My dad used to work for General Electric, and somehow one year he and a fellow engineer were asked to be the judges for a neighborhood Christmas decorating contest. Well, his taste in decorating is simple and tasteful, but he felt that the people who went overboard expected to win something. So they came up with a category for "most kilowatts" or something.

Mary – Thanks for starting us out today, but come on a rest day is a poor excuse for no donuts! Bill – That’s still a great workout in that temp and high humidity…I sure don’t miss the humidity. Holly – Probably a good idea to stay away from those lunges for awhile longer. Tim – Glad to hear the legs are feeling good…and a Christmas Tree…what’s up with that? Tall – nice workout last night, and Thanksgiving with all the fixins…mmmmm... Nono – so sorry about those back spasms…I know how painful that can be, that seems to be the only remnant of my spinal fusion that I have left although I haven’t had any for quite some time…knock on virtual wood! I’ll bet that cream puff did the trick. Doug – I can’t believe that you were so close to Holly and didn’t get to say hi, although I’m one to talk Amos was here in Maine and we ran the same race and I never saw her either…ok I’ll shut up! Gordon – best of luck in that 5K tomorrow, and you get to see Mariposai too! Dg – good workout – and hey did you actually get some donuts? Twocat – that’s a smart move bailing on that HM if you have pain in your calf, no sense in risking injury so close to NY. Sarge – It looks like you got some nice runs in while on vacation, be sure to post those pics real soon. My DW & I are headed to Vegas and Arizona just before Thanksgiving until the first week of December, I can’t wait. We may take a trip down to the Grand Canyon although I’m not sure yet. Mariposai – what’s this about rest and recovery after a marathon, did I miss something? DickyG – Hey what’s up bud? I could use some prayers too ya know, as far as speed goes as I have said so many times before it’s all relative…look at Tall, heck I don’t even belong on the same page as him. And I do have a few local guys in my age group that I always seem to be chasing…so what do ya think? Wildchild – snow this weekend…say it ain’t so…it’s way too early for that! Amos – My DW would be right there with you when you write Tim’s neighbor that ticket…brother! Tammy – Good luck in your race tomorrow…and French toast is one of my most favorite breakfasts! However, I don’t eat it often…way too many calories. But every once in awhile I do…mmmmmm! Tramps – I hope you feel better, especially for that 20 miler. I’m picking up one of my granddaughters after work today and she’s spending the night so I ran at lunchtime along Long Sands Beach in York: 5.01 very easy miles – 43:28 (8:40) Avg HR 127 Max HR 168 a very nice and sunny 68 degrees with a pretty stiff wind though.

Wildchild it would certainly would have to be a professional artist to draw the Grand Canyon, it is so awe-inspiring that the depth and vastness can not be captured by the camera. Dicky I lost all the money my DW earned playing golf this year about $55 So not too bad! It was a common joke in Vegas that everyone felt they had better odds gambling than in stock market, or maybe it wasn't a joke. Maine go for the Canyon's south rim in Grand Canyon Village controlled by the National Park Service it's worth the trip. The west rim is on an Indian reservation & has the sky walk for a hefty fee. I believe the North rim closes for the winter. Besides visiting the canyon will get you & your money out of Vegas an extra day or 2. Twocat sorry to hear about your race plan getting knocked off by the injury. Get well for next time.

Nice little 3 mile walk around a nearby neighborhood.

Marioposai - Good Luck on your Autumn Leaf Run tomorrow. Over 700 registered??? That's amazing for such a lower population area. You must have done something right to get that many registered. I also have never done a lunge. Not sure my quadraceps tendon would like it. But really, I just don't know how to do it. I was thinking of doing 16 miles today (because Sat and Sun are shot for long runs)....but I woke up with about zero motivation. Somehow I plowed through 12, split 6 outside (felt kind of cold and windy...not used to this yet) and 6 on the TM. Everything from my knees down was achy. I thought that was a bit weird then I came home to my running log to see I ran 10 miles two days ago. D'oh! I had completely forgotten about that run. I was trying to hit 45 for the week, but it just isn't going to happen. Where is Perch??

And I do have a few local guys in my age group that I always seem to be chasing…so what do ya think?

Maine...this 10K I'm gonna run in 2 weeks...just a local affair...less than 200 runners. You would be either first or second in the 50-55 group. Your race times are almost identical to my friend Robert...he's maybe a year younger than you...and also in law enforcement...#2 man in the city police dept. His best marathon time is about 3:15-3:20 but I think your last sub-40 10K might nose him out. You ought to move down here! DickyG

really trying here but having hard time sorry folks but it's only 3 and a half hours until the ALCS starts in Tampa Bay Go SOX! o o o o o o sorry sorry, bad Amy

Stevie Ray, Sorry for the loss of your friend. Bundle up and run well for him! I wussed out on running at lunch - it was predicted to get to 60F today, so I only brought shorts and tee shirt. Well, it was only 45 when I dropped my car off for snow tires, so I walked to do errands instead (with my jacket on.) The sun is trying to peek thru the clouds, and it's up to 49F, so I'll go after work. There, now I've said it here so I have to follow through.