konnichi wa hayashi-san. (did econo bijin-san teach you any Japanese?) For years my image of Oregon was from an eighth grade book report about ferns head high and a little log cabin in a forested grove so thick it was shady all day long. It was hard to imagine but when I finally went there in person, the sun beams streaking here and there through the forest canopy all the way to the ground were like silent symphony to the Gods. Now though it's econo running through the spider webs on her butte-to-butte runs and Haywood Field laps, to say nothing of up here in her memorable breakthrough PR Christmas Marathon and many rainy seattle halfs. We hope she'll bring you up next time too. In the meantime, her rr's as her running progresses are sometimes a little kryptic (if not missing or disappearing) so please keep us up-to-date on her progress and adventures, . . . and you too. arigatou

We have the Rhody Run on May 16th. It is a little bigger race of long standing. They have a web site. There is a 5K and a 10 K. I hope Econo will be here. I am brand new to Running Ahead, and you are my first posting. I hope this group welcomes oldiwannabes. The Woods Lady

wow!!!!!!!!! one of my idols is posting in running ahead...hurray!!!!!!!!! Everyone, MaEcono aka The woods lady is the coolest oldiwanabe I have ever met in my life. She is one gorgeous and gracious lady and you should see her how she walk/runs...one strong athlete she is. Thanks for the invite to the Eugene race. I dream of running that race someday. I believe we will be your way in June. I will keep you posted, maybe we can run on the beach together at that time. Welcome maEcono...please start posting in the daily thread...we would love to hear about your daily outings.

Thanks, Econo. I am LOL about me "sweeping my AG" in Eugene! You didn't tell people that I was the only old lady for 3.1 miles around. But then, like you told me, "I beat all the others who didn't show up" MaEcono (I like that)

Thank you all for the welcomes. I am honored! Tammyin, I really enjoyed meeting you and your nice family. Hope to see you in Eugene one of these times. Hey. I read that you liked the gum droppy things - so did I, and will keep my eye open for them. What are they called? Also, I am in your photo of GP at the finish line - in the far background in a blue jacket. Tetsujin209 Yep - those head high ferns grow in an area of my woods pretty close to our house, and the trees and underbrush are getting closer to the house every day. I am very lucky, I do almost of my walking/running in the woods, and see that several times a week. Today I found a 5 point elks rack on my Forest Service road, and lugged it home! We know a man who makes pens out of that , and will give it to him. Ileneforward, thank you. I am not yet sure how to post things, other than to answer like this, or on my log, which is all messed up, but plan to keep poking around until I get it right. Mariposai - Yes, I'd love to do the beach run, and also to show you my trail and Forest Service Road place. Any of you runners would love it, and I can show you a coupple of ways to get there - easy. Stumpy77 - so you also run to keep up with your daughter! And I love your saying that running is a new way to identify yourself. That is just the way I feel. That and freedom! I have read "Ribs" and also admire him. Econo - run like heck - remember your committee. My committee now has specialty sub committees, as suggested by Gavin. I did better today, and for the first time, went up the trail for about 3 miles, and had a great time. MaEcono

I have read "Ribs" and also admire him.

Oh dear! Be careful, MaEcono! Of all the nefarious characters on this site, you admire Spareribs?! Nervous, hovering Econo