Good morning, runners!

14 miles on the schedule for me today.  Getting up this late means I'll need to run it in to work.  Another last - I think this will be the last time I'll need to run in to work!  W00t!  My legs are a sore this morning - I'm guessing it's DOMS from the intervals on Monday - but I'm hoping after a few miles, they'll feel okay.  I'm considering today, after this run, as the start of my taper - all I'll have left is a 17 mile long run and a couple of short runs with some speed work or MP miles tossed in.

Jack, Wow, he must have been fast.  Maybe he'll join you all more often.  Might be fun.

Pressing, I love discovering new running trails.  Fun!  Are you an auntie today?  Very jealous that you're a comfortable public speaker.  It's my SMART goal at work this year to become better at it.  In addition to the speech yesterday, I'm speaking at a career development function tomorrow.

Marco, Good job getting the miles in with that hectic schedule of yours.

Swift, I forgot you have a 10K this weekend.  And, it's good that you can run part of the course.  I'm a big fan of taking out all of the mystery on race day so I can just focus on running.

SIAR, I hung out in the library in high school with all the other quiet, nerdy-types.  LOL!  I've become more extroverted over time but it's really taken a lot of mental gymnastics to get me here.  But I've realized this year that if I want to move into more senior management and leadership positions at work, this is something I have to become comfortable with.

Good morning!  SRD for me but with temps expected to be in the mid 50's I'm going to get in an easy 5 instead.  I'm out of coffee in my office (I have one of those little 4 cup things on my desk) so I'll run my last mile carrying a pound of coffee back from the grocery store. :-)

Marco - I'm glad your foot issue went away.  I guess it was just a bruise?

Aunt PressingOn - Did you find out about your new addition to the family?  Your post made me miss trail running! I haven't run on my favorite trail for a few weeks because I needed to get some long runs in mixed terrain. I might do my last LR (16) on the trail this weekend and work on running at MP.

Jack - That is one fast dude.  Do you think running with someone that much faster than you on a regular basis would help you improve your (already considerable) speed?

Julia - I hope the run in to work went well this morning and you managed to stay dry.

Jodi - Cross posted.  Enjoy the x-fit + 6-8.  <--- That almost looks like algebra.

If X= 8.... LOL

Good morning!  Or, should I say good night? Finished up another night shift, about to head to bed.  Thank goodness today is a SRD for me.

Julia enjoy your last foot-commute to work!  My running buddy and I often talk about how funny it is that we refer to some runs as "only" 8  miles or and "easy 16,"  the thought of which never would have seemed possible before I started running.  Your "all I have left" comment made me think of that- your taper is still more respectable than what most folks do every day working out (or not working out).  Hope the DOMS shook out on the run.

Jodi enjoy your algebra workout CF+8

Scott out of coffee? Gasp! That is an all out emergency on our house.

RVD that dang hammie.  Is shamrock your big goal race?  If so I say skip the 10k.  That close to the marathon it really isn't going to improve your fitness to race it.  And while I suppose you could run the 10K as a fun/easy run, it can be too easy to get caught up in the crowd and adrenaline and still push it.  Give the hammie some time to get a chance to heal.

A few more emails to check, a lot of chocolate chip pumpkin banana bread to eat (I have no self control with that stuff, I will eat the whole loaf by day's end) then off to bed for me.  I am giving up all junk food and liquor starting March 1 until Boston to help me shed the last few pounds to get to lean race-weight. This is going to be tough, chips and beer are how I relax at the end of the day.   47 days to boston!

RVD, if Shamrock is the goal race, skip the 10K.  You don't want to get injured this close.

Hi all!  No baby yet.  Hospital sent them home and my sil is supposed to go back to the doctor tonight.  They told them there's a 60/40% chance of a baby tonight (she's having a C-section) so I guess they are just determining if the baby is ready.  It's already measuring around 10lbs.  Not surprising as my brother was an 11lb baby.  My dd was 9.6 and numerous cousins of mine were in the 10lb range (we grow 'em big).  My brother was the reigning champ though.  My poor mom.  She's only 5'2".  Yeah, she was huge with him.  Anyway, we'll see if baby comes this evening.

I have an hour of easy spinning on the bike today.  It's looking to be a gorgeous day so I might take it outside.  We'll see.  I have to find my helmet (dh put it somewhere in the garage, thanks dh - sarcasm) and check my tires first.

Jackdyll - Funny how having someone fast on your tail will push you on like that. It is also good for keeping one humble when they pass ya by with barely a pant. By the way, my dh and I love Raising Hope. We thought last night was a fun episode. We're amazed by how many people don't know about the show.

Julia - Taper, taper, taper! Join the madness with us! I'm actually quite introverted in a group or one on one. I have to force myself to speak up. Being upfront I can put on a different persona and go with it. Good job challenging yourself though. It's a struggle for many people! Just put on a smile and fake it!

Jodi - Have fun at Cross-fit! We have a facility in town but don't know that I'll ever try it, especially if it involves algebra!!

Scott - Perhaps you should brew a cup of coffee to drink while you run as well? Lol. My marathon this weekend will be a trail run. I'm a little nervous about how my legs will hold up on it considering I just ran that last marathon. That said, I'm also excited for the experience. Running through the woods will be peaceful. I think you should run your next LR on the trail.

RVD - I'm happy the hamstring is at least cooperating enough to let you run and you're not totally laid up. SRD sounds like a good plan today. Maybe that will be the thing you need. I agree with the others on the 10K.

JenRosie - Good luck giving up all junk food. I said that a lot on this training cycle. I'd say it in the a.m. and by evening I'd be eating something yummy. Sigh. I totally agree about the "only running" comments. I sometimes get eye rolls when I say something like that around non-runner's. I don't mean to but my frame of mind really has changed and I don't even think about it sounding snarky or braggy.

Damaris - Hope the 12 miles goes well today. You seem to have issue after issue in running and yet you push through. Good for you!

CC - How's my taper partner? This weekend girly!