I'm scheduled to do my first 20 miler in about 4 long runs from now.If I get through that ok,I'll register for a May marathon.

Do you run alone? If so, try audio books. They save my life on the really long runs (in loops around my boring tract-home neighborhood).

Joe - You'll do fine on the 20-miler. Holly's suggestion of audio books is a good one. I also download programs onto my iPod, like 60 minutes, NPR, etc. They really help you "zone out." Carol - So sorry to hear about Katy. How scary! Did you try to kick that boxer's a$$?? Not good for the owners to have a dog that appears to be unpredictable. We're trying to survive here. Not good when both people are down for the count. No one to go to the store to resupply! I was scheduled to participate in the Clam Beach Run this Saturday. Don't think it's going to happen now. All I can say is, thank God this happened after we got home. I can't even imagine being this sick and not being home, let alone in another country. Farmer Jim - Beautiful picture! Too bad you had such a hard time dealing with all that beauty, you poor thing, you.

Farm, If I had a view like that I'd never touch a treadmill again! Hey Joe, is that a picture of the Giants Super Bowl Parade route? speaking of parade routes, I just finally got outside today and did a six-miler, with part of it on the Patriots parade route, which of course they would use only if they win, which I'm still not saying will happen, so as not to jinx...superstitious? Not me... Great outside run today along the river, 38 degrees and no wind. Carol, those leaden-leg days are just a part of it, which makes you appreciate it more on the days you feel like you're flying.

Hey y'all... I'm having a quandary, I seem to have caught a serious cold from my kids, and tonite is a short run (1.5 miles) but a nasty north wind has blown in. I'm feeling really blah and can't stop coughing. Soo..... Should I stay or should I go?

Well... I ran. Hopefully it won't make me any more sick... it felt good to move, brief though it was.

bear - I read somewhere that a good general rule is, if you don't have a fever, it's ok to run. That seems to make some sort of sense, I don't know if there's anything scientific or anything to it. Leslie - how crummy to come home and get sick right away! Sending healing vibes your way. Joe - so, what's with the avatar? Do you also ice sail (or whatever it's called)? Yabba - parade route! - you crack me up!! Woodwoman - Glad to hear the spring training is working out for you. Remember those programs aren't cast in stone, you can always ramp it up or down depending on how you feel. Arla

Afternoon all, Another warm one here on the Space Coast. 80 degree day. Just did an easy 3 so as to keep things movin'. Love the pic r2farm.....so pretty. joe.....are you close by the jersey shore? If not, do you get over there during the summers? Leslie....hope your flu bug is on its way out soon. Nice hearing from you Angie! bty....hope your floor project is going well. My husband does great with just about anything thrown his way EXCEPT plumbing sorta tasks then it's plug your ears because he starts swearin' up a storm. Just replacing that little wax ring under the toilet a couple of weeks ago and I thought we were going to get a divorce. Not really, but man was he mad and frustrated. Hello to everyone and hope your runs are going well! Jewels

Morning Folks, Geez Leslie, sorry to hear that you and DH are so bad off.Good thing that you are young and strong .I'm sure you will be up and about in no time.Your kitties must be happy with having you home,anyway. SB- way to go getting out there when you're not feeling up to it.We all have to suck it up sometimes. Angie-that's funny about jury duty.Didn't know that you lived so close to that area.Must be entertaining (and quite dangerous too(Fires,mudslides,etc). Yabba-funny about the parade.It's all in good fun as far as I'm concerned.Quite honestly,if the Pats were playing anyone else,I would root for them.I have alot of family up north and frankly,what's Not to like about the Pats? Should be a heck of a game.No one is giving my G-men much of a shot to win so hey,we got them right where we want em... Bty- nice smart training that you're doing.Gradual increases and we'll get where we're going.Must be nice running along the Hudson up there.Do you have the high cliffs like West Pt and Bear Mt and such? Steve- I saw on the other thread that you're a BatDad?!Congratulations!! Arla- no I have yet to try ice sailing,but I sail alot of other stuff.Been sailing since I was a kid and have sailed everthing from windsurfers,sunfish's and 44ft Navy yawl on San Francisco Bay.I love it and can't get enough.My current fleet consists of a 26' motorboat(DW and DS don't share my love for going slow)and a 14' Sunfish sailboat..The iceboating is very popular around here.Of course,there has to be ice and there won't be this year.Last year they were out sailing for Jan and Feb and man do they move! 4 to 6 times faster than the wind speed because there is very little fricton touching the ice. Jewels- I share your DH's hatred of all things plumbing related.Grandfather and 2 uncles were plumbers,but I did not get that gene.Computers are much more simple and straight forward to fix. And yes,we are fortunate enough to live At the Jersey sore..three quarters of an acre on the Metedeconk River.It's 4 miles by boat to the ocean.I Thank the Big Runner in the Sky all the time that we have a small oasis in this crazy(and sometimes ugly) state. Well too much coffee and a lull at work and look at me ramble on. Take care folks