Random thoughts. I always schedule my annual dental exam on 9/11 and that way I will never forget (the exam). A day that has no adequate words to express the horror of it. We flew out of Seattle that following Saturday and my daughter was conceived a few days later. Got up at 5:20am, out the door by 6am, yeah me!! 52F I tried to chase our cat back home three times, but she kept following me. 3 mile w/u very slow about 11:45 pace 20 minutes at tempo pace, more sluggish than I had hoped, about 9:14 pace (2.22 miles) 3.8 mile c/d, again very slow, 11:11 pace. I should know better than to try a tempo run 2 days after intervals, but I was feeling optimistic. 9 miles total. Lots of runner sightings: 1 fast older woman in the dark, probably training for a marathon 1 young stud with sweatshirt 1 slow older woman, she said hi to me on every lap of the lake 1 extremely tall lurch-like guy with a dog 2 coyotes enjoy your runs everyone.

DickyG... you can come and clean my house if you're looking for something to do. Be sure to get the corners... Dogs! Aamos has a greyhound (Frank) and she says he's lousy as a running partner. Speedy for short sprints is all. I almost adopted a retired Iditarod dog, but we still have Cheyenne to deal with and I don't want two dogs. But they'd be ideal running partners... BUT they pull alot! They're bred and run and pull and are not the best at obedience stuff. The dog I almost adopted was one of the sled dogs in the mushing demo at Denali Park. The boys fell in love with her... sweet dog but I really don't want two big dogs. Holly, I have my foot on an icepack almost every evening while reading the paper or whatever. They really do make a difference. I'd soak in a dishpan of ice water, but don't always have ice and I get up and move around too much usually. Nice run, careful on the intervals but sounds like you're doing great. Gordon, very nice. Both pics. You look great in that running pic for having been through a tough race. Is that at the end? Looking good... Be sure to let us know how the interview/job app went/goes. I had a really cool run last night. Not sure how many of you remember Nordic Beserker from Cool Running... He posts as Wilson on KR. He's an amazing masters runner originally from Colorado *(Hi Carolyn)* and has been here almost 4 years now. I'm really honored to run with this guy... he's so nice and slowed his pace for me on the hills. We did the "Out and Back" section of the Equinox course, which is a tough up and down, up and down run on rutty trails and roads. He walked when I needed to, but mostly I ran this faster than ever before and he encouraged me to keep going when I'd walk if on my own. It was great. This is our second run together and I do hope there are more. I tell him when he needs a recovery run and I need tempo, we're an ideal match! Wild Ginger... I've been there! Might be going back in November when several of our joint labor-management health care committee are doing meetings with our health plan claims folks... Yummy!

Wild Ginger... I've been there! Might be going back in November when several of our joint labor-management health care committee are doing meetings with our health plan claims folks... Yummy!

I've been to Wild Ginger several times. Next time I'm there, I'll be tempted to stand up and make an announcement in the restaurant: "Would any RA Master's Runners please raise your hand?" SR, I would make a ppt presentation too! Good for you.

DickyG - you are having such a tough day - sorry no one will go play golf with you. I use the track for the reason you mentioned - to avoid hills. I don't usually get as bored as I was this morning - I think I'm ready for a taper. Enke - nice run and interesting sightings.

Just came back here to see if we have SpareRib's power point result posted yet. I am so proud of my crosstraining this morning. Went out for breakfast then walked up to the 25th floor...I stopped counting at 436 steps because I was too tired to care. Back to debating why health education in the schools is pivotal for the well being of our young ones.

Mariposai... that health education can't be taught in the home! Look at the shape of most of the parents, what do you think they're teaching the kids?? Amazing that there's any debate at all. You go girl.

That is my point sistahhhhhhh, you should be here with me. I sure need a cheerleader at my side right now...everything is OK until you ask that $$$ are attached to new mandates

Hey Ribs I have a question for ya, and anyone else who wants to chime in ... I'm all ears! I'm looking to do 10 miles this afternoon around 4 when I get home. I really want to get a nice marathon paced run in so that I have more confidence in my ability to maintain that pace as I get closer to my marthon (Oct. 5th) I'm trying like heck to get that pace down pat and have been getting better as the weeks go by. Do you have any suggestions on what is best - should I shoot for a nice easy warmup then several miles at or close to mp with a faster finish to get the total to near mp? I have always like to finish strong as that helps with my confidence and I think it gets me used to running hard on tired legs. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'll check the forum before I head out on my run when I get home. I'm headed out on the road shortly.