Hello Everyone, We are at 5 pages on the last thread and no one has logged on for a day and a half. So, time for a new thread. Great run this morning. I had to pull out the running pants and the fleece top (it was below 50). I threw in a few fartleks this morning. I think it went pretty well. I think I'm going to start doing some various speed workouts on Wednesday mornings. Although I have never done anything other than fartleks. (I love saying that - fartlek. fartlek ) I am thinking about trying some intervals. It may take me awhile to do those because it's something new and I don't quite understand the EXACT way to do them. So, I have to think and obsess about them for a few weeks. Cheers! Mike

Hi guys--was wondering who'd make the leap to a new thread. I'm still working on moving to 4 days a week, but i forgot the minor little detail that I'm taking the PE exam in NH on Friday so have a hour+ drive to be there at 7:15. Don't think I'm getting up early enough to run that morning. Then up to Maine to retrieve our dock that floated onto the neighbor's beach sometime over the last couple of weeks. Ought to be fun wading in the lake at this time of the year. That's why there's very little chance to get to the yarmouth race--don't think I'll be leaving home at 6am to get there. OK, Mike, I think you're officially a southerner. Long pants and fleece at 50? Weren't you used to winter before? I've decided anything that changes things up a little makes life more interesting. I've tried to do striders or fartleks (not exactly sure what the difference is, but fartlek IS more fun to say ) sorry to hear you guys with asthma are suffering with the colder air. that must be tough to deal with. this is the time of year that I love to run. i'm good down to about 10-15F before I start getting less enthuthiastic about going out. Of course, having people look at me like I'm crazy to be out has some appeal, too. Off to bed--world series just doesn't thrill me any more. Kevin

sure wish I was doing it 18 years ago, too! Before i'd forgotten most of what I seem to need to know (and before my kids killed so many brain cells) Linda--doing a bit of lurking on KR at lunch today (any excuse not to study) and saw what was happening with your dad. I'm very sorry to hear that. He's diabetic? can't quite remember, but I think that's what you mentioned a while ago. watching a parent decline over a long time must be so draining. Best wishes to both of you. Kevin

Ok, I do have to clarify something, It was 43 degrees. and it was only a 100 weight fleece top. And I'm thrilled that its not going to get down to 10 below, like I ran in a few times last year. good luck on your PE exam Kevin. Where was I 18 years ago? I was teaching General Training at a nuke plant in Ohio, happily married with two young sons. I think I've lost a few brain cells since then too. Cheers Mike

Kevin - thanks. yes, he's had Type 1 diabetes for over 40 years... He's in the end stages now, and its horrible. The worst part is that I'm a 12 hour drive away. I didn't find out until last night that a doctor's appointment turned into rushing him into the hospital to do the surgery as soon as possible. Wish I was there...

Linda, my thoughts are with your family. ROberta, does running make the symptoms easier or keep the whole thing at bay? Mike and Theresa, thanks for the winter running tips. I never even thought of preheating my running clothes but thats a good idea. Today I changed out of the sweaty wet stuff there at the lake and drove home dry and warm. 3 miles today with no asthma probs. Will try 6 tomorrow. Laurie

Laurie - Running (any exercise 30 minutes a day) helps keep blood glucose lower, especially if a careful eating plan is followed. I try to go low-carb, but here I sit, finishing off 2 huge chocolate chip cookies. Exercise+eating right+ (for me) medication help delay the complications. Linda - Since you've followed D so long, you know how far the treatment has come just in your lifetime. In my short time with D, I look back to my MIL's treatment and know that was Dark Ages ago in dealing with this. I've tried to explain D (type 2 like I have) to others (close friends) who express serious interest as... 1. Foods we eat turn into nutrients and sugar (glucose) which go into our blood to keep our bodies healthy. 2. A healthy pancreas keeps sugar (glucose) in a person's blood normal. 3. My pancreas is only partly working and can't keep blood sugars normal. 4. Now I have to help my pancreas keep blood sugars normal by eating a bit differently, "a healthy way." 5. Eating "healthy" for diabetes is to limit anything with sugar or glucose (potatoes, rice, sugar, flour, some fruits, some veggies, what used to be called starches). 6. Now I read food labels to find out how many carbs are in one serving. 7. If I don't eat healthy and exercise daily, my blood sugar will be too high. High blood sugar will damage tiny blood vessels in my body and slowly... a. eyesight can fail. b. toes and feet can become numb, infection can begin which could lead to amputation. c. heart problems can increase. d. kidneys can fail e. life expectancy is shortened. That's a very simplistic explanation of D, but it's worked for several, helping them to understand the very basics, and - I hope - sort of scare them into taking better care of themselves.

Eliz, good to hear from you and good for you on the race!! At least youre getting to the coast on a regular basis now. The Phillies looked good the other night. Did you stay up for the rain delay? Roberta, is life expectancy shortened if you cant maintain proper diet and health or just shortened altogether? Linda, didnt know you rode. Is it getting a little cold to ride there? Kevin, you never explained what a PE exam is. I did 6 strong hilly miles yesterday in nice weather. I probably was strong enough to go 13 but I am happy with my decision on the half. No asthma symptoms during yesterdays run but it was above 50 degrees. Then I ran to the car in the cold evening air last night at 6 flags and was short of breath and weezing while I got there. Laurie