Out before dawn for "just a run" with the dog. We chose to go along the water's edge -- ended up with 3.5 easy miles and 3 beer bottles cleaned up on the beach. Lots of folks out -- and I mean more than the guys driving the beach rakers! I barely slept last night -- body was willing to do so, but ears weren't willing to ignore restless children. I'm beat but glad I went out for a little. I have no long run scheduled this week, so tomorrow will be a little chisler too. CNYRunner, thanks for sharing about your night with your Super Granny this week. I felt it. Good runs and racing to all! P.S. HBD, DH!

Ahh... Almost 8 hours of sleep last night! I got up and made banana-nut-oatmeal-honey-raisin muffins, then went out for an easy 5 miles in very high humidity. I don't much care for running in warm foggy soup... In an hour, I'll go walking with my friend, Sharon. We hope to beat last week's time of 37 minutes for one mile. Next Saturday we're doing the local county fair fun run/walk (her) and 5k (me). I want to take lots of pictures and celebrate her new getting-healthy initiative. Then we'll make a trip to the vet for the cat's check-up and shots, and later this afternoon a visit to dear-old-dad. Tomorrow's a long run. As usual, I'm getting anxious about it.

PDR, the muffins sound fantastic....post recipe? Later today I'll go to the county fair w/ the girls ($$$$$), so I did an easy four this AM.......might actually hit 40 miles this week. Safe runs, all. Walt

I really hate politics..I can't stand the vacuous speeches..."we must move forward".."here's to a new America"..."God save the Queen".. In the state where I live, it's even worse..about 99% of our governors have been democrats yet a democratic presidential candidate hasn't carried the state since Kennedy (or maybe LBJ). Here's how some of our leaders have been elected: Chuck Robb became governor because he was married to one of LBJ's daughters, George Allen became governor because his dad used to coach the Redskins, John Warner was elected senator because he was married to Elizabeth Taylor, and Mark Warner was elected governor because everyone got confused and thought they were voting for John Warner (like that old Eddie Murphy movie). Oh yeah...the congressman from our district is named Virgil (!) and has been elected as a democrat, independant, and republican...you can look it up. NoNo:

Had a little cry after I got to the boarwalk and realized my Dad wouldn't see any more of these sunrises and he always enjoyed getting up and seeing them.

Thanks for sharing that thought...I remember my dad... Sue: Certainly hope your mom can get the proper treatment she deserves. Gordon: Job situation? If the determination you put into your running is any indication, you should be a shoo-in. Ribs:

...but now I am totally off the prescription painkillers, so that is a big milestone for me.

I remember when I was in the hospital, I loved that pain stuff...when I was discharged, I asked if I could take some home in a doggie bag. Bill:

A Democrat in Alaska??? That's as unusual as a Republican (me) in S. Florida. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother voting down here ... personal civic pride I suppose.

Hah! My Uncle Burton from Miami Beach used to say the exact same thing...he fought the yellowdogs until his last breath. 4.1 miles for me this morning on a very hilly course...37:34 (9:10) which is about normal for this course...thought I would do a little better but the humidity got to me. #1 daughter is getting very nervous about the hurricane situation...she is a Tulane grad and still has tons of friends down there, a few of which evacuated and bunked in with her 3 years ago. 2 are already on the way to Bethesda to spend a few days with her. DickyG

Happy Birthday DARK HORSE!! Good morning everyone.........no run yet today........slept awful on my one night off, had crazy dreams all night..........getting ready to move #3 son into his dorm, will have brunch there with him then hopefully can get a run in this afternoon altho my lower back is feeling pretty stiff this morning - if that continues i'm going to change plans and hit the gym - we'll have to see...........ok - off to college!! HAPPY SATURDAY!!

6.2 beautiful miles w/DW @10:15 pace. Tim it sounds like you have planned a nice day PDR I wish I had one of those muffins. Lou remember to chew & breathe Dicky I dropped $5 on the road for you a few days ago, do you find it? I agree, I'm tired of the negative poitical (Presidential) ads that are half or no truth.

I rode my bike down to the rail trail (about 20-25 minutes), ran 8 miles, and then biked home. Best damn run in over 2 years.