Tim, so sorry to hear about your injury. My achilles tendonitis was a pain, but I seem to be fully recovered now. I know that's different from a rupture, though. Not to shout or anything, but I FINISHED 1000 MILES FOR THE YEAR this morning! I had to do it on the TM because of the rain, but that's OK! I celebrated by meeting my non-running running parter at a local cafe and ordering the eggs Benedict with tomato and crab. Ymm! I'm so happy. I will aim for 1,250 miles next year. It's very doable unless I get injured again.

Teresa, greta job on 1000 miles, that is awesome and terrific....you rock!!! I see by your profile you mentioned being a "non runner" before. I am so sorry you couldn't keep it up...hey, it's tough... Tim

Billions of Butterfly hugs to TImbo. Hung in there my friend.

Mari, thanks for the Billion Butterfly hugs. I will hang in there girl fren. But ummm....hung, that's pretty personal, LOL Tim

Ok, my science geek left brain just had to chime in here. How do you expect them to measure a TRAIL race accurately for distance? On a road they use a wheel thingy. On a bumpy, muddy, rocky, rooty trail, with more than one way to negotiate the climbing/descending portion......which measurement device would be best? Neither I say.

I completely agree with Tet and Enke that on a trail it is rare to get an accurate description. No one runs a Jones counter over dirt, ruts and rocks, and if the Garmin makes you comfortable, so be it. But on trails you will always be approximate for those two reasons: tough to measure and rarely do trail runners even care. Another thing to keep in mind that the RD's of trail races work their asses off to provide a quality and fun experience, and there is far less interest in the kind of accuracy we were discussing above, wth "18.41" vs. "6.2 and a fraction times 3" etc. They seldom get some big charitable backing, volunteers or big dollars either. I simply wanted to point out that if you are serious about accuracy, forget the Garmin. It's not likely to be any more accurate than what is posted as the distance of the run. If the RD or others agree it's an average of everyone's Garmin results, then Bob's your uncle. Just run the trail and enjoy yourself. I wasn't making fun of your result fatozzig. I can't run 18+ miles. Spareribs

Hey, with all the excuses of NOT running, I will trade Ya all... right freaking now.... It's too cold out - it's too hot out - it's too snowy out - I over slept - the ice - I don't feel like it today - it's windy - I am sore - don't have the time - it's dark out - wind chill is ??? - it's raining out...I could go on and on...but prolly you get the point, but luv you all. Just do it ok..for me at least. Tammy, hope you are ok. Tet, I only need one hug....a BIG ONE from each and every one of you guys...really, ok. Your barefoot guy never showed up...whats up with that... Hey, please no one take this the wrong way...I am trying to kick some people's...umm, butts into gear. I am into the 7 days a week running, since I learned easy... super easy on off days. Yeah, like I am an authority on running??? TimBo

((((((((((((TIM))))))))))))

Hey, with all the excuses of NOT running, I will trade Ya all... right freaking now.... It's too cold out - it's too hot out - it's too snowy out - I over slept - the ice - I don't feel like it today - it's windy - I am sore - don't have the time - it's dark out - wind chill is ??? - it's raining out...I could go on and on...but prolly you get the point, but luv you all. Just do it ok..for me at least. TimBo

OK, now you've got me thinking... I was gonna take tomorrow off, because I have an all-day training class tomorrow with lunch provided, so I can't run at lunchtime, and DD has a school band concert tomorrow evening so I can't run after work. But I COULD run in the morning if I get up early. But it will be dark and cold and snowy and windy, and I'm SO not a morning person. On the plus side, it will definitely NOT be hot or raining. So should I HTFU and do it for TimBo???? The forecast for tomorrow at 5am says 22 degrees, 18 mph wind, slight chance of snow. I'll let you know tomorrow...

I completely agree with Tet and Enke that on a trail it is rare to get an accurate description. No one runs a Jones counter over dirt, ruts and rocks, and if the Garmin makes you comfortable, so be it. But on trails you will always be approximate for those two reasons: tough to measure and rarely do trail runners even care.

I'm willing to hedge a couple of miles either way. Now if we start getting into double digit hedging, well that's a whole 'nother thang all together now.

Another thing to keep in mind that the RD's of trail races work their asses off to provide a quality and fun experience, and there is far less interest in the kind of accuracy we were discussing above, wth "18.41" vs. "6.2 and a fraction times 3" etc. They seldom get some big charitable backing, volunteers or big dollars either.

Yes, they do work their asses off. Got the full effect of this while crewing for my friend Kate during her first 100 mile trail run. The aid station workers were phenomenal, and I swear that Sarah, one of the RDs, had cloned herself so she could be in 3 places at once.

I simply wanted to point out that if you are serious about accuracy, forget the Garmin. It's not likely to be any more accurate than what is posted as the distance of the run. If the RD or others agree it's an average of everyone's Garmin results, then Bob's your uncle. Just run the trail and enjoy yourself. I wasn't making fun of your result fatozzig. I can't run 18+ miles. Spareribs

I am definitely out there to enjoy and challenge myself. Heck, I have no illusions of being even a halfway elite runner. I'm just a 40+ chick who has finally found, for the first time in her life, something that she is passionate about. And I know you weren't making fun of my results, because I have come to know that you are not that type of man. . . . . and in all seriousness, I know my stellar performance brought out emotions in you that perhaps you hadn't felt in a very long time. It's okay! {{{Give me a hug!}}} . . . . and I hope you know I'm just playin' with ya here, Ribs. I read your counsel to others very carefully, because I always learn something. Glad you're back to keep us in line.