Nice running, guys. Hope everything's going well! On Monday I had a great day off, with NO DRIVING. So I took advantage of spare time and energy and ran almost 6 miles. It was 20F but it felt fine. I ran fastish at times, and slowly through patches of ice and snow on the path. Yesterday was a different story; I had planned to run but couldn't find the time. Today, 5 miles, 39F, very relaxed pace and it felt good. The sun is shining brightly here. Jem

Wow, Jem, a whole day with no driving? That would be heaven. I feel like I'm driving back and forth to school, piano, Y, dentist, barber, etc. all day long! Can't wait until DS learns to drive this summer. Rest day today - felt great, lol! Teresa

Theresa, I jump in and out of the car all day. I've got a couple kids here who are learning to drive. When they get their licenses it will be very different. Scary, but different. It was heaven to have time for that run, and then luxuriate in the tub after, with a cup of hot tea. I took my time. Decadent.

Hi all. Idaho has been busy and tiring. haven't checked e-mail or gotten on line in two days. Sounds like most everyone is getting in good runs these days. no outdoor running for me, just 2 miles on the TM this morning. Eliz--I agree wholeheartedly--I really don't like using them I can't watch TV without getting seasick Hope to be back on the road this weekend. the main reason there was no outdoor running this week had a little to do with the temperature. when we arrived on site Tuesday morning, it was -23F as in FREAKING cold. spent a lot of time outside, with little problem. insulated coveralls with thermals and fleece under, plus hand and toe warmers. Not nearly as bad as I thought it might be, since there was no wind at all. Today was a balmy -18 on arrival and -5 when we departed at 7 tonight. set a new personal record--I've been out in -20, but not in 30 years. now i have to finish jamming all that gear into my duffle. 3+ hours drive to Salt Lake City and home by 11 tomorrow night (I hope) Kevin

Jeez Kevin, How do you survive in those temps? Even compared to New England those are fridged! Bet your glad to be home to more human temps. Think about the seven sisters run. If Kim and I are back to running we will be racing it. Mike, so whens your next half? Jem, do you have teen twins? Or are they just close in age? Kim is about to get licenses. Not pushing her though. My insurance skyrockets the day she gets licensed. Kim and I both are still on the DL. I did a short walk around the lake last weekend while my running partners ran. The leg is no where near being used to run. I did 5 mins on the eliptical this week and had to quit due to the pain. I am thinking that maybe my shoes dont help much. But I cant find a comfortable shoe to replace the Nike Free. Laurie

Deb -hang in there! are you sure you want a phantom Linda Eliz - I don't think I've ever done more than 4 miles on the TM... for me its a necessity, since I refuse to run in the dark, can't run in the cold..., and has been a big help with the rehab & bronchial problems too.. I would much rather run outside though, but gotta do what you gotta do. I have been not feeling too well this week.. well Wed & Thurs felt really bad, yesterday much better.. so I rested Thurs & Fri - no TM run as is in my schedule. I just did 2 miles on the TM walking only.. it took freaking 35 minutes for my body to warm up!! then tried to run, but it just wasn't happening.. Same thing as last Saturday, but I forced it to warm up then which did NOT work.. So, took Tom's advice after last Saturday - bagged the run, and just walked. This week, major IBS issues still (although not today), blood sugar issues on Wed & Thurs, bronchial issues too... oy! Next part maybe TMI, so read if you wish: Re: the IBS, I have chronic IBS, was orignially diagnosed when I was 20, am in the chronic stage, not the when you first get it stage.. Have tried all the normal things via doctors care, medication too, and it just doesn't work. They did a colonoscopy when I was 40, and I was fine (thank god!) & yep its just IBS with official diagnosis of slow moving gut..lol.. & more & food seems to irritate it as I get older..... but I'm not letting it stop me from living life or doing what I want to!!!! I guess thats no surprise though

Good Afternoon Everyone, Linda, I'm glad that you are at least getting on the dread mill and walking. Your "never quit" attitude is inspiring. Deb, I'm suprised the cashmere sweater did'nt help with your run. Eliz, Great mileage in sub-freezing temps. I actually love running outside. I figure that I can dress for just about any weather condition and not be too uncomfortable. I hope you enjoy the shore this weekend. Laurie, I hope your leg is feeling better. I have decided to run the half marathon in Columbus, OH this coming October. I'm getting some input from a friend that I should run one sometime this summer. We'll see. Jem and Teresa, I remember when my boys were learning how to drive. I bought an old pick up truck with a manual transmission for them to drive. They HATED me. I just laughed. Now my oldest wants to buy a pick up with a manual transmission. LOL. Kids are so funny. Roberta, How's your heel? 7 miles for me this afternoon. Cheers, Mike

hi! Teresa... first, congratulations!! I remember my first 6 mile run, it was really hard for me too. I have to say one thing. (one long, drawn out thing) -- I don't know you well enough to know if you have a problem with this kind of thing. but I get nervous when I hear you say you "can't get behind on the program". There's a fine line & everybody has to find it for themselves. but that's one reason I won't (nor Linda, I bet) won't join a pace bunny thing, because we push ourselves hard enough without it. I guess I'm just trying to say be careful. I got to where 6 wasn't a big deal, then did 6.78, could have done more but knew I should stop. planned on 7 the next week (sorry, an old story by now) & it just about killed me, but I continued because it was my plan & it shouldn't have been that hard anyway.. made 7.16, but shortly after is when I injured myself. if I could go back, I would!!! so, the next few days treat yourself with tlc, ok? & maybe no hill repeats on your next run. . btw, you are noble & disciplined. speaking of Linda, {{{{{{{ }}}}}}}! sure, a phantom linda to tell me to stop when I ought. I'll just blow up a picture of you & prop it on my little shelf. -). Mike, I know, very surprising. . ok, find a new gimmick for me. hey, looking back I just noticed you said you're running the half in columbus! yippee. course, I don't know now what I'm going to be able to do, but I haven't scrapped that plan yet. the full may be a bit much, but stubborn I remain. thanks, Eliz, that will help me. I've really having to force myself to do the pt exercises. I'm doing more pilates, callenetics, yoga, stability ball stuff, & less pt. I know that's probably not a good idea. but they're so limited! & if I do them first, I can't do anything else. Laurie, how are you doing? what are they having you do at pt? Jem, surviving the driving lessons? not an easy time. I ran around the back yard with sadie tonight. very little, & teeny steps because of the snow. teeny steps help a lot. it was the most beautiful evening for a run I can remember in a long time. wanted to go for a real one soooo much.