Hey All - Ev had a most excellent run!! http://www.onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php#racetop Way to go, Ev!! Joe - Can't believe how those temps rose over the 3 days. Hopefully, they abate some before next weekend (all fingers and toes crossed). Did 7.87 miles this a.m. in 1:39:15. Legs were pretty tired after yesterday's run, but worked my way through it. Need to go back and read the end of yesterday's thread to see if I missed anybody. Have a good one!

I'm new to the topic and new to Running (and new to exercise) May I join ya'all? I only go Run (more Walk Than Jog) out 3 times a week, but I'm going try to bicycle 3 times this week too on the in-between days I also think I have overuse shins-and-heels issues from too much too soon. I ran (Walk/Jog) on Sunday about 50 minutes........and have a 5K on Saturday (just more walk than jog, just for a fun workout day) so not sure when or whether I will put in a 3rd Run this week. Nice to meet you all!

Ev had an excellent race, indeed! Did not reach the time goals, (10 minutes slower than last year) but still came away with confidence. I'll write up a RR soon, but for now: Started out too fast, faded badly at mile 22. Actually the wheels came off. Had the wind at back for the first 14....30mph headwind for the last 12 miles (actually maybe only 8 or 9 miles direct headwind....other miles at a crosswind.) The wind was actually not that much of a factor (it just sounds good to blame it ) It was somewhat of a struggle, but what really affected me the most was too many fast miles early on. My training did not support the 9:20 and 9:30 minute miles. I don't know what I was thinking . 9:44 pace was all I needed. The lesson here, folks, is to know your goal pace and stick too it. Or, do what I did and learn it first hand Learning is good! Had a great time with family and friends and the whole experience was incredible. Thanks for your support and inquiries! I do appreciate you guys/gals.

Welcome, FrancesRe. Glad to have you! I am pretty new too, and working to do more running and less walking, with success over a period of about 6 months. I would suggest that you try the C25K system of doing just that. I am an 'ol wannabee, but am making success at a slow rate. You are "a kid" next to me, and will probably proceed with speed on the C25K system. Welcome to this group. Woods Lady

Ev - WTG! Wow! I can't believe you only dropped 10 min considering those headwinds. Ugh - I hate strong headwinds. Looking forward to the full report. So...when's your next race? Joe - how did it go in the sudden heat? I got thrown for a loop last year when it heated up all of a sudden around here, took me a couple/few weeks to get used to it. Enjoying taper? Leslie - my understanding is that one HR reading might be nothing. Still, I'm envious of that low HR of yours! FrancesRe - take it easy! Listen to Leslie's wise words! A lot of us had to learn the hard way, by getting injured - then you run *really* slow (like zero mph on the couch) - no fun! Welcome to Woods Lady - you a trail runner, I'm assuming? Cindy - wierd weather, must be spring! So Sunday it's my turn to take on 26.2. Last go-round I averaged 36 miles per week with a peak of 46 miles during the 12 weeks leading up to the marathon. This time I've averaged 45 miles per week with a peak of 53.5 miles over the last 12, and I feel great! Still...I'm getting really nervous now. That first marathon was too easy, something's bound to go wrong eventually...right? Fortunately, I'm again running with someone who's a little slower than I am. Should keep things in check... Arla

WTG Ev!! nice job with the wind and all, and a learning experience also. A huge accomplishment!! I got a few runs in this week amid spraying and corn planting. We got a rain shower saturday night so no planting for Sunday so planned on doing 8 and wound up doing 13.1 just to see if I could. Ya I could, just not very fast. Welcome Frances and Woods Lady

Way to go to Ev!! Very nice f inish , and I'm betting the wind WAS a factor even though you are minimizing it. Maybe also a reason to start off faster??? I would have been thinking...hmmm..."better make up a little time early on while the wind is at my back." Joe, loved the quote. Gotta lean into the fear somtimes to make life worth living. Jewels, congrats on school being DONE for the semester. Glad you are celebrating a bit. FrancesRe, welcome! You will find all ability/experience levels here and will fit right in. Sounds like you have a good plan, but aren't afraid to listen to you body when it says to rest. Cindy, you guys do the most fun runs! But your beer strategy definitely needs some work. Hmmmm...has DS maybe caught the bug? Hi EGH, hope you get a good word from the doctor and can dip your toes back into a little running. Woods Lady, nice to see you . Good advice re: Couch to 5K. I looked at your profile and absolutely love the quote you have there: " A man must love a thing very much if he not only practices it without any hope of fame and money, but even practices it without any hope of doing it well." G.K. Chesterton Good reminer to run/walk/move, just for the sheer joy of it. Jim, just an impromptu 13.1, huh? NICE! Arla, cool!! It's your turn. If you don't know you're ready, we do! Leslie, I have the HR of a bird. Never has improved much either. Don't know my true resting, but the lowest I see on my Garmin is upper 70's, and I peak out in 5K's in the mid 190's. My husband, who is heavier and exercises less than me has a very low heart rate. I think there are just more individual differences than we know. Either that, or I'll be running on streets of gold sooner than I think . No run since Saturday...gotta get back to more consistency. Thunderstorms, training a new hire, taking a dog to the vet, and trying to get in some of the 53 hrs of continuing ed I need by the end of May are some of my current reasons excuses. Real struggle right now is shifting back to early morning runs...with it getting hotter, that is the best option. My overnight blood sugar has left me waking up not at a good number for a run, so will have to get up extra early to have time to correct that. Also getting a little spousal "will you still be here to make breakfast?" feedback, but know he can rise to the challenge of operating the toaster or microwave should I be delayed . So have been using all of that as my reason excuse to sleep 'till 6:30, ditch the run, and fix/eat a nice relaxed breakfast. But we all know if we really want to get a run in, we will do it. Excuses be gone!