Leslie - that Bosu thing - dang, that thing is pricey! I'm seeing it on the 'net at $99! About the same as a pair of good running shoes - at least it lasts longer. Are you seeing the effects of all that PT when you run? R2 - hilarious story! I worked with a guy that bought a calf in Phoenix that he planned to raise up in Flagstaff. Well the thing escaped in Phoenix, was rounded up, then eventually escaped again once in Flag. It lived on National Forest Land in a feral state until he decided to go on a "steer hunt"! He said it was the gamiest-tasting beef ever! mtnchk - yep, riding time! After this storm it looks like clear sailing for awhile. You have a great backyard for it. I'll be riding near your neck of the woods this summer, going to Gillette, Wy for the BMW national rally, I usually like to get into the Rockies on my annual summer treks. Good news - I've inspired the neighbors to start running seriously! I saw them running one day, asked them if they might think about the Disneyworld marathon, well I must have sparked an idea - now they're training for a half! They've got a running stroller for their toddler, seeing the 3 of them go out is sooo cute! Have a good weekend, everyone! Arla

Man, I do not envy you guys with all that snow. And it’s April 11. Cripes, it’s spring! Nice picture, though, Farmer Jim. Did you dad go for his mile walk?? All this talk about cattle getting out - When I was in high school a few of us went to a friend’s house one evening down a very rural road. I was driving (probably too fast), and coming back to town we rounded a corner and there, in the dark, was a black steer. I remember slamming on the brakes so hard and trying not to skid off the road into the ditch. Scared the living daylights out of us. I don’t know how I missed him or didn’t end up in a wreck. Cows - they’re so mischievous! Cindy - I haven’t been real descriptive of my BOSU exercises previously, but for those who are interested, here goes: 1. Balancing - Alternate standing on one leg on ball side for 1 min. each leg for 3 min. total. Turn it over onto the ball and repeat, standing on flat side. 2. Squats - On ball side, with feet slightly turned out, 3 sets of 20 squats. Turn it over, on flat side, 3 sets of 20 squats. When in squat position, thighs should be parallel w/the floor. Come up about 3/4 of the way - not all the way. 3. One-legged squats - sit on a bench, chair (approx. 20" high). Extend one leg straight out and flexed tight w/heel on ground. Pushing off with other leg, come up about 3/4 of the way, then back down to bench, 3 sets of 20, switch legs. 4. BOSU Bench Squats - Sit on bench, chair, place feet on ball side of BOSU, stand to about 3/4 of the way up, then back down to bench. 3 sets of 20. Flip BOSU over and do same thing on other side. 5. Partial/Pinion Squats - Sit on bench, chair. As fast as you can stand 3/4 of the way, come back down ‘til your butt barely touches the bench, and then up again. 3 sets of 50. 6. Straight Leg Raises - Lie on your back, one leg extended, one leg bent. Flex the extended leg tight, raise a few inches off the floor and hold for 5 seconds, raise a few more inches, hold for 5 seconds, raise a few more inches, hold for 5 seconds, lower to the second position, hold for 5 seconds, lower to the first position, hold for 5 seconds, lower to the floor. Total of 20. Switch legs. (These are so frigging hard!!) 7. BOSU Front Jumps - Stand w/BOSU in front of you. Jump onto it with both feet, then immediately back off to the floor, landing as light as possible. Repeat 20 times. 8. BOSU Side Jumps - Stand to the side of the BOSU. Jump sideways onto the BOSU, immediately jump off to the opposite side, then back across. That’s one set. 20 sets. 9. Leg Raises - If you have access to one of those weighted leg raise things (like in a gym). I have a Bowflex I use. Be sure the pinion is even w/the middle of your knee. Set it at 15 lbs. With one leg, raise until leg is fully extended, hold for 5 seconds, lower part way down, raise and hold for 5 seconds, lower part way. Total of 20. Switch legs. Arla - I've only run trails once since I started this, with today and tomorrow being my second back-to-back long runs, but I am seeing a difference. I can tell my legs are getting stronger, and my core is getting a huge workout as well. In just two weeks I can actually do most of these exercises without having to pause a whole bunch of times. Wednesday, for the first time I did a whole set of 50 of the pinion squats without stopping. And my balance on the BOSU is much better. I was very sore, literally from my neck to my calves, for about a week, but that's pretty much subsided. I ran 1.5 hours this morning for a total of 8.53 miles = 10:33 pace, with a best pace of 7:51. I did most of my PT last night, so my legs were definitely tired this morning, but after the first 30 minutes or so I was able to get into a good groove and felt like I was sailing along quite nicely. It'll be interesting to see how I do tomorrow on the trails for 2.25 hours. It's been hard balancing the PT and running. With the PT, the goal is suppose to be to work up to doing these exercises every day. But at what point does the PT, running 5 days a week with one day including strength training, and cardio one day get to be too much? I'm not sure. These are things I need to discuss further with Coach Bill and PT Galen. I do my PT in the evenings 'cause it takes so long. But I won't do it tonight and, depending on how I feel after our run tomorrow, may hold off until Sunday. Anyway - Sorry this was so long. My minds been running (no pun intended) like crazy for the past few days over this stuff. I guess it finally had to come out. Have a great Friday, everyone.

Gotta share this! http://video.stumbleupon.com/?s=yeeqw9t6dw&i=6lqibxkc57bxd0akqfjb & thanks for writing that out Leslie! Arla: let me know when you're coming through CO! Jim: Sunday is looking to be 66* & "mild"

Dad and me both skipped out on yesterdays walks/runs but we got them in today. Mine was a sucky short 2 miler with a sinus headache throbbing the whole way. Oh well makes you appreciate the good runs. We passed on the Colorado 5 k, was thinking about doing it just for a better BB qualifying start but will use my CO race from last fall. Its off my pr by a ways but really doesn't make much difference in starting waves. We might still try to get out of town after we catch our breath a bit but before all heck breaks loose again. Suppose to warm up quickly next week but 80 degrees on a run would do me in for sure.