DD and I went to a fitness expo at our local rec center today. They offer 20-minute free classes of many types of fitness classes. We tried kickboxing, Aikido, yoga, and some kind of dance class. We both really liked the kickboxing and Aikido, and might sign up for one or both classes. We also walked to and from the rec center, which is about two miles away, partly out of necessity, because DH's truck died and he had to work today, so he took my Subaru. (Yeah btb, Subarus are great cars, specially in snow country.) So we got some good exercise and good mom-daughter time together. CNY, I hear you about the kids growing up too fast. DD is 14, and she's the same height and weight as I am. We even share clothes. She's truly a terrific kid, and I'll miss her when she goes off to college in 3 years! Sorry so many of you are having wet weather. Its pleasant here - low 30s, partly sunny. Our walk was all on packed snow, but relatively good footing and nice temps. Btb, we want to hear about the race - did the oars slow you down, or give you a big edge over the competition?

Btb, lets hear it. Sounds like a classic. 7 miles at marathon pace for me today. First one around 12 minutes with my warm ups then 4 at 9 minute mile pace and the final 2 at 8.5 minute mile pace. Tomorrow is 14 long for me. Hope the weather gets a little better. Its windy and cold today. Tomorrow is supposed to be as cold but less wind. That will help a lot. Good runs everyone

Holly! Soccer socks... great idea. I bet we've tossed/donated most of ours. Today is just beautiful here... high 30's (felt like low 40s), some clouds but bright sunshine and blue skies fr the most part. The packed snow parts were really really slick, but lots of dry asphalt on the bike paths and road shoulders. Went 9 miles just past the dog mushers' field where they're holding races today. Those dogs sure love to run! Today's run felt like a cross between regular training run with tempo pace throughout. Mile splits 8:12; 8:04; 9:05 (uphill!); 8:04; 8:12; 8:27; 7:52 (down that big hill!); 9:07; 9:20. You can sure tell where the uphill/downhill parts were! Fun thing was, I had my Garmin under my sleeve so just ran by feel. I really slow down at the end but it's pretty steep on the last half mile up to my house. Chat was good last night. I was on after most others left, but had a good talk with Tammy and Mariposai. Thanks, ladies, you gave me a lot to think about...! (Mustang Sally, too!)

Liz, that's one dollar, put it in the mail.

Yes, Mr. Ribs...as you command So the really funny thing is that as I was tying the jacket around my waist I was actually thinking I am going to owe Ribs a fine for this. Before hanging around CR and now RA I never ever thought that.

About 3 feet of snow down since Friday night!!! Just turned on the jacuzzi for the girls with lots of bubble bath and but on some Bob Marley music for them so that they think they are down south enjoying great weather...I think it's working....Gives me a chance to do some dishes and clean up, before we look at a movie. That chest pain I have been feeling, I think it's a terrible bad back. ie: had not noticed before but my left side is so knotted it's incredible. I think it's all the shovelling over the last months. I am left handed...so could be creating lots of pressure on my chest and sides...hmmm anyway another physical ailment to deal with...but I did run today before the major snowstorm. Was happy to hear from my lady friend who is having a great time with her kids in Floriday this week. Nice to hear her voice and get an email from her...Cannot wait to hug and kiss her... Take car Tall

Great race evryday. Sorry I couldn't be there this morning. I just checked the results and saw that Tim did VERY well also. Paul

Thanks Paul...and yes, Tim did do very well!

I woke to the sound of hyperactive wind chimes on the front porch. By 8:30 the wind was calmer, the rain -a steady heavy drizzle at 38*. I checked the hourly weather which insinuated the conditions would deteriorate as the day progressed. The weatherman nailed it. The rain gave way to heavy flurries, which gave way to a stiff breeze in the low 20*s I started with a bike ride into town and turned around and rode back out through DAMascus into national forest on the rail-trail and locked it up with 27+ miles. Continuing on, I walked for a half mile hoping for some feeling in my feet, then started a recovery run. The elements weren't so bad as long as you keep moving. After 2.5 miles I turned back. The light snow coating the fields, trees and mountain side was gorgeous. I couldn't help but get in a little deeper and took a connector trail over to the AT which would also take me back to the bike. The single track of AT wasn't that adversely affected by the 1/2" of snow. I, however, managed to make a 90% faceplant, and stood up with some pain in the ribs, but nothing broken. I continue on, a bit more gingerly. I make it back to the bike with 5 running and 1 walking. By the time I get back to DAM, I'm cold, wet, and hunger. I ordered a large pizza, consumed a over a square foot of it and suck down a double espresso gel. The last 9 miles were not a walk in the park but I've done them in worse condition. So I ended up with 41+ on the bike, a nice recovery paced run, some very sore ribs, But at least I don't feel cruddy JJJ