tselbs, we need to work on Mr. Pfitz....16 milers sure seems like log run to me...that is for sure.... Today was interesting....Close call with a Dog.... So, out today at 10:00 AM, 35 degrees, with north wind....cold... Plan 7 miles with 7X100 strides...... I run in an area called Regional Park....we have a 4 mile loop marked off.... It is the City Limits so the leash law is in affect....some people bring their dogs out there to run "free"...a little frustrating for me when I run....I think some of the Dog owners don't understand how a loose dog is viewed by a runner or bike rider. Most of the time when I come across loose dogs, the owners gather them up before I get too close... Even so, I am very cautious as I approach. Today was no different EXCEPT.. I was three miles into my 7 miler: I turned into an area in the park where I can get an extra 1 mile added to my four mile loop..as I turned into the area I saw a Suburban driving slowly with 2 VERY large dogs running ahead of the vehicle....I was about 1oo yards away... I guess the driver saw me....by the time I caught up she had just managed to get the dogs in the car..I waved in thanks and figured I would finish the last half mile in this loop and get out of this area so she could release the dogs for their run.. I continued on...when I turned back I saw that she had driven a few hundred yards a let them out again... I watched closely and slowed down..I guess she noticed me again...she called the dogs...but this time one of them ignored her and decided that I was more interesting.....as the dog ran very fast toward me (the car was at least 200 yards down the road from me), I slowed down even more...and began to walk..I could here her calling the dog...but to no avail... I stopped as the dog approached at a rapid pace...the dog stopped dead in its tracks within in a few feet of me....we stared at each other ...the dog was in an attack stance...growling and barking viscously ...I screamed at the dog...then suddenly it turned away and ran back to the car....she loaded the dog in the car and left quickly.... It all happened very fast...hardly enough time to react.....but scary.... The Dog was a bread of American or Mexican Bulldog..I think.... Hope this is not the sign of my New Year.... Be safe and have fun...

Steve, cool! maybe not such a bad choice for your shirt. Your identity is safe with us. .

Thanks DG!!!!! Erika, I got anti fog glasses at a lumber yard and they work well. Maybe ask your Dr about your eyes drying out. Your miles Rock!!!!! Our prayes are with you as you look for your dog. in 2007 I bruned 187,486.5 calories while running. That 904 servings of my favorite ice cream. 4.2 white out Michigan Miles today. I had gas in the tank for a few more..The visibility helped me decide to turn around. Close call with a car and all.

3.5 miles for me this afternoon. Was a little cool and breezy, but the sky was bright blue. Wasn't sure if I would get a walk in today b/c my back/hip hurt most of the night. Seems to do better when I'm moving. As for dogs...DH and I were walking on Saturday when we passed a German Shepherd and its owner. Of course the dog was off its leash. When we passed the owner said to the dog....Oh, they're not running so you don't need to chase them.

A cool 15 degrees this morning with a good stiff breeze out of the north, so I opted for a run on the treadmill at our local YMCA. Oops! Forgot today is the first day of the new year and all the "resolution makers" were out in full force. Got 4 miles in my 35 minutes before the staff started hollering at the members to respect others waiting for equipment. I hate this time of the year!!! Now that I've vented, happy 2008 to all, and best wishes for an injury free start to the new year.

Happy New Year's day to all. (Relatively) early run this morning at 8:30 and (relatively) late posting. Started at 24F with heavier tights and balaclava. Got a little hot near the end and discovered why--thermometer said 35 when I got back. Guess the front passed through--almost shorts weather 5.2 miles in 46:00. Didn't feel quite as Sproinky as Sunday's run, but a faster pace. Not sure if I'm stretching the definition of sproinky, but that's the way it felt. with my last three runs, I've hit the highest weekly total in almost a year. It just isn't in an actual week--two different weeks, months and years Kevin

As for dogs...DH and I were walking on Saturday when we passed a German Shepherd and its owner. Of course the dog was off its leash. When we passed the owner said to the dog....Oh, they're not running so you don't need to chase them.

I used to deliver papers and I have a healthy respect for any dog, regardless of breed or size. I always take a walk break when passing a dog, even if it's on a leash, as dogs love to chase anyone running and many dogs are big/strong enough to pull their owners off their feet. I got bit by a toy poodle once, but I was wearing snow boots and said poodle got flying lessons that day. He never came near me after that. Of course, I actually needed rescue from a mixed breed doberman one day. Scared the tweedle out of me. evanflein - I hope your dog has made its way home by now. I headed out for a run this morning. 35F and not a lick of wind. Ended up with too many layers on. I'm still trying to figure out my clothing depending on temp/wind/precipitation. I'll get it eventually. 3.8 miles in 1 hour. Lots of folks out walking, biking and running. It was a crowded as a normal summer Sunday, so lots of peeps trying to kick off the year with fitness resolutions. I doubt I'll see most of them out again until the weather gets better. My year is off to a good start with a long run/walk. I think 3.8 miles is a good max for now and I'm going to work on increasing the ratio of running to walking. My ankle gets awfully creaky by the end , so maybe it's best not to push too far for the next couple of weeks.

Happy New Year all!! Tall - you are amazing, snowshoeing & all! I think I'll take the Southern Oregon version of snow... snows overnight & melts by noon (well most of the time anyway) Tim - so glad you are ok, thats just crazy about the people driving behind their dogs. I got on the tready today & did 2.75 miles, 1.6 of it run/walking, rest walking. slow & easy improvement, I will get there. Now that Christmas is over & hopefully the colds that were making the rounds in December, I will be much more consistent. CYL!

I walked the dog with my sister and her husband this afternoon. All of a sudden we crossed a narrow lane on to a huge common on the side of a hill. Even though I was in jeans I had my running shoes on and couldn't resist a run around the common and an adjoining field. In total I must of covered about 2.5 miles, pretty quickly, judging by the time it took to recover. Good runs everyone!