Happy Columbus Day, everyone. MrI, nothing wrong with an easier week. Its those big skipped weeks that get me in trouble. You'll notice my mileage has been all over the map lately. Mileage never goes in a straight line. Except for those freaks in the 2000 mile club. Bugs, I hope you know I was just kidding you about Nobby wanting to date you. It would be really cool to get coached by someone of his credentials. I was so pleased when I saw him make the transition over here from CR. And your avatar is disturbing. Columbus Day means a federal holiday so I'm off work. Will likely get an easy 6 in today.

One of my running friends had a death in her family. She's really trying to eat healthy. I want to bring some food to her house. What would you bring?

One of my running friends had a death in her family. She's really trying to eat healthy. I want to bring some food to her house. What would you bring?

How about a low fat vegetable lasagne? Maybe a big grilled chicken salad?

Kimmie - sorry to hear about your shoulders! Bugs - I saw chicken devine - chicken, brocolli, cream of cheddar/mushroom, bread crumbs. mmmmmm

I think that sounds wonderful!!

Bugs..I liked the last Avatar--or I guess the 2nd to last avatar--that was a great picture. I think you made the right decision bugs..I know if you ran youd run it hard--and maybe risk some long term down time. Me, on the other hand...Got 12 miles in last night. Ran/walked them. Averaged 11:40 mm. Actually got faster as I went. Cardio-wise I felt perfect. I was not breathing heavy at any point. The first 6 miles were fantastic. I felt like I could go forever. My legs were starting to feel it just a bit around mile 10. I think I could have gone at that pace for quite awhile. The mystery that I will find out Sunday is can I either (a) Run/walk at an 11:25 minute pace or less and keep it up throughout the race or (b) Run/walk my current pace and go to an all out run at some point to get under my 5 hour goal?

Murph, sounds like that run/walk thing is working great! Either way (option a or b) and you'll have a good race. Shan, 1 is better than 0 but you've clearly got 4 or 5 easy in you if you get your head in the right place. I forced myself out the door this afternoon for what I thought would be 4. My legs were SCREAMING at me when when I started. I got a look at my shadow and I looked like I was sort of run/limping. I kept going. By about mile 2, things were feeling unbelievably better. I extended my run out to 6.4. More miles this week already than all of last week (including the race). Lesson learned for me was that sometimes its better to go out and run and make a decision on distance after 2 miles. Guess I'll know for sure tomorrow