I did something new that I thought I never could do...I ran 3 times in the last 24 hours in preparation for the upcoming Northwest Passage Ragnar Relay. I ran 8 miles yesterday morning (5@ tempo); I ran 5 easy miles with two gentle hills last night and 6 miles with some significant rolling hills this morning. I was so amazed how low the HR stayed and how well the body handled the different runs. Total miles 19 miles in 24 hours. I feel good. Butterfly hugs to Holly. My prayers and thoughts are with you sistahh. Off to an early meeting. I have to convince the docs at our clinic why is so important to have their involvement in my community wellness projects

Didn't get to post yesterdays run so here it is: 6.16 miles failry easy with strides thrown in the last mile - 53:10 - (8:37) Avg HR 124 - Max HR 142 I took the day off today to get things done around the yard etc. before the holiday - 4.01 miles fairly easy again with strides thrown in each mile and a comfortably hard finish to get those fast twitch muscles ready for tomorrows 10K - 34:37 - (8:37) Avg HR 124 - Max HR 144 - (8:56 - 8:50 - 8:42 - 8:00 - :07) Tomorrows 10K goal - a course PR (42:44) - and who knows maybe a 10K PR (41:03) a tall order on this course, but wwe'll see what I've got come tormorrow. I'm hoping for clouds and cool temps with lower humidity.

Vista, you had me going for a while, till I got to the punchline and realized I've heard that joke before! I took the dogs out for our usual 3-mile loop around the neighborhood after work. I ran into one of the neighborhood kids (home from college) out walking their dog, right at the steep part where I usually walk, so I walked with her and asked how school was going. Well, she talked my ear off! When we got to where our paths parted, she kept talking for another 10 minutes before I could get away! DD is at a band camp at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. They're performing a concert tonight and marching in the big 4th of July parade tomorrow morning. DH and I are driving up tonight for the concert and staying overnight at a local hotel, as it's two hours from home. The Greeley Stampede Parade is a huge event, including the governor and senators parading on horseback, and thousands of people come to watch. This is DD's second year of band camp, and it's fun, although usually blazing hot in Greeley. Of course that means no 4th of July races for me, but that's OK There's a 5 mile race on the 5th I might run, in Winter Park. Have a great holiday, everyone!

4 easy miles for me last night. Funny as I run sometimes, a bird will be on the sidewalk ahead of me. Usually they will just hop into the grass to be out of my way. Last night a robin was in my path and rather than hop into the grass, it kept hopping ahead of me. I don't want to say I'm slow, but I barely gained any ground on a hopping robin!!! In the end, we continued this way for nearly a half block before we came to a cross sidewalk and he took a right and I went straight. I almost had him though...one more block and I'm sure I would've overtaken him...sigh. Later...Janet

Handymom - I've had that happen too! Sometimes with leaves blowing down the street, can't catch them! Vista, Tramps Thunderstorms started last night just as I was about to go out for my run. So I went to the gym. 3 miles easy with 4 striders thrown in. Getting antsy about tomorrow's 5K. I really wanted to run faster last night on the TM, so I think I'm ready. I read last night that athletes almost never give 100%, are always holding something back. Let's see if I can go for broke. It will be 60F, breezy and a bit rainy. My favourite running conditions, seriously!

Just on this Garmin issue, it seems to me at least that every serious runner should have two timepieces. One is a Garmin

Boy, you are almost throwing down the challenge to prove someone can be a serious runner without high tech gadgets! I wish I wasn't such a goof off or I would sure show you.

To those that are complaining about those few extra pounds, here is a new diet program that will help those pounds fall right off....the first item is extremely low cal and filling When looking, be sure to check out the 3 pages, not just the first. http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22177/48751-ten-foods-you-ll-find--eat-

Vista... Tramps... SR...there you go again! Those "serious runner" comments always hang on for awhile... Tim, the "grass is greener" concept frequently works with single vs married status. While it's nice to have the freedom to do what you want, when you want, etc, it's also true that the companionship of marriage is a very good thing. The trick is making sure you have that companionship with the right person. Mismatches can be nothing but misery. Mariposai, very nice training for your relay! You are going to have so much fun. I can't wait to hear about it... Holly, here's more vibes for finding the cause. It does drive me crazy when they start in on treatment before there's a diagnosis. Is your new doc a runner or skier? I find that changes their outlook entirely. I actually have today off. I've been looking forward to this 4-day weekend for ages. My garden is in desperate need of attention, my house is a mess, I wanted to get some trail runs in... and I'm SICK. I can't believe it. I woke up at 5:45 with sore throat, ear ache, congestion, and a rattly cough that hurts my chest. I feel awful. I'm so mad!!! It does explain why my run home after work yesterday felt so hard. I had to take lots of walk breaks and my HR felt way too high. It wasn't that hot (74) but I felt wiped out. So... now I know why. I might switch my Friday rest day with today to see how that goes. But I really wanted to do a nice tail run today because the weather is absolutely PERFECT. Figures, no?