Murph, glad it was nothing serious.

I'm back from MI. Got yesterday's 8 miler with striders done on an indoor track, 10 laps per mile. Was more interesting than TM, cause it was like an obstacle course with the walkers. When I did my striders, I really booked for just under 1 lap. Fun stuff. Missed today's run due to schedule - I'll need to do some rearranging for the rest of the week. It's good to be home in my own bed (a Tempurpedic - perhaps the greatest invention in the world) and Mrs. Inertia, DD and the rotten mongerels. Shan - The big day is comiong up. Years from now, you're not gonna be looking back and saying "Gee, I wish I would have run more during the weeks leading up to my wedding". You're getting ready to start an awesomely fabulous time in your life. Running can take a back seat for a bit, especially since it'll allow you to heal up a bit. Bugs - Go someplace warm. Or run with one of us. Nah, go someplace warm. I'll catch up more soon.

Shan, I admit I had a bad streak there. But one day the biking tension would not work and really it was not a workout but I logged it. Oh and all that strength training...well if you look closely it's just some push-ups and crunches. I ended up taking yesterday as a rest day and was not in the mood today; work sucks. Murphy, how many miles did you run last year? I've always ran about 1600 but was jealous of everybody talking about the pace bunny so joined the 1000.

Geez, I haven't posted yet this week? Just saw the new thread name... hmmm, not sure what I think of it. You guys are all running like the crazy people you are... ShanHas, stay away from that scary treadmill! That speed will only get you hurt. I finally got my new shoes from Roadrunner Sports. Got another pair of the old standby Asics Gel Nimbus 9 (like... my fourth pair) so those are a no brainer. Also tried some Speedstars... seem a little short in the toe on my big (right) foot. Might try a short TM run to see how they do. I had to lube my treadmill belt today! The book says to do it every 6 months or 150 miles. I've been using this thing about 6 weeks. Several (long) outdoor runs in that period, so amazed I got to 150 miles so far. But what amazes me is that some people wouldn't get to 150 miles in 6 months...? Geez... why bother buying a TM? Whatever, DS2 and I did it before he cranked out 3 miles for his soccer fitness program. These kids slack off so much from fall to mid winter, then coach expects them to jump right into this program that I think is a little "up there" for what they've been doing. Oh well, they're young and resilient. Couldn't see him doing that with a bunch of mid-40'ers! I did my mile repeats this morning. Had to get up early to do it cuz of dinner with vendor tonight. So, 1 mile warm up then 2 x 7:30 miles, with .5 mile @ 8:34 after each, then .5 at 7:30 (should've done 1 but could only do half) and the last mile + at 8:34. Good enough for 5.53 miles in 45 minutes. Tomorrow will be 9 miles with at least 3 at marathon pace (8:34). Bugs, head for heat!!! Do your newly gifted miles have a deadline on them? If not, or not soon, use them next winter when you really really really need a break! (or is that now?) Fish Tacos... yum!!! (but grilled fish, not that awful deep fried stuff!!)

Thought Id take the new thread name on a trial run. Can always change it back or to something else. Dont want to play musical names like the 1500 mile group though. Bugs--I have no idea what I ended up running last year-my logging was haphazard-but it was ver light. No way I did 1000. My goal is really 1500. I **should** get on that pace within a month by following my training schedule. And, if all goes as planned I may get around 1800. But thats a long way out. Did my 4 last night in a cold rain--but really wasnt bad. Ran in my subdevelopment in the new shoes. Took some getting used to. Same make of shoes (Saucony Grid Trigon Rides) but my old ones had almost no heal left---and I realized I tend to scrape the heel on the step forward. Eventually I found my stride and stopped doing that. Good--easy run. 8 scheduled for tonight. Shan--again-CONGRATS. Enjoy your day and the honeymoon. Dont worry about running. Run if you feel like it, or dont. Pick it back up when you return. Seems like lots of you like the Asic Nimbus. I might look into trying a pair out. But--I guess if my Saucony's have worked for me, I shouldnt mess with it. But I do wear the heals down really quick. But thats likely me, and not the shoe?

IIm surprised James (MarathonDream) didnt move over. I know he was posting in the CR thread when I mentioned this group. I check back there every now and then, No weekly marathon thread and havent noticed any of them. My normal non-running shoes typically wear on the inside (pronate). The Rides are neutral but dont wear unevenly--just on the heel since I am a heal striker or scraper. I tried the Saucony Guides and I wore them severely on the outside of my feet. I'll stick with the Rides. No real problems. My only lingering issue is my lower back. Hoping that improves with the new shoes. It loosens up on the runs--I feel it sitting at my desk.

Wow was it ever cold this morning. Not what I was expecting when I got up. Debated bagging the run but got out there and got it done. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Warmer and the snow melted off the sidewalks today. It will be my first "bare-faced" run of the week. It will be so nice to leave the mask at home. I was a frosted, frozen sweatcicle today. Murph: FWIW, heel wear can mean too extended of a stride. Maybe try shortening it and faster turnover. It will help take pressure off of the lower back by allowing you to run straighter. Try leading with your hips as you run. (Run Tall) It improved my lower back when I got rid of the forward lean.