Groan, dg, why did you ask. Monday and Tuesday, I ran/walked 1.75 miles, skipped Wednesday, then read your post. Today I ran/walked 1.94 miles. Thanks, I really needed your nudging. My husband said it's been more like since Christmas that he hasn't seen me up and running regularly, so I'll have to "backtrack" a bit on training for the 5K in May and begin running regularly. Someone asked why I don't run outside in the cold weather. I'm just not a polar bear like some of you. Snow and ice and cold wind chills are enough to keep me indoors on the TM either here at home or at the Y. And, another "confession," last June when I finished C25K and feeling a healthy pride in myself, I went for my annual checkup, and out of the blue was diagnosed with diabetes type 2. One of the many things my doctor, herself a runner and even a marathoner, said was to run 5-6 days a week but to stick to the TM as much as possible to avoid injury (and multiple complications that a diabetic can develop). So only when it's nice, do I chance it and run through our neighborhood. This afternoon my husband has cheerfully insisted that he's taking me new shoe shopping. My other shoes are a year old and have taken some pounding, even if it's been at slug pace. Thanks for holding me accountable.

Kevin - Until I was diagnosed, I was ignorant about diabetes and have learned a lot since last June. There's nothing like a health problem to educate a person. A year ago when I went running-shoe-shopping, I was fitted by a helpful salesperson and didn't have any problems. This afternoon I went to a different store and again had a good experience. This store had me put on a pair of "neutral shoes," had me run about 20 seconds on a treadmill while my feet were being videotaped, and then the salesperson showed my husband and me my gait. Hmmm - my ankles bend inward just a bit and so I was directed to shoes with more stability. After several tries, one pair fit very well and felt good, and we got them. The salesperson asked me if I ran in other than cotton socks. Nope, I said, I'm just a beginner with only one year running. So now I have a pair of "wicking" socks to try. The salesperson was young and trim and friendly. What was outstanding was that she never discouraged me, a 60-year-old chubby woman who began running only a year ago. She offered such nice advice and helpful hints to make my running better. When I asked about "age appropriate" running clothing, she nicely helped me there, telling me that the complete stock will be in in another month and told me what to look for. I'll definitely go to the store again. So, with the good shoe-fitting experience today and you people holding me accountable, I'll be on the TM regularly, making everyone (doctor included) happy. Thanks. Roberta

Sounds like a very nice running store you've found, Roberta. also sounds like you got some good shoes. If they're a really nice store, they should have a good return policy if the shoes don't feel great after a few runs. I know it's good to support local stores, but if you want to get some decent quality running clothes at a reasonable price, try Target or Dick's house brands. also Marshall's for cheap under armor socks. I get packs of 4 pairs for $8. Happy running!! eta--Hi Eliz, a little cross posting here. Consider yourself kicked---get out and run you're still keeping up with the pace bunny. I think I'm loosing track.

Hey all! its been a crazy busy week - but I'm still making it to the Y on my "every other day" schedule! I went Wed morning & did 1.30 miles on TM - 10W/7R/3W plus c/d & the weight machines & this morning I did 1.60 miles on the TM 10W/5R/3W/5R/2W plus c/d & the weight machines. So, little baby steps on the running, and my alignment is getting better slowly Bob - Welcome to our little area of the world! I have to admit I've been a little perkier on the mornings I've made it to the gym I'm hoping to continue on.. If I can go to bed at 10 the night before & have all my stuff ready, I seem to be able to drag my rear out of bed, somehow get my clothes on, and get to the gym in the morning. so far so good. Laurie - no never did get ChiRunning. The bronchials are surviving on the babysteps, so all is good. Think I may try a longer session this weekend. Debbie - how are you holding up with the TM time? Ls - sounds like a good running store! I think most runners are very supportive of anyone who wants to run. I had a horrible experience with a pulmonolgist last year who told me I shouldn't run due to the knees thing - only walk.. he switched my meds too... & I was horribly sick last year - a coincidence? I think not. Lance - Welcome to the newbies too!! Sounds like you are doing great! I didn't buy the right shoes either til I was injured. I've heard that about old shoes too (in fact I think mine qualify). Gotta run! will yak with you all later.

the little veins in fingers and toes shutdown in the cold and your appendages turn white. it seems somewhat random, at least for me. I've had it happen at 40 and it never did when I was out in Idaho very rarely happens while running--guess the extra blood circulation helps.

Eliz, Sounds like she is doing well. Her attitude impresses me. A lot of people will learn from her. My fun run went really well yesterday. Lots of sunshine but cold temps and a little wind. We all survived though. The women were all happy with the food I made and bought. I didnt really go to extremes. Just made some homemade muffins with apples, carrots, coconut, raisins and walnuts in them. Made this Italian sausage and egg pie, bought muffins and bagels (which werent touched), made frozen hash browns and fresh fruit salad and these little yogurt and granola parfaits and some boiled eggs (werent touched). They are such great company. We decided to buy Race Against the Clock video and have little movie nights passing it around the club. We ran 3.7 miles. I survived and had just a little leg pain later in the day after I stiffened up. I found out that stretching, using the foam roller and heating pad works wonders. Today is my last PT appt. Kim has 2 more. How was everyones weekend? Laurie

Hi guys, sorry to be amiss here. I do read every day though! Laurie- Shoot, you did the MNF Tri? You're just a stones throw away from me. If you guys do it again, let me know ok? I'd love to come cheer you on. So you're a computer tinkerer too? I hope you find a way to turn it into something you can do full time, since you like it so much. Your running group sounds like a lot of fun! That was some spread you put out! What's not to be happy about? I'm glad you got your run in too! dg- you're daughter sounds awesome if she can outquote you with the Holy Grail! I bow to her. Regarding the orthotics, the changes my podiatrist made were too extreme. My feet HURT and by the 2nd day I had to undo the changes. I know there is a break in period, and when I first got the orthotics, they were uncomfortable, but after a couple of days, things were fine. This time it was just plain painful. The next step is to get them redone completely. Have you gone through all of this yourself? Let's see, programming languages... PASCAL? PL1? COBOL? RPG? I started out in college with punchcards. Remember those? lancesmom- another IT person! System admins can't know everything about everything. You have it right, know a little about most stuff, then delegate. Mainframes are making a comeback, aren't they? Let us know how you liked Holy Grail when you get it. Eliz- I do email. That was pretty funny! Your title should be AT... Academic Technology. Good tip to Stumpy for the ice pack. Good to know. Sorry you got sick, how are you feeling now? Thanks for the update on your SIL. I'll send her and your brother prayers. She has a rough road ahead, but it sounds like she's determined. Keep up your awesome support. So often after something like this happens, there is a ton of people helping out initially, then it dies off. Your brother and SIL I have no doubt appreciate all you do, even if its as simple as a phonecall or a visit to say hi, just to have someone to talk to and share their concerns with. jemmama- HI! Keep those calves stretched and massaged. Do you own a foam roller? Or the stick? I wouldn't be surprised if everything you're feeling is related to each other. lswife- you're doing ok with your exercise. This time of year is tough. Come springtime, you'll WANT to get out and do stuff. If you are leary about running the roads, is there a track you can run on? At least you will be outdoors! Sounds like you have a very supportive husband. Your shoe shopping experience sounded great! That store sounds like a keeper. Good luck with the diabetes, I know several people who run marathons and manage it ok. stumpy- 39.5 rounds up to 40! I'm glad to hear you survived your frigid run, especially with Reynauds. Rindaroo- Hi, and thanks for the welcome! This is a nice little area of the world you guys have here. Good deal on the AM workouts, it's a great start to the day. Keep at it! It was a good weekend. Saturday was spent helping with a church fundraising spaghetti dinner. I made a cinnamon swirl coffee cake, and posted the recipe on the daily thread if you're interested. It's really easy. Was able to sneak out for an easy run in the afternoon. Sunday was a long run day. In the afternoon I took a nice hike with the dog. Walking after your hard workouts is a great way to stay loose. Chinese food for dinner, haven't done that in a while. Did a lot of cleaning and organizing, seems that is perpetual no matter how much you do. Have a great week everyone. Keep at it!

Sideshow, yeah, I guess I need the foam roller? Anyone have a resource for that?

I've had good luck ordering from this place. http://www.fmcmedicalrehab.com/cgi-bin/mivavm?Merchant2/merchant.mvc+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FMC&Product_Code=FR6X36 Also, here's a decent guide on the use of foam rollers: http://www.smiweb.org/massage/injuries.html Scroll down the page to find it. There are some other good articles there as well. Good luck.