman in my Sunday School class works there, so she lets us know when there are things going on. Here is a link to there site if you are interested...

http://www.practicalbioethics.org/

Did a lot of cleaning and cooking today. Now I am sitting back with my hot tea and finding something to watch on TV. G'night all!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Where to start...
Vicci - You might feel like going home and doing all those things. I don't think I ran after mine but it's been ~7 years. I just remember breathing albuterol and a little of the rush feeling. The only downside might be an arterial blood gas test - those hurt big time. There was a little helium too if I remember correctly - nothing to make your voice squeek all that much but still... I hope you find out what ails you and get on the mend quickly.
Robyn - The trail looks like a blast! I hope you didn't whack things too badly with a quick-ish run. Enjoy the weekend too.
Kathy B - Thanks for the link, I'll take a look at the site in greater detail but at first blush it looks like a great place. One of my Favorites is The Hastings Center. Good to screen calls from the hospital too on your day off. I hope you get to the CC tomorrow.
TKay - Biomed ethics is a fun class, but I like ethics and logicly working through things anyway (the Myers-Briggs SJ in me). I hope your dog enjoyed the run.
Susan - You'd be surprised about the application of biomedical ethics to a minister. The hardest decisions and counseling I'll have to do revolves around prenatal, end-of-life, organ donation, and the like. The toughest questions and the hardest decisions all around. I'm glad you had a great time in Chicago and hope your trip home was uneventful.

Drum roll...
I got out for a run today, about an hour and felt good but was "confused" with 62 degree weather. Running in shorts and a tank at the end of October is off. Great to be done with another week's classes and preparing for two papers before Thursday next week.

Off to do a sermon... Happy trails all and I'll look forward to a new thread,
Les