Lots of talk about starting school and especially the empty nest syndrome. In our case, we had reverse empty nest syndrome. Fall, 1993...#1 son is beginning his first year at U. Florida. Since first year students couldn't have cars, had to drive him the 600+ miles to Gainesville. Finally got there, got all his stuff in the dorm (one of 3 first-year UF dorms overlooking a small lake...more of a pond..frequented by an alligator who somehow had lost a leg in combat) and got ready to drive home. I told him "have a good year, Mitchell...see you in June". "But dad, what about Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break..that sort of stuff." My reply was: "You weren't listening...see you in June." Denise:

i went out for a run yesterday afternoon but just didn't have anything in the tank

Denise dear...if it's any consolation, that describes about 99% of my runs...keep plugging along...you'll get there. Twocat: I'm sure your running log supports this, but your runs the last couple weeks or so are so far ahead of some of your previous efforts, its's astounding. Yeah...I see a 3:20 at New York. Although its been years ago, I've run that marathon and all the spectators and the importance of the race itself will give you an extra boost...plus, not too many hills...just make sure you don't fall off the Verazano Narrows Bridge. Ribs: I also took a pic of my son...it is viewable by all in the post office. Dark Horse: First of all, happy birthday...second, how did you ever learn Latin? Tim:

but still feel these funky heart beats.

Be thankful you got one, pal...where's the marathon? Craneium: Missed having you comment during the vball..tell me, has the level of enthusiasm on your team escalated since our gold medal? dg: Remarkable recovery from your recent injuries...back in the game! Major softball news: As mentioned previously, our seniors team finished 7th out of 8 teams in the city league. Double-elimination playoffs started last night..and we knocked off the #2 seeded team in the first round, a team who had thrashed us all 3 times we played them during the reg season. It was pouring rain this morning so I put on an old pair of shoes (vintage 1980 Etonic Streetfighters) and slogged 4 miles in a slow 37:59 (9:30). I got my miles in and a shower at the same time. DickyG

Thanks Holly. That 20 miler yesterday was really a test for me. I learned a lot yesterday. I learned how to embrace the distance one mile at the time. I found out that I am tougher than I think I am and most importantly, I learned that with Creator's help all things are possible.

Well put, butterfly gal! And a belated congratulations on a major mileage milestone (how's that for alliteration?). Makes me start dreaming again of LD runs...

Denise those hours you keep at work are killers. You are amazing to get your runs in before and/or after those shifts. As for early morning running... I don't usually do it. If I run in the morning I'll usually have a gulp of water and maybe a banana, but not much. On my way to work this morning I'd gotten about 1/3 mile down the road and saw a very nice looking cow moose and two calves cross the road and go up the power line trail. I admired them briefly, then drove on a bit before stopping hard... NO!! I haven't had moose in the yard all summer! I was NOT going to lose my garden to her now!! So I called DH to tell him to find the plastic sheeting, and went home to cover the garden. They mainly like the carrots and broccoli/cauliflower/cabbage, and I plant those all in proximity so they're easy to cover. It's just a light wrap, might even give the plants a little greenhouse effect with the sunshine today. But moose don't have thumbs so they can't pick it up... and I've found if they can't really see it, they leave it alone. So, hopefully it won't blow off (no breeze so far), and everything will be safe. With the cool temps we've had the garden is several weeks behind schedule and some things (like beans) just aren't going to do anything. But I've got beautiful cauliflower and red cabbage almost ready.... There was no way I was getting first day of school pictures of my boys. But it is cool that they go off to the bus stop together. They do get along so much better now, just as I was sure they would. But oh boy, there were times I didn't think either would survive... I'll run at lunch time today. Might drive to a non-hilly place to start, or just bite the bullet and go from here. Tomorrow is major hill day though... Miles 7-17 of the Equinox Course is the plan. (I'll need a ride back to my car though...)

I don't eat anything before running in the morning. Get dressed, a couple of gulps of water and I'm off. After showering and getting ready for work, then I eat breakfast. Bill

Enke, you are getting into the swing of these interval workouts and learning a lot. Great job. Isley Brothers, from the 60's, "This Old Heart of Mine". Add me to the list of mitral valve prolapsers. It's such a minor thing compared to all the other stuff I have going on that I don't even pay attention to it any more. Craneium, I didn't realize you were at Brockport. Fine school and heck of an athletic program. Roch, send me an email when you get your new carrier, so we are up to date. Deez, from time to time someone posts your question and it always nets out to the same thing: half the people run right out the door and don't eat anything, the other half just can't run unless they have something in their stomach. It's what it is. I am in the first group. I will say that if you are going long, always eat something. Without eating anything this morning, I walked 5.5 miles. Felt great. Spareribs

i have a question for you early morning runners -- do you eat anything before you head out for your runs? i find i wake up hungry and really need something so today had a small whole wheat bagel with a tiny bit of almond butter with my black coffee of course but around mile 3 i was kind of queasy and did some walking to work it out - any suggestions?

Yes. Don't eat. Really the only time I ate before running in the morning, I ended up with my head in a trash can throwing up on the boardwalk. Of course, it was early summer, partying late had started, and two young 20 something men walked by and commented, "Man that's hardcore. Partying 'till late at night and then still going out to run." If only....

Rest day for moi today... I only have a cup of coffee in the morning pre run...unless it's a 20 miler,then I've been experimenting with oatmeal about an hour before I run...or a banana... {{{Mariposai}} Butterfly hugs to you for resting...